Spaza shop owners in Vereeniging were the latest beneficiaries of the nationwide Spaza Shop Support Awareness Campaign, a collaborative effort led by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) and the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD). The campaign, which aims to formalise and support township-based enterprises, brought together local spaza shop owners, government officials and business development stakeholders for an interactive workshop held in Vereeniging last Friday.
One of the highlights of the day was a comprehensive presentation by Ms Matshepo Madumbo, the Assistant Manager of Local Economic Development and Tourism at Emfuleni Local Municipality, who focused on the compliance requirements for spaza shop permit applications. Addressing a hall of aspiring and established entrepreneurs, Ms Mathumbo emphasised the importance of adhering to municipal regulations when applying for permits.
“Many residential areas are not zoned for commercial activity. For a spaza shop to operate legally, the property owner must apply for a rezoning certificate. Without that, the business cannot be recognised as compliant. I cannot stress the importance of submitting a stamped building plan, an occupancy certificate, certified identity document, a proof of address no older than three months, and registration documents from the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) along with a valid tax clearance certificate,” explained Mathumbo.
She noted that failure to comply with these requirements often leads to unnecessary delays and missed opportunities for funding and supplier networks.
Local entrepreneurs responded positively to the session, noting the depth of practical guidance provided. Ms Matshidiso Mooki, who runs a spaza shop in Vereeniging, said the campaign brought long-needed clarity
“Before today, I didn’t know where to start or which documents were truly necessary. This workshop answered questions I’ve had for years. Now, I understand what compliance actually means and how to meet those expectations. I am determined to ensure that I comply with all the regulations so that I can qualify for support through the Spaza Shop Support Fund,” she said.
Another participant, Mr Matome Tshabala, who started his shop after the COVID-19 lockdown, said the information was a game changer.
“I’ve always operated informally, but now I want to do things the right way. What stood out for me was the emphasis on record-keeping and understanding zoning laws. I also appreciated the introduction to stock management and bookkeeping,” he said.
The Spaza Shop Support Campaign continues to roll out across provinces, ensuring that township entrepreneurs are not only included in the broader economic framework but are also equipped to thrive within it. By focusing on compliance, formalisation, and access to resources, the campaign is helping to level the playing field for small business owners in underserved communities.
The Assistant Manager of Local Economic Development and Tourism at Emfuleni Local Municipality, Ms Matshepo Madumbo, delivering a presentation which focused on the compliance requirements for spaza shops in Vereeniging.
Enquiries
Bongani Lukhele – Director: Media Relations
Tel: (012) 394 1643
Mobile: 079 5083 457
WhatsApp: 074 2998 512
E-mail: BLukhele@thedtic.gov.za
Issued by: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the Department of Small Business Development.
X: @the_dtic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedti?mibextid=ZbWKwL
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedtic
Website: https://www.thedtic.gov.za/
OR
Siphe Macanda – Director: Communication Management
Department of Small Business Development
Mobile and WhatsApp: 082 355 2399
E-mail: SMacanda@dsbd.gov.za
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DepartmentOfSmallBusinessDevelopment
X: @DSBD_SA
Website: https://www.dsbd.gov.za/
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