Registering spaza shops will empower owners by providing funding, says Ndabeni-Abrahams

CAPE TOWN - Minister of Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams said the registration of spaza shops will empower owners by providing much-needed funding. 

Ndabeni-Abrahams clarified that those who did not register when the government instructed them in 2024 will face penalties for non-compliance but are still encouraged to register.  

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The minister, joined by provincial MECs from the economic cluster, addressed the media on Sunday on the registration of existing spaza shops, which closed on Friday.

She also said a new system called the DSBD [Department of Small Business Development] Connect platform will also help streamline processes to support businesses and facilitate funding.

“Our intention is to empower businesses by facilitating access to funding, credit lines, business support, and procurement opportunities across government and the private sector. Municipalities and other system users will be onboarded and trained on the platform before we launch it.”