Ministers Ndabeni and Tau Unveil R500 Million Spaza Shop Support Fund in Soweto

I’m Earlier today, Ministers Stella Ndabeni and Parks Tau launched the R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund at Eyethu Shopping Centre in Soweto—an initiative aimed at boosting township and rural economies by empowering South African-owned spaza shops and local convenience stores.

Originally announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in November 2024, the fund is managed in partnership by the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) and the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEFDA).

Minister Tau highlighted the crucial role of small businesses in townships, noting that spaza shops provide essential goods and services where larger retailers often don’t reach.

Minister Ndabeni addressed questions around eligibility, clarifying: “The fund is primarily intended for South Africans, but individuals naturalised before 1994 are also eligible to apply.”

In addition to direct financial support, the fund aims to strengthen the township supply chain by linking spaza shops with local manufacturers and wholesalers—allowing for bulk buying and improved access to locally produced goods.

Applications are now open. Apply here: https://shorturl.at/E1IOn