Latest News & Developments
spaza shops
Bail application of suspected extortion kingpin postponed amid serious charges
Linda Hlongwa, who goes by the aliases Mjinja and sometimes Putin, appeared in court on Monday facing two murder charges related to the killing of a mother and daughter in Nazareth, near Pinetown.
Consumers voice outrage over card payment surcharges at spaza shops
Spaza shops in South Africa are facing increasing scrutiny as consumers report unlawful surcharges on card payments, prompting intervention from the Consumer Goods and Services Ombudsman.
Joburg launches outreach drive to help spaza shops access R500 million fund
Johannesburg has partnered with the Department of Small Business Development to launch outreach sessions aimed at helping Spaza shop owners to access crucial funding.
Spaza shop support fund: Only 387 applications processed, Committee urges greater participation
The Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development raises alarms over the sluggish processing of applications for the R500 million spaza shop support fund, urging small business owners to seize this vital opportunity for growth and job creation.
Urgent crackdown: Tshwane mayor targets illegal spaza shops for health violations
Tshwane's inspections uncover serious health violations in spaza shops, prompting immediate action to seize contaminated food and illicit goods.
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.
South African Spaza and Tuckshop Association warns of potential abuse of R500 million fund
The South African Spaza and Tuckshop Association has raised serious concerns about the government's newly launched R500 million support fund for spaza shops, warning of potential misuse and the need for accountability.
Spaza shop owners: Stay vigilant against fraud targeting R500 million fund applications
The Department of Small Business Development urgently warns spaza shop owners about rising fraudulent schemes linked to R500 million fund applications. Discover essential tips to safeguard against scammers posing as government officials.
North West MEC promises justice for deceased Grade 3 learner Ogone Sedupelele
Viola Motsumi, the North West Education MEC, has assured the family of Ogone Sedupelele that an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the Grade 3 learner's tragic death at GJ Podile Primary School is underway.
MK party slams ANC's R500 million spaza shop fund as 'political grandstanding'
The MK Party has condemned the ANC government's new R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund as a reactive election ploy that fails to address the recent food safety crisis in township communities.
Ministers launch R500m fund to empower spaza shop owners
The fund, aimed at empowering and skilling South African-born spaza shop owners and other food handling businesses with training, skills, and funds to inject into their business, comes after spaza shop owners were given until February 28 to register their businesses following a wave of food-borne fatalities in Soweto and other parts of the country.
R500 million fund launched to support South African spaza shops
South African-born spaza shop owners are encouraged to cease leasing their businesses to undocumented immigrants, as a new R500 million support fund is introduced to empower local entrepreneurs.
Ministers unveil R500m spaza shop fund, warn against fronting for illegal immigrants
Government ministers have unveiled a R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund in Soweto, urging South African shop owners to stop leasing properties to undocumented immigrants. The initiative aims to return the township economy to local hands through financial support and skills development, with Minister Ndabeni-Abrahams revealing that only 53% of registered spaza shops are South African-owned.
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.
Public comment invited on R100bn draft Transformation Fund for black-owned businesses
Minister Parks Tau has unveiled the R100 billion Draft Transformation Fund aimed at empowering black-owned businesses, now open for public comment until May 7
R500 million Spaza Shop Stimulus | Your complete guide to government funding
South African spaza shop owners can now access grants up to R50,000 and blended financing up to R300,000 through a new government stimulus fund aimed at revitalising township economies, Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams announced.
Register your spaza shop in Tshwane to avoid fines and ensure compliance
City of Tshwane urges unregistered spaza shops to comply with regulations to avoid fines, highlighting the importance of compliance for businesses.
Operation Dudula and PROFSA unite to demand answers on spaza shop-related child deaths
The Operation Dudula Movement has partnered with Professional Unity of South Africa (PROFSA) in its bid to hold President Cyril Ramaphosa and his administration accountable for the death of more than 24 children who have died due to consumption of snacks from local spaza shops.
R500 million initiative to assist spaza shops in South Africa
Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams on Sunday announceds a new initiative to assist spaza shops with financial support and training to improve their operations.
Minister Velenkosi Hlabisa confirms no extension for spaza shop registration deadline
The minister further stated that any spaza outlet operating without the necessary paperwork would be closed and the owner would be charged as of Saturday.
Calls for action as food-borne illnesses claim lives
South Africa's food safety regulations are under scrutiny as devastating food-borne illness outbreaks claim lives and hospitalise hundreds, prompting urgent calls for reform
Minister Hlabisa: 'No more extensions' for small business registrations
Small business owners face crucial Friday deadline as Minister Hlabisa announces strict enforcement measures, while revealing R500 million support package for compliant enterprises. Urgent action required to avoid illegal operation status from March 1.