Pretoria: As township and rural entrepreneurs nationwide work towards regulatory compliance for operating spaza shops, the opportunity for government funding is now within reach. By securing a valid trading permit, these entrepreneurs can apply for financial assistance through initiatives such as the Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme (TREP) and the Spaza Shop Support Scheme.
According to South African Government News Agency, a new standard draft by-law for township economies was introduced earlier this month, streamlining the permitting and registration process. This initiative is designed to bolster support for township businesses, with municipalities playing a crucial role in facilitating workshops, training, and providing access to vital resources like infrastructure and markets. The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) highlighted the by-law’s efficient system for permit and registration, which offers both physical and online access to application forms, aiming
to enhance operational capacity and promote legal compliance.
Municipal officials are set to assist applicants to ensure timely approvals and the smooth operation of new and existing businesses. The by-law, aligned with the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act of 2000, seeks to foster an enabling environment for small businesses in townships, promoting economic inclusion, job creation, and community empowerment.
In a related move, President Cyril Ramaphosa has mandated the registration of all spaza shops and food-handling facilities with their municipalities within 21 days, as part of efforts to combat food-borne illnesses that have resulted in the deaths of 22 children. The President’s directive includes removing hazardous pesticides from circulation and implementing measures to prevent future outbreaks. Additionally, spaza shops implicated in these incidents face immediate closure and will be subject to stricter regulations.
Entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply for TREP or the Spaza Shop Support Sche
me to overcome economic exclusion and access business support. The application process involves registering on the SMMESA platform and submitting necessary documentation, including trading permits and identification. These programmes aim to empower township and rural business owners, fostering sustainable economic growth in these communities.