07/06/2026
The funding from the is valued at R100,000 per beneficiary and is structured to ensure that supported businesses become sustainable, compliant, competitive and economically viable township and rural enterprises.
The funding package is broken down as follows:
▪ R10,000 allocated towards training, mentorship and business skilling programmes aimed at improving business efficiency, financial management, customer service, stock control, digital literacy, bookkeeping, pricing, merchandising and overall enterprise sustainability.
▪ R40,000 allocated for once-off stock support to improve product availability, increase trading capacity and strengthen the ability of beneficiaries to meet customer demand consistently.
▪ R50,000 allocated towards infrastructure support and business improvement tools.
Depending on the needs assessment of each beneficiary, the support infrastructure may include but is not limited to:
■ Refrigerators and deep freezers
■ Shelving and display units
■ Speed-point/card payment machines
■ Point-of-sale systems (POS)
■ Cash drawers and tills
■ Security gates and burglar guards
■ CCTV camera systems
■ Alarm systems
■ Backup power solutions
■ Storage containers
■ Signage and branding material
■ Weighing scales
■ Airtime and electricity vending devices
■ Counters and shop fittings
■ Lighting improvements
■ Cold storage equipment
■ WiFi and connectivity support
■ Hygiene and sanitation material
■ Cleaning equipment
■ Waste bins and refuse management tools
■ Protective clothing (gloves, bibs) and uniforms
■ Pest control support
■ Fire extinguishers and safety equipment
■ Food handling and storage equipment
■ Compliance upgrades in line with municipal health and safety standards
■ Product preservation and shelf-life management equipment
■ Packaging and labelling support
■ Basic renovations and shop refurbishments where necessary.
The support is designed to improve food safety standards, ensure proper stock security and preservation, enhance customer experience, strengthen compliance with health regulations and ultimately position spaza shops to participate meaningfully in the mainstream economy.
The initiative forms part of government’s broader programme, led through agencies such as the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) and the Department of Small Business Development, with support from local economic development agencies such as Enterprise iLembe, to formalise and strengthen township and rural economies while empowering local entrepreneurs, sustaining livelihoods and protecting jobs.
Enterprise iLembe on Thursday hosted a special beneficiary engagement and celebration programme at its offices to recognise and support approved beneficiaries of the (SSSF) from across the iLembe District.
The programme brought together beneficiaries from , , and Local Municipalities and formed part of the continued rollout of the initiative which was officially launched by government last year to strengthen township and rural economies through the empowerment of local spaza shop owners.
The event provided beneficiaries with an opportunity to receive orientation on the implementation of the package, business requirements, enterprise development opportunities and sustainable business management practices aimed at ensuring long-term growth and viability of their businesses.
Tagged: iLembe District Municipality Nkosenhle Nhlakanipho Mngadi Makatha Hlengiwe EDTEA KZN iLembe Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Mandeni Local Municipality Maphumulo Local Municipality Ndwedwe Local Municipality KwaDukuza Municipality South African Government Gagasi FM News Izwilomzansi fm Department of Small Business Development
