Apr 14, 2026 · The Jamiya team
Kameti, tanda, susu, chama: savings circle names around the world
From kameti and tanda to susu, chama, and stokvel — a quick map of regional names for rotating savings circles (ROSCAs) and how Jamiya respects local vocabulary.
People do not always search for “ROSCA software.” They search for the word their auntie used at the kitchen table. Rotating savings circles are the same underlying pattern everywhere; only the label changes. Clear pages that use those names help readers find trustworthy information — and help products respect how communities actually talk.
A non-exhaustive map of names
These are common English or transliterated names for rotating savings pools where members contribute on a schedule and take turns receiving the pot. Local spelling and nuance vary; always defer to members who live the practice.
| Region / context | Names you might hear | | ---------------- | -------------------- | | South Asia | Kameti, committee (informal), chit fund (related family of practices) | | Latin America & Caribbean | Tanda, cundina, san, sociedad | | West Africa | Susu, ajo, esusu | | East Africa | Chama, merry-go-round | | Southern Africa | Stokvel | | East Asia & diaspora | Hui, koindraw | | Global formal term | ROSCA (rotating savings and credit association) |
Jamiya’s home page and features use savings circle as a default English phrase, but the app’s localization work is built so regional vocabulary can surface where it belongs in the product — not buried in a glossary footnote.
Why this matters for organizers
If you are inviting members who speak different languages or grew up with different terms, shared vocabulary reduces friction. A short onboarding line — “This is our tanda / kameti / susu, same rules as always” — signals respect and clarity.
Product note
Jamiya is not a bank and does not hold funds on behalf of circles. It helps groups coordinate contributions, record draws and payouts, and resolve disputes with an audit trail. Security and privacy explains how private circles stay member-readable.