By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe
A Spaza Shop Fund Awareness session, led by Mpumalanga MEC for DEDT(Department of Economic Development and Toursim), Jesta Sidell, was held at Sasolia Primary School, Kinross, in the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality.
The nationwide program is reportedly focused on aiding Community Convenience Shops located in townships, especially spaza shops, which are essential to South Africa’s informal economy.
Furthermore, the session is reportedly geared towards encouraging and strengthening local ownership of spaza shops, while also improving food safety regulatory compliance.
Speaking to the attendees, MEC Sidell said the programme seeks to reclaim, rebuild, and revitalise the township and rural economy by placing South African-owned spaza shops at the centre of economic participation.
“ Today’s gathering is both timely and strategic. It takes place at a moment when government, at all levels, is decisively repositioning the township and rural economy as a central pillar of inclusive economic growth, employment creation, and spatial redress. The Spaza Shop Support Fund is therefore a deliberate corrective measure.
“ Through this programme, qualifying spaza shops will receive comprehensive support up to R100 000 that includes stock acquisition and working capital, equipment and infrastructure improvements, point-of-sale systems and basic digitalisation, business development support and financial management training, as well as assistance with compliance-related costs where applicable,” said MEC Sidell.
