Rotation Schedule
Rotation stokvels use a fair queue system where members take turns receiving the full pot. This guide explains how the rotation schedule works and how to manage it.
How Rotation Works
The Basics
In a rotational stokvel:
- All members contribute the same amount
- One member receives the full pot each period
- Members take turns in a fair queue
- After everyone has received, cycle repeats
Example
10 members contribute R500/month Monthly pot: R5 000 Cycle 1: Month 1: Member A → R5 000 Month 2: Member B → R5 000 Month 3: Member C → R5 000 ... Month 10: Member J → R5 000 Cycle 2 starts: Month 11: Member A → R5 000 (again) ...and so onEveryone gets exactly the same amount at predictable intervals. No one is favored, and you know exactly when you'll receive your payout.
Viewing the Rotation Schedule
On Your Dashboard
See your rotation information:
- Your Position – Where you are in the queue (e.g., 3rd in line)
- Next Payout Date – Estimated date you'll receive
- Expected Amount – How much you'll receive
- Last Received – When you last got a payout
Full Rotation Queue
Navigate to Rotation tab to see:
- Complete queue of all members
- Next recipient highlighted
- Past recipients with dates
- Cycle number (1st round, 2nd round, etc.)
Rotation Queue Management
How Members Are Added
When a new member joins:
- Member Joins Scheme
Accepts invitation and completes profile - Makes First Contribution
Contributes required amount - Added to Queue
Automatically placed at end of queue - Waits for Turn
Receives payout when position reached
Queue Order
The queue is managed fairly:
- First-come, first-served by default
- New members added to end
- After receiving, member goes to back of queue
- Cycle repeats indefinitely
Processing Rotation Payouts
Admin Steps
- Check Next Recipient
System shows who's next in rotation - Verify Contributions
Ensure all members have contributed for period - Calculate Pot
System totals all contributions automatically - Click "Process Rotation"
Opens payout form with recipient pre-filled - Confirm Amount
Review calculated payout amount - Make Payment
Transfer funds to recipient's bank account - Mark as Paid
Record payment date and reference - Queue Updates
Recipient automatically moves to back of queue
Automatic Queue Progression
After each payout:
- Recipient removed from front of queue
- Next member becomes first in line
- Paid member added to back of queue
- Dashboard updates for all members
Skipping Turns
When to Skip
Members may skip their turn if:
- Don't need money right now
- Want to help another member
- Haven't contributed enough
- Temporarily leaving scheme
How to Skip
- Member Requests Skip
Contact admin before payout date - Admin Processes Skip
Click "Skip Turn" on rotation page - Member Moves Back
Skipped member goes to end of queue - Next Member Receives
Second in line becomes next recipient
When you skip your turn, you don't lose it—you just move to the back of the queue. You'll still receive a payout, just later in the cycle.
Contribution Requirements
Must Contribute to Receive
Common rules for rotation eligibility:
- Must be up to date with all contributions
- No arrears allowed
- Minimum contribution period (e.g., 3 months)
- Catch-up payments required if behind
Automatic Skip for Non-Contributors
Some schemes automatically skip members who:
- Haven't contributed for current period
- Are in arrears
- Haven't met minimum contribution requirement
Emergency Payouts
Out-of-Turn Distributions
In emergencies, members may request early payout:
- Member Requests Emergency Payout
Explains urgent need (medical, funeral, etc.) - Admin Reviews Request
Assesses legitimacy and urgency - Members Vote (Optional)
Group decides whether to approve - Process Early Payout
If approved, member receives out of turn - Queue Adjusts
Member removed from queue, others move up
Emergency Payout Rules
- Must have contributed for minimum period
- Valid emergency reason required
- May require member vote
- Member forfeits regular turn
Rotation History
Viewing Past Payouts
Track rotation history:
- All past recipients with dates
- Amounts paid out
- Cycle numbers
- Skipped turns recorded
Cycle Tracking
System tracks which cycle you're in:
- Cycle 1: First time everyone receives
- Cycle 2: Second round
- Cycle 3+: Ongoing cycles
Joining Mid-Cycle
New Member Timing
When joining an existing rotation:
- Added to end of current queue
- Must wait for current cycle to complete
- Receives payout in next cycle
- Contributes immediately
Example
Existing rotation: 10 members, currently on Month 6 New member joins in Month 6 Current queue: 1. Member G (next) 2. Member H 3. Member I 4. Member J 5. NEW MEMBER (added here) New member will receive in Month 11 (after all original members)Best Practices
- Communicate early – Tell admin if you need to skip
- Contribute on time – Don't delay others' payouts
- Plan ahead – Know your payout date and budget accordingly
- Be fair – Don't request emergency payouts unless truly urgent
- Check queue regularly – Stay informed of your position
- Respect the system – Don't try to manipulate queue order
Common Questions
Can I choose my position in the queue?
No, the queue is managed fairly. New members are added to the end. However, some schemes allow swapping positions with another member by mutual agreement.
What if I miss my turn?
If you're unavailable when it's your turn, you can skip and go to the back of the queue. You won't forfeit your payout, just receive it later.
Can the queue order change?
Only through skips or emergency payouts. The system maintains fairness—no one can jump the queue without valid reason and approval.
What happens if someone leaves the stokvel?
They're removed from the queue. If they've received a payout but haven't completed the cycle, they may owe money back to the scheme (depends on scheme rules).