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Trade Minister concerned by hurdles faced by black-owned enterprises in the country

Trade Minister concerned by hurdles faced by black-owned enterprises in the country

Eyewitness News16-05-2025
JOHANNESBURG - Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau has again raised concerns about the hurdles faced by black-owned micro, small, and medium enterprises in the country.
Tau raised the frustrations impacting the growth of small businesses while speaking at a transport sector engagement session today, which focused on initiatives that support black-owned businesses across different industries.
Tau said that launching the transformation fund will help resolve some of the barriers that exist for previously disadvantaged groups-- including funding requirements.
Parks Tau published a draft concept document on the R100 billion fund last month.
The fund is expected to be a catalyst for financial support.
READ: Tau doesn't expect R100bn transformation fund to threaten existing B-BBEE legislation
Tau said that it is important to ensure that there's also adequate support for small and medium businesses in the transport industry.
'By embedding clear targets for black ownership, management control and supplier diversity in our sector codes, we ensure that modernisation benefits all stakeholders. The transformation fund will be co-managed with private sector partners, creating accountability and shared commitment."
He called on industries to align with the fund's objectives to achieve rapid and inclusive growth.
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The organisation representing spaza shop owners says that the low compliance rate can be blamed on outdated and rigid compliance criteria. Nearly four months after the launch of the Spaza Shop Support Fund, only 14% of aspirant entrepreneurs have met the fund's compliance requirements. The fund was launched by the minister of trade, industry and competition, Parks Tau, and the minister of small business development, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, in Soweto on 10 April. The Department of Small Business Development has stated that despite the spaza shop sector playing a vital role in township economies, it still faces significant challenges, including intense competition from large retailers with greater buying power, limited access to working capital and inadequate business development support. The launch of the fund attracted just over 10,000 applications, which are currently under review for funding. 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However, Ramautswa insisted, 'The requirements are overly technical, bureaucratic, and not reflective of township business operations. The average spaza shop does not have access to accountants, registered business documents, or internet connectivity.' The Spaza Shop Support Programme provides targeted financial and non-financial support, with funding of up to R100,000 per qualifying spaza shop owner. The department said this support package is designed to promote sustainability, competitiveness and regulatory compliance. It includes: Up to R40,000 for stock purchases, facilitated through approved delivery partners to ensure reliable and cost-effective supply. Up to R10,000 for business training, covering key modules such as point-of-sale systems, basic business and financial management, digital literacy and credit management, and food safety and regulatory compliance. Up to R50,000 for infrastructure upgrades, including improvements to shop buildings, refrigeration and shelving, security systems, and other essential business assets. 'This comprehensive package aims to strengthen the operational efficiency of local spaza shops, improve their competitiveness and foster inclusive economic participation within township communities,' said Macanda. 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Job Creation The department said the R500-million fund fully covers the cost of training as part of its comprehensive support package. An amount of R10,000 per beneficiary is allocated for targeted business training and capacity building. This amount is included within the broader R100,000 funding package per qualifying spaza shop owner. The training component is designed to develop critical business management skills. To qualify for the Spaza Shop Support Fund, spaza shops must operate within South Africa's townships or rural areas and must serve the local communities in those regions. 'This focus is aligned with government efforts to revitalise township and rural economies by promoting local entrepreneurship, job creation and access to essential goods and services,' said Macanda. 'Spaza shops located in more affluent or urban areas are not eligible under this specific fund, as it is designed to support historically underserved and economically marginalised communities. 'However, spaza shops or retail outlets in urban areas may still qualify for support through existing funding programmes offered by the NEF [National Empowerment Fund] and Sedfa [Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency]. These programmes cater to a broader range of businesses outside the scope of the Spaza Shop Support Fund,' she said. Corruption Daily Maverick asked the department how it ensured that the fund was used effectively, transparently and free of corrupt elements. The department said it had a comprehensive set of oversight and governance mechanisms in place. 'All applications are processed through an automated system, allowing for real-time tracking and daily reporting on approvals and disbursements. Funding is only disbursed following formal approval by the Investment Committee, which rigorously evaluates applications in line with the fund's due diligence protocols and eligibility criteria,' said Macanda. 'To safeguard the integrity of the disbursement process, the Finance Division applies strict internal controls to verify and validate each transaction prior to payment. 'Post-disbursement, the NEF's Post-Investment Unit conducts audits and site visits to confirm that funds are being used in line with approved business plans. Importantly, disbursements are made directly to vetted and pre-approved suppliers, rather than to beneficiaries, reducing the risk of fund misuse.' Macanda said governance was further strengthened through regular oversight and coordination. 'These combined mechanisms ensure that the fund operates with a high degree of transparency, accountability and alignment with its developmental objectives,' added Macanda. The current maximum funding available per spaza shop owner is R100,000, and this support is offered as a blended finance instrument, with a 50% grant and a 50% interest-free loan. The debt portion is repayable, but carries zero interest. The South African Spaza Shops Association was critical of the non-financial support, asserting that business owners chiefly require finances. 'While training and support are welcomed, they should not replace the urgent financial assistance that these businesses most require to survive. Spaza shops are struggling with load shedding, high crime, inflation and dwindling foot traffic. 'Training without financial backing is a Band-Aid over a gaping wound. Non-financial support should be integrated with immediate access to funding in a practical manner,' said Ramautswa.

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