When you lift a community, you lift a nation. The rapid increase in small businesses in townships highlights the growing interest in entrepreneurship, not as a side hustle but as a way to create generational wealth. The South African Spaza and Tuckshop Association, together with the Business Culture SMME Program, has come together to uplift small business owners.
By Tshegofatso Tube
The official launch of the Spaza Shop Trade Fair Indaba Roadshow took place on 6 June 2025 at the June 16 Memorial Acre in Soweto. The second event was held on 27 June 2025 at Falala Community Hall in Soshanguve. This landmark event aims to empower small businesses with the tools they need to run successful operations, including securing funding, ensuring compliance, and fostering sustainable growth. This roadshow is not a one-stop shop but rather a movement that is reshaping business operations and safety in the townships around South Africa.
The South African Spaza & Tuckshop Association, in partnership with the Business Culture SMME Program, strives to change the trajectory of the township economy. Many people in various townships are running small businesses to make a living. Constraints such as a lack of financial literacy and limited support from the government are preventing community members from reaching their full potential. This partnership seeks to create employment opportunities and strengthen the township economy.
Read more: https://www.sibizimagazine.co.za/2025/06/10/satori-the-proudly-south-african-ai/
There are numerous challenges that business owners in the townships face, which negatively impact their livelihoods. One growing concern is the alarming increase in the deaths of children who consume snacks from small tuckshops. These unfortunate incidents have compelled communities and the government to investigate the operations taking place within these shops. As a result, conversations around food safety and health have become increasingly prominent in these communities.
A panel discussion formed part of the event program, allowing members of the South African Spaza & Tuckshop Association, as well as representatives from the Business Culture SMME Program, to engage in dialogue with the community about their issues and possible solutions. Mandisi Dube from Business Culture, Mr. Malako from SASTA, and Edward J. from the National Consumer Commission led presentations. Among the concerns raised by the community were the high costs of product testing and the lack of accessible information regarding food safety standards. These are issues that continue to hinder small business owners.
The roadshow will travel to various communities, providing small business owners with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed. To learn more about the roadshow and find out where it’s heading next, visit https://lnkd.in/dubV7iQDt