The KSD Spaza Shops Support Programme continues to play a vital role in empowering local entrepreneurs by providing much-needed financial assistance to small retail businesses. Through this initiative, each qualifying spaza shop receives start-up support valued at R200,000.
During the 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 financial years, a total of 24 beneficiaries from various wards across the KSD area benefited from the programme. This support has enabled local business owners to expand their operations and improve sustainability.
To ensure the funding is used appropriately, beneficiaries receive assistance in the form of vouchers specifically designated for purchasing groceries. A controlled procurement system is in place, where an approved distributor is provided with a predefined list of goods. This measure ensures that funds are used strictly for stocking essential items and not diverted to unrelated purchases.
The programme primarily targets women and youth entrepreneurs who are South African citizens, with the goal of promoting inclusive economic participation. To date, more than R5 million has been invested in local spaza shops, contributing to the growth of small businesses and stimulating the local economy within the KSD region.
Looking ahead, the programme aims to support an additional 12 spaza shops during the 2025–2026 financial year, further expanding its impact.
The municipality plays a critical oversight and monitoring role to ensure that all participating businesses comply with relevant legislation and municipal by-laws. Compliance is essential for beneficiaries to qualify for continued support and access to further assistance from key government institutions, including the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT), the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), and the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA).
In collaboration with key stakeholders, the municipality also conducts regular business inspections to ensure that retail outlets operate within established standards and regulations. These inspection teams include representatives from KSD Public Safety, the KSD Building Section, the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Home Affairs, Consumer Affairs, and the O.R. Tambo District Municipality’s Environmental Health Section.
Through these coordinated efforts, the KSD Spaza Shops Support Programme continues to promote responsible business practices while driving economic development at the local level.