The process to establish a joint fund supporting kasi and rural businesses, including community spaza shops, has officially begun. Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelani, shared the update during a media briefing in Tshwane on 21 November. The fund is part of the government’s broader strategy to address foodborne illnesses and improve the operational conditions for small businesses in underserved communities.
Simelani explained that the department is working on creating guidelines and standard operating procedures for the fund, which are expected to be completed within two weeks. The fund aims to support rural and township businesses by improving infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and business capacity. The application and disbursement process will be subject to auditing to prevent fraud and ensure accountability.
The government is prioritizing funding for South African entrepreneurs, specifically those between the ages of 18 and 35, with a focus on female-owned businesses. To qualify, business owners must be registered with the local municipality and with SARS, and must be operating within South Africa’s borders, serving local communities.
Simelani emphasized that the fund would provide short-term support to businesses, particularly in improving their infrastructure and compliance with regulations. This initiative is seen as a vital step toward empowering small businesses and fostering economic growth in rural and township areas.
In related news, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa urged residents not to take the law into their own hands, particularly when inspecting spaza shops. Hlabisa emphasized that law enforcement should be allowed to handle these matters and stated that the government would engage with groups like Operation Dudula to ensure their actions comply with legal processes.
