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Tuesday, 13 January 2026

More opportunity for online businesses to grow in South Africa

Nov 07, 2025

We are launching the Google Growth Initiative for South African Businesses

Kristy Grant

Head of B2B Marketing, SSA

Google Digital Growth Initiative

Posted in:

SOURCE: Africa Blog


LINK: https://blog.google/intl/en-africa/more-opportunity-for-online-businesses-to-grow-in-south-africa/
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Tuesday, 6 January 2026

Youth In Business

New R12 500 Youth Support Grant Opens Doors for South African Entrepreneurs

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A fresh opportunity for young South Africans

 

The national government has unveiled a once-off R12 500 Youth Support Grant, aimed at empowering unemployed South Africans aged 18 to 35. The grant seeks to break down economic barriers, helping young people launch businesses, pursue vocational training, or develop impactful community projects.

 

Applications officially open on Friday, 15 August 2025, and the program is strictly for youth not currently receiving other state financial support. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and SASSA, with the goal of fostering grassroots development and creating pathways to self-sufficiency.

 

Who is eligible?

 

To qualify, applicants must:

 

  • Be a South African citizen aged 18–35

     

  • Not receive any other government grants

     

  • Provide:

     

    • Valid South African ID

    • Proof of residence

    • Current bank account details

       

Those planning to use the grant for business purposes are encouraged to submit a short business plan showing potential income or job creation.

 

How to apply

 

The application process is designed to be straightforward:

 

  1. Prepare your documents – ID, proof of residence, and banking information

     

  2. Visit official websites – gov.za, nyda.gov.za, sassa.gov.za

     

  3. Register and verify – Create an online profile and confirm contact details

     

  4. Complete and submit – Fill out the form and upload supporting documents

     

  5. Track your application – Monitor progress online or via SASSA helplines

     

For applicants with limited internet access, community centres and youth agencies will provide in-person support, including help with forms and refining project or business proposals.

 

Stay alert to scams

 

The NYDA has issued a warning to only use official channels. A spokesperson said:

“This grant offers young South Africans a real opportunity to kickstart a business or access training. We encourage early preparation and vigilance against fraud.”

 

Why this matters

 

With youth unemployment remaining a significant challenge in South Africa, the R12 500 grant represents a concrete step toward giving young people the tools they need to succeed. By supporting small businesses, vocational skills, and community projects, the initiative hopes to spark economic participation at a local level and create lasting impact.

 

For more information and updates, applicants should regularly check official government platforms, or contact the NYDA and SASSA helplines.

 

Are you planning to apply for the Youth Support Grant? Share your thoughts in the comments or reach out via WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.

 

{Source: MSN}

 

LINK: https://www.joburgetc.com/news/south-africa-youth-support-grant-2025/

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Christianity In Africa

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Africa Bible commentary second edition commissioned to address 'theological anemia' and equip the African Church

By CDI Staff
Rev. Dr. Jean Libom Li Likeng, newly elected president of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA), leads a prayer of commissioning for the second edition of the Africa Bible Commentary during the 13th AEA General Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya
Rev. Dr. Jean Libom Li Likeng, newly elected president of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA), leads a prayer of commissioning for the second edition of the Africa Bible Commentary during the 13th AEA General Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya. Christian Daily International

The second edition of the Africa Bible Commentary (ABC) was officially commissioned on May 23 in the final sessions of the 13th General Assembly of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA), marking a significant milestone in African theological scholarship. Leaders emphasized that the commentary is fully African-owned and crafted to meet the spiritual and contextual needs of the African Church.

 

The original Africa Bible Commentary, first published in 2006, was hailed as a landmark resource—the first of its kind for the continent. This revised and updated edition, developed over nearly eight years, has expanded its contextual relevance and depth, offering richer exegetical and theological engagement with Scripture through an African lens.

 

“The Africa Bible Commentary is your project,” said Professor Elizabeth Mburu, a member of the editorial team and Langham Literature’s Regional Coordinator for Africa. “It is supported by many partners, but it is owned by the AEA. It is a resource owned by Africa, by us and for us.”

 

The updated edition now includes 122 contextual articles—almost double the number from the first edition—addressing issues ranging from social media and ministry to persecution, disability, gender, pastoral family life, and digital ethics. Importantly, 21 of the 53 new authors are women. The revised commentary also features a more robust editorial framework that reflects a three-dimensional interpretive approach: the world behind the text (historical background), the world of the text (literary structure and message), and the world in front of the text (reader context).

 

 

Professor Nathan Chiroma, one of the editors, highlighted how this approach helps pastors and lay leaders alike make sense of the Bible while responding to present-day challenges. “These articles are meant to address the questions we are asking and help local pastors address contextual issues that under normal circumstances would not be addressed,” he said.

 

Professor Mburu emphasized the commentary’s theological fidelity and contextual awareness. “We did not allow our African contexts to override the biblical message,” she said. “Scripture is the final authority.”

 

The commentary draws on traditional African symbols, idioms, and proverbs to create interpretive bridges for readers, all while maintaining rigorous exegetical standards. “This edition exposes users to three worlds: the world behind the text, the world of the text, and the world in front of the text,” she said. “It ensures the Bible speaks to African realities without compromising its truth.”

 

Rev. Dr. Master Matlhaope, AEA General Secretary, presided over the commissioning ceremony. In his remarks, he recalled the vision of AEA’s first African General Secretary, Byang Kato, who warned that the African church suffered from “theological anemia.” Kato had called for the production of African-led theological resources to equip churches and leaders.

 

“This determination inspired pioneers to create the first Africa Bible Commentary, and the same commitment has driven the editorial team for this new edition,” said Matlhaope. “We pray that it will have a transformational impact across Africa.”

 

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In a symbolic act of blessing, newly elected AEA President Rev. Dr. Jean Libom Li Likeng led the assembly in prayer, dedicating the second edition to God and invoking his guidance for its distribution and use across the continent.

 

“This is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together and pray for this remarkable resource,” Matlhaope added. “I wholeheartedly recommend this commentary for use in seminaries, personal devotions, and across our national alliances.”

 

The English edition is scheduled for official release in October 2025, with translations into French, Portuguese, and Swahili already underway. A post-publication celebration and wider launch are expected in Addis Ababa in 2026.

 

“The church of the future is in our hands,” Mburu said. “We have a responsibility to shape it—and the Africa Bible Commentary will help us do just that.”

 

 

SOURCE: Christian Daily International

 

LINK: https://www.christiandaily.com/news/africa-bible-commentary-second-edition-commissioned-to-address-theological-anemia-and-equip-the-african-church


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“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” —Malcolm X

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Tuesday, 30 December 2025

Informal Traders and Micro Enterprises Development Programme

Minister Ndabeni hands over equipment donations to micro and small businesses

This was part of the department's informal and micro enterprises development programme, which was specially designed to empower and develop informal traders to become skilled and adequately equipped to manage their businesses.

Monday, 16 June 2025, 09:56
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Minister Ndabeni hands over equipment donations to micro and small businesses
Minister of Small Business Develop-ment Stella Ndabeni speaking during the equipment handover. Photo: Loyiso Dyongman

KNYSNA NEWS - The minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni, led a delegation of senior officials from the Knysna Municipality and Garden Route District Municipality to hand over machinery and equipment to micro and informal traders in Khayalethu on Tuesday 10 June.

This was part of the department's informal and micro enterprises development programme, which was specially designed to empower and develop informal traders to become skilled and adequately equipped to manage their businesses. 

The Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (Sedfa) Knysna facilitated the process of the beneficiaries applying for the equipment.

The venue was fully packed by small business owners who came to obtain their equipment, while others came to listen to advice from the minister on how to develop their businesses.

Ndabeni advised them of many opportunities that her department has for them. "As small businesses, you must start forming corporations, work together and share ideas. When you work together, you can do more.

"We will support you, as you can see the equipment we have brought here. This is free of charge and you don't have to pay.

"But we need to see there is something you are trying to achieve, but are struggling because of having no resources. Business opportunities are grabbed by people from other countries. You have to think out of the box. We are always open to supporting small businesses."

She advised that people can start businesses by collecting discarded items that can be used and recycled. "You must see an opportunity to make a business when you see rubbish."

Cussidy Morrison, one the beneficiaries, the owner of Stoned Clothing Brand, said she is does her own designs. She received a laptop and a heat press machine. "It's awesome that I have received these two pieces of equipment and that they are going to help me with my business. I want to thank you for this as this will develop my business."

Yandiswa Magqibisa came to collect some equipment on behalf of her sister, Zukiswa. Zukiswa does grass cutting and maintenance on the N2. "She received two grass cutting machines. On behalf of my sister, I would like to thank Sedfa, the Knysna Municipality and the national department for doing this."Mayor Thando Matika expressed his gratitude for these donations. He said he was happy that the venue was full and people who had come out in their numbers even though they were not all beneficiaries. He said that they had come to listen to what was being shared was a positive sign.

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’ 

 

SOURCE: 

 

 

LINK:  https://www.knysnaplettherald.com/News/Article/Local-News/minister-ndabeni-hands-over-equipment-donations-to-micro-and-small-businesses-202506161000
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Wholesale and Retail SETA (W&RSETA)

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS – 2026/27 DISCRETIONARY GRANT FUNDING WINDOW

 

 

 

The W&RSETA invites wholesale and retail levy-paying companies, constituent associations, public and private institutions of learning and trade unions to apply for the 2026/27 Discretionary Grants to implement interventions that address the Sectoral Priority Occupations and interventions, as well as Emerging Occupations outlined in the 2026/27 Sector Skills Plan.

Applications should be submitted through the W&RSETA MIS on or before 31 January 2026.

Click here for the full details.

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LINK: https://www.wrseta.org.za/node/73749

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Monday, 29 December 2025

Small Business Support

Guideline to apply for R500 million spaza support fund

Monday, April 21, 2025

Government has called on eligible South African spaza shop owners in townships and rural areas who want to improve, expand, and sustain their shops to apply for assistance with the R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund (SSSF). 

This as government officially opened applications for the fund aimed at increasing the participation of South African owned spaza shops in the townships and rural areas retail trade sector.

READ | Government empowers spaza shops

What the support fund seeks to achieve:

•    It provides funding, training, business skills development, and technical support to help businesses compete effectively against larger retailers.
•    Offers funding of up to R300 000 per shop through a combination of grants and low-interest loans.
•    Assists shop owners in meeting hygiene and regulatory standards to ensure the provision of safe, high-quality products.
•    Encourage the adoption of digital payment systems, inventory management tools, and financial literacy programs to improve operational efficiency.
•    Facilitate wholesale aggregation, allowing spaza shops to access bulk purchasing advantages and competitive pricing.

What you need to qualify:

•    The owner of the spaza shop must be a South African citizen or naturalised as a South African citizen prior to 1994.
•    Spaza shops must operate within South Africa in rural and township areas and serve local communities.
•    The spaza shop must be registered with the local municipality in accordance with the relevant by-laws and business licensing requirements.
•    Registration with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) will be optional based on the enterprise’s funding requirement. For enterprises receiving funding above R80 000 registration with CIPC will be required within a period of 6 months.
•    The business must have a valid registration with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) or alternatively be allowed a six-month transitional period.
•    The spaza shop must comply with all other relevant legislative and registration requirements necessary for its operation. (e.g. food preparation and health and safety standards)
•    The owner must actively manage the spaza shop.
•    Funding will prioritise entrepreneurs aged 18-35; female-owned spaza shops will receive priority consideration and businesses owned by individuals with disabilities will be given priority.

What does the support package for funding of up to R100 000 entail:

•    It includes a stock (grant) of a maximum of R40 000 for the initial purchase of stock via delivery channel partners.
•    Assets and infrastructure (blended grant and loan): a maximum R50 000 for the upgrading of building infrastructure, systems, refrigeration, shelving and security.
•    A maximum of R100 000 for training programmes that will include point of sale devices, business skills, digital literacy, credit health, food safety and business compliance.

What does the support package for funding of above R100 000 up to R300 000 for registered and compliant entities entail:

•    It includes a stock (grant) of a maximum of R40 000 for the initial purchase of stock via delivery channel partners.
•    A maximum of R250 000 for a funding split, 50% of the funding will be provided as a grant, and 50% will be provided as a free-interest loan.
•    A maximum of R100 000 for training programmes that will include point of sale devices, business skills, digital literacy, credit health, food safety and business compliance.
•    The fund will be jointly administered by the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) and the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEFDA).
•    In order to access the funding, applicants need to apply to the NEF and SEDFA through the prescribed application process outlined on the relevant institution's website.


The following websites can be used to apply for funding:


•    Spaza Shop Support Fund - www.spazashopfund.co.za
•    NEF - www.nefcorp.co.za
•    SEDFA - https://systems.sefa.org.za/SMMEPortal/
•    Create an account on https://systemsnew.sefa.org.za/SMMEPortal/
•    Fill up all the required information on the registration page, read and accept the terms and  cconditions and  submit.

The contact details for the Spaza Shop Support Fund Call Centre are 011 305 8080 or via email: Spazafund@nefcorp.co.za

Contact details for the NEF Call Centre are 0861 843633, SEDFA Call Centre 012 748 9600 or an email can be sent to helpline@sefa.org.za.

Working hours: Mon – Fri: 9 am – 10 pm ; Sat: 9 am  –  3 pm and Sunday: closed.

-SAnews.gov.za

LINK:  https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/guideline-apply-r500-million-spaza-support-fund
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