Committee to question officials
Parliament will investigate claims that foreign nationals received money from the R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund.
The Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development will meet on Wednesday, 12 August 2026. First, the committee will hear a briefing from the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEDFA). The meeting follows concerns raised in the Public Protector’s report.
Department to provide an update
The committee will also hear from the Department of Small Business Development. Next, the department will explain how it has paid money to South African-owned spaza shops.
SEDFA and the National Empowerment Fund manage the Spaza Shop Support Fund. In addition, Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni and Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau launched the fund in April 2025.
Fund aimed at local shops
The fund gives up to R300,000 in support to township and rural spaza shops. As a result, many local shop owners can apply for help.
Parliament said the committee will study the claims carefully. Meanwhile, it will check whether the fund has reached the right businesses. Finally, the committee wants to make sure that local South African-owned spaza shops receive the support they need.
