The City's Department of Economic Development (DED), in collaboration with the National Department of Small Business Development, successfully convened its second Regional Stakeholder Engagement session for spaza shop owners at the Braamfontein Recreation Centre.
Hundreds of owners and stakeholders gathered to receive crucial information on compliance and funding within the vital spaza shop sector.
These workshops, systematically rolled out across all seven City regions, aim to promote direct communication, focusing on business registration, regulatory compliance, and support services for township-based retailers.
City officials, including Mpho Rapulane from Development Planning, provided detailed guidance on essential documents like Certificates of Acceptability and Trading Licenses, urging adherence to proper procedures amidst instances of non-compliance and fraudulent submissions.
“We urge everyone to follow the correct process to ensure fair and successful outcomes," said Rapulane.
Benji Seitlhamo, Acting Director for Economic Development Facilitation, emphasised the critical nature of these forums, encouraging owners to leverage national government funding.
“We encourage all Spaza shop owners to take full advantage of the funding and support available from the national government," he said
Bazikonke Kunene from the National Department of Small Business Development detailed a support package, including a R40,000 stock grant, R50,000 for infrastructure [blended loan/grant], and R10,000 for non-financial support like business training.
Priority is given to youth, women, and persons with disabilities, though all qualifying entrepreneurs are encouraged.
Entrepreneur Vusumuzi Khumalo lauded the session as highly informative, reinforcing its value for future engagements.
“All my questions were answered thoroughly, and I now know exactly what documents to submit for approval."
Written by Dudu Lushaba
03/06/2025
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