City of Joburg Launches R500m Roadshows to Empower Township Spaza Shop Owners
The City of Johannesburg’s Department of Economic Development (DED), in partnership with the Department of Small Business Development, has rolled out a citywide outreach campaign to promote the newly launched R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund. Running from Monday, 26 May 2025 to Wednesday, 9 July 2025, the campaign includes a series of regional roadshows designed to inform, educate, and support township and rural entrepreneurs.
These sessions will not only explain how to access the fund but also update the public on the progress of Johannesburg’s spaza shop registration drive and address key challenges in the township retail sector.
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What Is the Spaza Shop Support Fund?
Launched on 8 April 2025 by the Department of Small Business Development and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the R500 million fund is a bold initiative to revitalise South Africa’s informal economy.
The fund prioritises South African-owned spaza shops in townships and rural areas, providing up to R300,000 per business through a mix of grants and zero-interest loans. The support can be used for:
- Stock purchases
- Infrastructure upgrades
- Business development and skills training
- Strategic partnerships with local manufacturers, black industrialists, and wholesalers for better pricing and product access
The initiative aims to formalise informal businesses, strengthen competitiveness, and promote economic inclusion.
Roadshow Dates and Venues
The roadshows will run across all seven administrative regions of Johannesburg and include a Special DED Workshop. Here’s the schedule:
| Region | Coordinator | Venue | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Region A | Regional Office / DED | Diepsloot Youth Centre Hall | Friday, 20 June 2025, 09:00 – 13:00 |
| Region B | Regional Office / DED | Danie van Zyl Recreation Centre | Monday, 30 June 2025, 09:00 – 13:00 |
| Region C | Regional Office / DED | Roodepoort City Hall | Tuesday, 17 June 2025, 09:00 – 13:00 |
| Region D | Regional Office / DED | Jabulani Civic Centre | Monday, 26 May 2025, 10:00 – 14:00 |
| Region E | Regional Office / DED | Safe Hub Alex | TBC |
| Region F | Regional Office / DED | Braamfontein Recreation Centre | Tuesday, 3 June 2025, 10:00 – 14:00 |
| Region G | Regional Office / DED | Lenasia Civic Centre | Wednesday, 4 June 2025, 10:00 – 13:00 |
| Special DED Workshop | DED | Braam Park | Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 10:00 – 14:00 |
What to Expect at the Roadshows
These roadshows are more than just informational—they’re hands-on support sessions. Spaza shop owners will:
- Receive step-by-step guidance on how to apply
- Learn about eligibility and required documentation
- Engage directly with officials about compliance
- Get help verifying their business details
- Be introduced to food safety regulations and certificate requirements
- Gain insight into receiving temporary trading permits
Official Call to Action
Councillor Nomoya Mnisi, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development, strongly encourages participation:
“We encourage all spaza shop owners to join these sessions and learn how to access funding. Compliance is critical – we’re working with owners to meet food safety standards, secure certificates of acceptability, and verify business details. Compliant operators will receive temporary permits after the roadshows.”
Why It Matters
Spaza shops are the backbone of township economies but often face limitations in capital, infrastructure, and regulation. The Spaza Shop Support Fund, paired with the outreach campaign, represents a major step forward in addressing historical inequalities, creating jobs, and ensuring long-term economic sustainability.
This initiative gives township entrepreneurs the resources and support they need to formalise, modernise, and grow. By attending these roadshows, spaza shop owners can secure funding, ensure compliance, and build toward a more inclusive, competitive local economy.
Stay updated on roadshow times and requirements through the City of Johannesburg’s official platforms.