Latest News & Developments
small business
KZN government vows to protect Ithala Bank amid ongoing legal battles
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli reaffirms the provincial government’s commitment to fighting for Ithala SOC Limited, highlighting its importance for local entrepreneurs and communities.
Spaza shop registration: A mere 6% have been licensed, says Minister Ndabeni-Abrahams
Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams reveals alarming statistics about spaza shop licensing, with only 6% of registered shops having obtained licenses since the registration process began.
Only 6 percent of 87,000 newly registered spaza shops have been issued with licences
A total of 87,407 spaza shops have been registered and only a mere 5,456 have been issued valid operating licences.
KZN health department owes suppliers over R1. 7bn, raising concerns for small businesses
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health is under scrutiny for a staggering R1. 7 billion debt to suppliers, raising concerns about its impact on service delivery and the financial stability of local businesses.
SME Ombudsman report sparks fierce parliamentary debate
Parliament's virtual meeting on the Small Enterprise Ombudsperson's appointment devolves into a battleground of accusations and political strife, overshadowing the critical support needed for South Africa's small businesses
‘He can't speak or breathe on his own,’ says family of boy in ICU after eating snacks from spaza shop
An eight-year-old boy from Soweto remains in critical condition in ICU after consuming snacks from a local spaza shop.
Eight-year-old Soweto boy in ICU after buying snack from local tuckshop
An eight-year-old boy is fighting for his life in hospital after allegedly eating a contanimated snack he bought from a local tuckshop.
Spaza shops under threat: Navigating new regulations and economic challenges
Thousands of spaza shops in South Africa are closing due to stringent registration requirements imposed by Cogta.
Government unveils R500 million fund to empower township spaza shops
This fund, a joint effort by government departments, provides financial support to spaza shops and convenience stores essential to local communities.
How the DSBDConnect platform is transforming support for spaza shops and tackling illegal businesses
The Department of Small Business Development has unveiled DSBDConnect, a groundbreaking digital platform designed to support legitimate spaza shops and combat illegal businesses. With a substantial R500 million support fund, this initiative aims to enhance food safety and promote regulatory compliance across South Africa.
Shortlist revealed for SMME Ombud candidates
Discover the eight candidates vying for the pivotal Ombud role in South Africa's small business sector, as the Parliamentary Committee reveals its shortlist