SOWETO — South African government ministers Parks Tau and Stella Ndabeni officially launched the R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund on Monday at Eyethu Shopping Centre, marking a major move toward revitalising township and rural economies.
The fund, first introduced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in November 2024, is aimed at supporting South African-owned spaza shops and local convenience stores. Administered jointly by the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) and the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEFDA), the initiative offers both financial and non-financial assistance to help small retailers formalise and grow their businesses.
Speaking at the event, Minister Tau said spaza shops continue to serve as critical economic hubs in communities where access to large retailers is limited. The fund seeks to elevate these businesses and integrate them into broader supply chains.
Minister Ndabeni responded to public queries on eligibility, clarifying that the support is geared primarily toward South Africans. However, individuals who were nationalised before 1994 may also qualify. She noted the need to remain pragmatic and inclusive while respecting constitutional principles.
A key component of the programme involves linking spaza shops with local manufacturers and wholesalers. This approach is designed to boost bulk purchasing power, promote locally made goods, and strengthen the township supply chain.
Applications for the Spaza Shop Support Fund are now open. Interested shop owners can apply through the following link: https://tinyurl.com/442ybpha.
