MEC launches Spaza Shop Fund awareness session in Kinross

The MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Jesta Sidell, held a Spaza Shop Fund awareness session at Sasolia Primary School in Kinross on February 5.

According to Sidell, the fund is a nationwide programme focused on supporting community convenience shops in townships, particularly spaza shops, which are vital to South Africa’s informal economy.

The initiative also encourages and strengthens local ownership of spaza shops while improving food safety and regulatory compliance.

“The session took place at a moment when government, at all levels, is 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 a deliberate corrective measure that seeks to reclaim, rebuild, and revitalise the township and rural economy by placing South African-owned spaza shops at the centre of economic participation,” said Sidell.

She added that through the programme, qualifying spaza shops will receive comprehensive support of up to R100 000.

This includes stock acquisition and working capital, equipment and infrastructure improvements, point-of-sale systems and basic digitalisation, business development support, financial management training, and assistance with compliance-related costs where applicable.

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