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Daily Maverick
29-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Aleck Skhosana and James Moloi in two-horse race for Athletics SA president despite poor records
It will be a showdown between the incumbent Athletics SA president James Moloi and the man he defeated four years ago – Aleck Skhosana – during the federation's election on Saturday. The battle for the top seat within Athletics South Africa (ASA) is set to be a two-horse race between current president James Moloi and the man he ousted to gain the seat in 2021 – Aleck Skhosana. These are two men that have less than stellar administration records and have presided over embarrassing messes in athletics in the past. Under Skhosana's presidency, KZN Athletics went bankrupt in 2011. Allegations of fraud, corruption and mismanagement led to the board being removed in 2012, with millions of rands said to have been plundered by the federation's employees before the rot was exposed. Skhosana was later cleared of any direct wrongdoing. However, that aspect of his 12-year spell as KZN Athletics boss continues to follow him – with some remaining suspicious of him. Under Moloi, the ASA was deregistered by the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). The deregistration in February 2025 was a result of the ASA failing to file its annual returns and pay its company fees, despite numerous reminders from the CIPC to comply. When the CIPC notified the ASA that it had been deregistered, it was because the athletics body had last filed its returns in 2021, when James Moloi became its president. Despite the gravity of the matter and the bad light in which it put the ASA, management sought to downplay the issue, with Moloi calling it a 'minor problem'. Moloi's administration pointed the finger towards Skhosana's leadership for the deregistration blunder. However, Moloi's rival is having none of it. On why he felt the need to return to the ASA, Skhosana said that he wants to replenish the ASA's public image – which has taken a blow in recent months due to some administrative ineptitude under Moloi. '[I want] to restore the image and integrity of Athletics South Africa. You saw in April in Parliament, where the sports portfolio committee declared the ASA as an embarrassment, a disgrace and a mess,' Skhosana said on Newzroom Afrika. 'So, we cannot be able to sit back and watch whilst we are capable of adding value. We once participated and we once resolved these problems in the past. I want to make South African athletics bigger and better. To restore corporate governance,' the presidency hopeful added. For Moloi, the deregistration debacle is a major blemish on his four-year tenure as the ASA boss. However, it has since been resolved. But these blemishes do not inspire any confidence. Others Moloi cut a proud fatherly figure recently as Team SA returned from the World Relays. The South Africans claimed two gold medals and a bronze at the global tournament. Despite the aforementioned administrative struggles, South Africans athletics is clearly in a healthy state currently. Whoever takes over the reins will be expected to further improve on this solid foundation instead of undoing it or stagnating it. Although others, such as Moloi's vice-president Shireen Noble, have raised their hands for the top job as well – when the ASA's quadrennial general meeting takes place on Saturday, 31 May, it is expected to be a tightly-fought contest between Skhosana and Moloi. In addition to the two favourites and Noble, Harold Adams is also in the running. John Mathane was part of the candidates list, but he has since pulled out. Mathane remains in the running for the deputy president position though. He is alongside Noble, Adams, KZN Athletics president Steve Mkasi, as well as Karabo Mabilo and Sticks Stiglingh in the race for the ASA lieutenant. Skhosana's unfinished business Skhosana first became the big boss of South African athletics in 2014. He was installed after the intervention of World Athletics following a protracted internal battle involving the executive of then president James Evans, as well as an interim board led by Sello Mokoena. The interim board had surfaced after the impeachment of Evans for allegedly using the ASA's funds for his own benefit. Evans denied this, but the intervention of World Athletics resulted in the federation convening for a special general meeting. This is when Skhosana and a new board were elected. However, they could only serve for two years since Evans had vacated his role prematurely. When that short term ended, Skhosana was re-elected – this time to serve a full term. Considering some of the cleaning up he did upon replacing Evans, Skhosana knows how to lead. But him throwing his name into the hat for re-election four years after being ousted raises the question of whether there aren't any new faces who harbour ambitions of leading such a federation. Recycled administrators For all its 'against all odds' victories on the global stage – South African sports sometimes find themselves recycling the same old faces when it comes to administrators. However, Skhosana says his desire to become the ASA president for the third time is within the constitutional parameters of the national athletics body. He also highlights some of his accomplishments during his six-year tenure. This includes being deliberate about sending South African athletes to international competitions between Olympic Games, something which did not happen as often prior to Skhosana's ascension to power. Under the KZN-born administrator talents such as Caster Semenya and Wayde van Niekerk thrived. How much they thrived because of the ASA's leadership, or in spite of it, is debatable. Moloi, who established training camps for the athletes during his term, has promised to continue implementing similar strategic projects should he be reinstated. 'I want to go for the second term because I didn't finish my plans. So, the second term is for the implementation of whatever plans I've got and to bring in [sponsors],' Moloi told SABC Sport. 'I've been negotiating with different companies to sponsor Athletics South Africa. But if you leave or you are not there, they are not going to come because now, they are relying on you. 'So, it will be an advantage for Athletics South Africa if I can go back for the second time and implement whatever plans that I've got,' the former Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) president added. Ahead of the elections, there has been some controversy. The CGA and Athletics Free State have both pulled their nomination lists for the various positions set to be contested on Saturday. The councils of the federations say the lists were not properly vetted prior to submission. In anticipation of possible skirmishes between the various camps, Moloi wrote to the South African Police Service on 23 May, asking for 'increased police visibility' and hoping this will 'help maintain order and promote a sense of safety throughout the duration of the event'. DM
CNA
28-04-2025
- Business
- CNA
GE2025: Do not hold Singaporeans hostage to 'politics of fear', says SDP's Ariffin Sha
Mr Ariffin also said it is now 'all about dissipating the politics of fear, thanks to the relentless advocacy of the Workers' Party (WP)'. WP chief Pritam Singh had recently noted how access to Community Improvement Projects Committee (CIPC) funding, which cover improvements to HDB estates such as the building of recreational facilities, has been 'a long-standing battle' fought by opposition politicians. 'These days, still can get CIPC grants, quite okay,' said Mr Ariffin. 'It's not like those days in Hougang and Potong Pasir, where your constituency may be left behind. These days, it's quite an even playing field,' he added. MINISTERIAL SALARIES Later during the rally, Dr Chee hit out at ministers' salaries, saying they 'live in another universe' not recognised by those in 'the real world of HDB estates'. According to a Factually article on ministerial salaries, which stated that it was accurate as of February 2025, the salary norm for an entry-level minister, including bonuses, was S$1.1 million (US$840,000) a year. The prime minister's total norm salary is set at two times that of an entry-level minister's – S$2.2 million. Dr Chee also compared the size of HDB flats with those of Good Class Bungalows, including those at Ridout Road that are rented by Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam and Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan. 'Just to put it in perspective, the average size of an HDB flat you and I live in is about 100sqm. Mr Shanmugam's house at 26 Ridout Road is 23,000sqm,' he said.
The Citizen
21-04-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Government offers R500m spaza shop support fund – Here's what you need to know
Here's all you need to know: how to apply, who qualifies and what the funding includes... South African spaza shop owners looking to improve, expand or sustain their businesses can now apply for financial and technical assistance through the government's newly launched Spaza Shop Support Fund (SSSF). The R500 million initiative aims to bolster the township and rural retail sector. The Department of Small Business Development officially opened applications on Monday, calling on eligible spaza shop owners to take advantage of the opportunity to access funding, training and support. What the fund offers The support package aims to level the playing field for small shop owners facing growing competition from large retailers. 'It provides funding, training, business skills development and technical support to help businesses compete effectively against larger retailers,' the department said. Key benefits of the fund include: Offers funding of up to R300 000 per shop through a combination of grants and low-interest loans. Assists shop owners in meeting hygiene and regulatory standards to ensure the provision of safe, high-quality products. Encourage the adoption of digital payment systems, inventory management tools, and financial literacy programmes to improve operational efficiency. Facilitate wholesale aggregation, allowing spaza shops to access bulk purchasing advantages and competitive pricing. ALSO READ: Over 30K spaza shop applications were from foreign nationals Who qualifies? To be eligible, applicants must have the following: The owner of the spaza shop must be a South African citizen or naturalised as a South African citizen before 1994. Spaza shops must operate within South Africa in rural and township areas and serve local communities. The spaza shop must be registered with the local municipality in accordance with the relevant by-laws and business licensing requirements. Registration with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) will be optional based on the enterprise's funding requirement. For enterprises receiving funding above R80 000, registration with CIPC will be required within a period of 6 months. The business must have a valid registration with the South African Revenue Service (Sars) or be allowed a six-month transitional period. The spaza shop must comply with all other relevant legislative and registration requirements necessary for its operation (e.g. food preparation and health and safety standards). The owner must actively manage the spaza shop. Funding will prioritise entrepreneurs aged 18-35; female-owned spaza shops will receive priority consideration, and businesses owned by individuals with disabilities will be given priority. ALSO READ: Spaza shop poisonings: What is the education department doing to protect kids with special needs? What you get Support up to R100 000 includes: It includes a grant of up to R40 000 for the initial purchase of stock via delivery channel partners. Assets and infrastructure (blended grant and loan): a maximum R50 000 for the upgrading of building infrastructure, systems, refrigeration, shelving and security. A maximum of R100 000 for training programmes that will include point of sale devices, business skills, digital literacy, credit health, food safety and business compliance. Support between R100 000 and R300 000: It includes a stock grant of a maximum of R40 000 for the initial purchase of stock via delivery channel partners. A maximum of R250 000 for a funding split, 50% of the funding will be provided as a grant, and 50% will be provided as a free-interest loan. A maximum of R100 000 for training programmes that will include point of sale devices, business skills, digital literacy, credit health, food safety and business compliance. The National Empowerment Fund (NEF) and the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEFDA) will jointly administer the fund. 'To access the funding, applicants need to apply to the NEF and SEDFA through the prescribed application process outlined on the relevant institution's website,' it said. ALSO READ: Illegal spaza shops 'still proliferate' despite warnings Where to apply Applicants are advised to create an account on the SEFDA SMME Portal, complete the registration process, accept the terms and conditions, and submit their applications online. Alternatively, applications can be submitted through the online websites: For further details, contact the Spaza Shop Support Fund Call Centre on 011 305 8080 or via email. Contact details for the NEF Call Centre are 0861 843633, SEDFA Call Centre 012 748 9600 or by email. NOW READ: Government's R500m spaza shop support fund gets thumbs up
Zawya
04-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
The legalisation of spaza shops in South Africa: an analysis of government efforts
The informal economy remains a significant component of South Africa's socio-economic landscape, particularly within townships where spaza shops serve as vital commercial nodes, providing essential goods and services to low-income communities. In recent years, the South African government has initiated regulatory frameworks aimed at legalising spaza shops, ostensibly to promote economic inclusivity, enhance consumer protection, and improve tax compliance. However, these efforts have been met with substantial criticism, raising concerns about their effectiveness, potential unintended consequences, and the broader implications for township economies. The policy framework and its intentions The legalisation of spaza shops has been framed within the broader objectives of the Township Economic Development Act (TEDA) and the National Informal Business Upliftment Strategy (NIBUS). The TEDA seeks to formalise township businesses through licensing, regulatory compliance, and integration into the mainstream economy, while NIBUS provides developmental support such as funding, infrastructure improvements, and skills development. Furthermore, the government has attempted to streamline business registration through the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) and introduced township-specific incentives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship. The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) has also led interventions, including the Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme (TREP), which aims to provide financial and non-financial support to spaza shop owners. Additionally, municipalities have implemented bylaws governing trading permits and zoning regulations to control business operations. Despite these efforts, the implementation of such policies remains fraught with challenges, particularly concerning enforcement, red tape, and the exclusion of non-South African spaza shop operators, who dominate the market. Barriers to implementation: bureaucratic red tape and regulatory burdens One of the most significant obstacles to the legalisation of spaza shops is the bureaucratic inefficiency and excessive red tape associated with business registration and compliance. The process of obtaining trading permits and business licences remains cumbersome, particularly for informal traders who may lack the requisite documentation, financial resources, or digital literacy to navigate the registration system. Furthermore, township businesses often face unrealistic regulatory burdens, such as stringent health and safety standards, adherence to municipal zoning laws, and compliance with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) tax obligations. While these regulations are intended to enhance consumer protection and economic formalisation, they inadvertently create barriers to entry for micro-entrepreneurs, leading many to operate outside the legal framework. The foreign-owned spaza shop debate: exclusionary policies? A highly contentious aspect of the government's legalisation efforts is the treatment of foreign-owned spaza shops. The 2023 Gauteng Township Economic Development Act, for instance, prioritises South African citizens in township business licensing, effectively marginalising foreign-owned enterprises. This approach has been criticised as protectionist and xenophobic, raising concerns about social cohesion, economic discrimination, and the potential for violence against foreign business owners. The dominance of foreign nationals, particularly Somali, Bangladeshi, Ethiopian, and Pakistani traders, in the spaza shop industry has been a longstanding source of tension. Many township residents argue that these traders operate efficiently due to group purchasing strategies, extended business hours, and lower pricing structures, giving them a competitive edge over locally owned businesses. However, government intervention through restrictive licensing policies risks exacerbating economic fragmentation, black market activity, and illicit trading, rather than fostering genuine inclusion and development. Economic implications: formalisation vs. economic livelihoods The formalisation of spaza shops carries significant economic trade-offs. On one hand, legalisation enhances business legitimacy, facilitates access to funding and financial services, and ensures compliance with labour laws and taxation. On the other hand, excessive formalisation risks pushing many spaza shops out of business, thereby undermining township economies and exacerbating unemployment levels, which remain a critical challenge in South Africa, with an official rate of 32.1% (StatsSA, Q4 2023). A study by Bénit-Gbaffou (2018) suggests that informal businesses thrive precisely because of their low overhead costs and flexibility, which enable them to adapt to economic shocks. Overregulation may erode this advantage, resulting in fewer businesses, reduced market competition, and increased dependency on state support mechanisms. Moreover, the Value of a Statistical Life (VSL) concept, often used in economic planning, suggests that policy interventions should be evaluated based on their potential impact on livelihood sustainability and poverty alleviation. If legalisation efforts disproportionately burden low-income traders, the resultant economic harm may outweigh the intended regulatory benefits. Towards a more inclusive and sustainable policy approach Given the complexities surrounding spaza shop legalisation, a more nuanced policy approach is necessary. The government should consider the following recommendations: 1. Streamlined Registration Processes – Simplifying business registration through digital platforms, mobile outreach initiatives, and reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies. 2. Flexible Compliance Models – Implementing tiered regulatory frameworks that allow for graduated compliance, enabling micro-enterprises to transition towards formalisation without immediate excessive financial burdens. 3. Inclusive Market Strategies – Recognising the contributions of foreign-owned businesses and fostering collaborative township economic models, rather than adopting exclusionary licensing policies. 4. Public-Private Partnerships – Encouraging partnerships between spaza shop owners, wholesalers, and municipal authorities to enhance supply chain efficiencies and bulk purchasing power for local traders. 5. Community-Led Economic Development – Supporting local cooperatives and community-driven spaza shop initiatives that reinvest profits into township development. Conclusion The South African government's efforts to legalise spaza shops reflect a broader ambition to formalise the informal economy, but the approach remains fraught with challenges. Excessive regulation, exclusionary policies, and bureaucratic inefficiencies threaten to undermine the very businesses the government seeks to support. A more inclusive and pragmatic approach—one that balances formalisation with economic realities—is essential to ensuring that township economies continue to thrive. Without such reforms, legalisation efforts risk entrenching economic inequalities rather than alleviating them. 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