By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe
Mpumalanga municipalities are urged to assist spaza shop owners in applying for financial support from the Spaza Shop R500 million fund.
This is according to the MEC for DEDT(Department Economic Development and Tourism) in the province.
Masilela was speaking during a virtual MunMec(Municipal Managers’ Economic Committee) meeting to strengthen collaboration between provincial and local government spheres, on Tuesday 22 April 2025.
The meeting was reportedly aimed at driving inclusive economic growth and reduce poverty in Mpumalanga, by creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive and support small enterprises.
“ Let us take advantage of the R500 million fund meant to support spaza shops that are complaint with the regulations. We have a responsibility to assist them to register, because the R500 million fund is meant for the whole country, and Mpumalanga must as well benefit from the fund,” said Masilela.
The MEC said DEDT, in collaboration with municipalities, needs a deliberate and coherent approach in its efforts to deal with economic development matters in the province.
“ Working together with our municipalities, we should be able to drive meaningful economic growth, which will in turn contribute towards the much-needed jobs and the eradication of poverty,” said Masilela.
The MunMEC is a structure comprising municipalities and the MEC for DEDT, aimed at providing a platform with the spirit of collaboration, to ensure mutual consultation, policy coordination and to achieve a coherent government for effective provision of support to rural and township business.
“ Accordingly, this structure has been established to ensure that we strengthen the interaction and engagement between MMCs for Local Economic Development and the Department, in order to strengthen the functioning of local economic development and improve the manner in which we coordinate our support to small enterprises,” said Masilela.
The MunMEC deliberated on several areas of mutual interest, including:
• Township Revitalisation Programme: The department has developed a Red Tape Reduction Strategy to support municipalities in easing the way of doing business for small enterprises.
• Revitalisation of Industrial Parks: The meeting highlighted the need for Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA) to accelerate its programme on revitalising industrial parks.
• Local Economic Development Framework: The framework aims to promote economic growth and improve the quality of life in specific local areas.
• Tourism in the Province and G20 activities: The meeting resolved that Regional and Local Tourism Organisations must be given necessary support by the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA).
Masilela made a call to all municipalities to support the G20 stakeholder engagement programme, which will take place in al the District Municipalities.
The MunMEC agreed to meet regularly on a quarterly basis to ensure proper coordination and synergy.
