Minister of Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni tabled a R3.036 billion budget for the 2026/27 financial year on Tuesday. The allocation aims to support small enterprises, cooperatives and spaza shops across South Africa.
Ndabeni said the department has already disbursed R79.6 million through the Spaza Shop Fund to 1 316 owners for stock, compliance and operations. The fund was launched jointly with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.
She announced a new township and rural economic development and revitalisation policy to help local entrepreneurs facing competition from large retailers and illegal foreign-owned businesses. The department plans to support 50 cooperatives in the current year.
The minister also highlighted R8.29 million already given to 111 small and medium enterprises under the TRAP programme in 2025/26. She stressed the need to cut red tape and expand finance for township businesses.