Ndabeni to update on Spaza Shop Support Fund implementation

Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni is set to provide an update on the Spaza Shop Support Fund implementation on Monday. The update will cover the processing of applications and the support provided to qualifying South African-owned spaza shops. Ndabeni is also expected to address claims that foreign nationals benefited from the R500 million allocated to the fund.

During the Ministerial Outreach Programme, Ndabeni engaged with local MSMEs, including spaza shop owners, to share information on available support and funding opportunities. The engagement highlighted the Spaza Shop Funding Programme and IMEDP. South African Spaza Shops Association President Kgothatso Ramautswa has called on the minister to address long-standing economic imbalances within the industry.

Ramautswa stated that the feedback received from shops indicates that funding alone is not sufficient to help them. She emphasized the need for fair competition between South African spaza shops and foreign national spaza shops. Ramautswa also mentioned the need to monitor the current market and deal with red tape that has hindered South African spaza shops in the business. Additionally, it was announced that R179 million has been approved for the Spaza Shop Support Fund.