The City of Johannesburg’s Department of Economic Development (DED), in collaboration with the National Department of Small Business Development, convened its second Regional Stakeholder Forum for Spaza Shop Owners at the Braamfontein Recreation Centre this week.
Hundreds of spaza owners and stakeholders attended the session, which provided crucial information on compliance and funding within the sector. These workshops, part of a citywide initiative, are being rolled out across all seven regions to promote direct dialogue among spaza shop owners, communities, and strategic partners. They address critical aspects including business registration, regulatory compliance, and support services for township retailers. The inaugural session was held on Monday, 26 May in Region D, forming part of a broader citywide drive to bolster township retail and boost local economic development.
Officials from the City’s Environmental Health and Development Planning departments detailed the application process for essential documentation, including the Certificate of Acceptability (COA), trading licences, fire compliance certificates, and pest control certificates. They also addressed registration challenges, particularly non-compliance.
Mpho Rapulane, from the City’s Department of Development Planning, noted that several applications had been flagged for fraudulent documentation or failure to meet stipulated requirements.
“We are observing instances of falsified information submissions and attempts to circumvent proper procedures,” Rapulane stated. “We urge everyone to adhere to the correct process to ensure fair and successful outcomes.”
Benji Seitlhamo, Acting Director for Economic Development Facilitation, emphasised the “critical engagement” these forums represent for local spaza shop owners. “We initiated these forums to provide updates on the spaza shop registration process, which concluded in February 2025, having run since last November,” he explained.
“Crucially, we encourage all owners to leverage the national government’s available funding and support.” Seitlhamo also emphasised the vital role of the National Department of Small Business Development in these forums.
During the session, Bazikonke Kunene, an official from the National Department of Small Business Development, detailed national initiatives to support township entrepreneurs. “We are currently mapping the national spaza shop landscape,” Kunene explained.
“This data will inform the deployment of support services and ensure effective implementation of the Spaza Shop Support Programme.” He clarified that eligibility for funding and support necessitates compliance with all legislative requirements, including food safety and health standards. While open to all qualifying entrepreneurs, the programme prioritises youth (aged 18-35), women, and persons with disabilities.
The comprehensive support package available to spaza shop owners includes both financial and non-financial components:
- R40,000 grant for stock and inventory.
- R50,000 for infrastructure and assets through a blended loan and grant model.
- R10,000 for non-financial support such as business training in areas like point-of-sale systems, digital literacy, food safety, and compliance.
Entrepreneur Vusumuzi Khumalo lauded the initiative, praising the session’s valuable content and advocating for more such engagements.
“The session proved highly informative and beneficial,” Khumalo said. “All my questions were thoroughly answered, and I now possess clarity on the required documentation for approval.”
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