Bizana: The Mayor of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality (WMMLM) in the Eastern Cape, Daniswa Mafumbatha, has expressed support for the Spaza Shop Support Fund, highlighting its potential to enhance the local economy and improve the lives of unemployed residents in rural areas. Mafumbatha shared these sentiments during a community awareness campaign in Bizana.
According to South African Government News Agency, the campaign was organized by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), alongside the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD). Its goal is to inform spaza shop owners about the fund and the process of accessing it. The R500-million Spaza Shop Support Fund was officially launched by Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, and Small Business Development Minister, Stella Tembisa Ndabeni, in Soweto on April 8, 2025.
Mafumbatha highlighted the importance of small enterprises in boosting the economy and reducing unemployment. She stated that the fund’s support for spaza shop owners will positively impact the municipality’s economic landscape. She urged shop owners to ensure their documentation is in order to maximize participation.
Spaza shop owner Thuthula Madikizela described the campaign as a valuable source of information on compliance and funding. She emphasized the need for financial assistance to make stores successful and sustainable and appreciated the departments’ guidance in the application process.
The event was attended by over 400 people and featured interactive sessions in partnership with the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) and the National Empowerment Fund (NEF). These sessions aimed to educate spaza owners on applying for the fund and meeting compliance requirements.
The fund seeks to support South African-owned township community convenience shops, including spaza shops, to enhance their role in the retail trade sector in townships and rural areas. It offers various forms of support, such as initial stock purchases, infrastructure upgrades, and training programs in business skills, digital literacy, and compliance.