30/05/2026
๐๐๐๐.๐ ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐ฏ๐๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ฉ๐๐ณ๐ ๐๐ก๐จ๐ฉ ๐
๐ฎ๐ง๐ ๐๐ก๐ฎ๐ฌ ๐
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The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) yesterday provided an update on the progress of the R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund during a media briefing in Pretoria, led by Director-General Thulisile Manzini and attended by SEDFA Acting CEO Nkosikhona Mbatha, SEDFA Interim Board Chairperson Patrick Makape, and Deputy Director-General Qinisile Delwa.
The briefing revealed that the government has approved support worth approximately R179.6 million through the Fund, benefiting qualifying South African-owned spaza shops across all nine provinces. To date, 2,369 businesses have been approved for assistance, with SEDFA approving 1,316 applications valued at R79.6 million and the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) approving 1,053 enterprises valued at R99.9 million.
Manzini shared that the Fund has received 4,522 complete applications nationally, of which 4,240 have been assessed. However, compliance remains a significant challenge, with only 58% of applicants linked to valid business licences or temporary municipal permits, limiting the progression of many applications. Verification processes have also identified 354 non-compliant applications involving issues such as ownership discrepancies and non-existent businesses.
The approved support includes stock purchases, point-of-sale devices, infrastructure upgrades, inventory support and business development services aimed at improving sustainability and competitiveness within township and rural economies. The Fund has also advanced transformation objectives, with 43% of approved enterprises owned by women, 18% by youth, and 2% by persons with disabilities.
SEDFA Acting CEO Nkosikhona Mbatha called on business associations and municipalities to work closely with the government to improve compliance and licensing among spaza shop owners. He emphasised that SEDFA remains committed to supporting all qualifying South African-owned spaza shops and ensuring the full utilisation of the Fund, while maintaining strict verification processes to safeguard against fraud and fronting.
The government will resume its nationwide outreach and awareness programme in June 2026 to encourage more eligible businesses to apply and receive compliance support.
