Vutivi
  • Business
    Small-scale farmers and livestock SMMEs in the North West are calling for urgent action to safeguard their businesses and livelihoods, after years of grappling with escalating crime and inadequate support.

    SMEs call for solutions as crime wave bites

    Eskom Development Foundation CEO, Cecil Ramonotsi

    Eskom’s business connect powers up SMEs

    Cranes operating amid backlog at Durban port, exporters say equipment bottlenecks are contributing to delays

    SMEs hit hard as Durban port congestion worsens

    According to industry estimates, ASM contributes R30–40 billion annually to the economy, yet most of this activity remains undocumented.

    Small scale miners await outcome of new mining bill

    Village tea crafters head to world’s largest food trade fair

    Banana farmers face a growing threat from Banana Bunchy Top Virus in Kwa Zulu-Natal

    Banana Bunchy Top Virus threatens farmers and jobs

    The commitments made at the recent G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in
Mpumalanga could open new opportunities for tourism SMMEs in Southern Africa,
according to entrepreneurs in neighbouring Eswatini.

    Eswatini tourism SMEs eye G20 opportunities

    South Africa's first-ever G20 Tourism Hackathon Challenge has put the spotlight on
how technology can transform the country's tourism landscape and, crucially, how it
could open new doors for small businesses in rural and underrepresented
communities

    Youth tourism tech innovations hold promise for small businesses

    Itumeleng Seleke, CEO and operations manager of Nomusa BNB (Pty) Ltd in
Richards Bay, said the government’s push on destination marketing offers a chance
to diversify offerings and attract more visitors.

    Tourism plan brings fresh hope for small businesses

    City of Tshwane Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya

    Tshwane turns empty properties into SME hubs

  • Agriculture
    Small-scale farmers and livestock SMMEs in the North West are calling for urgent action to safeguard their businesses and livelihoods, after years of grappling with escalating crime and inadequate support.

    SMEs call for solutions as crime wave bites

    According to industry estimates, ASM contributes R30–40 billion annually to the economy, yet most of this activity remains undocumented.

    Small scale miners await outcome of new mining bill

    Village tea crafters head to world’s largest food trade fair

    Banana farmers face a growing threat from Banana Bunchy Top Virus in Kwa Zulu-Natal

    Banana Bunchy Top Virus threatens farmers and jobs

    Township bakeries are facing huge challenges as the prices of wheat and flour soars.

    Township bakeries face ruin as wheat prices soar

    South Africa and Brazil have signed a landmark Memorandum of Intent to boost agricultural cooperation.

    South Africa and Brazil partner to strengthen agriculture

    Stock theft is threatening small rural farmers.

    Call for action as rising stock theft cripples rural SMMEs

    Small scale fishing permit holders are struggling against undocumented competitors. Photo. Mukurukuru Media

    Illegal fishing threatens livelihoods of documented fishers

  • Innovation
    Finalists for the 2025 Äänit Prize, whose ventures tackle crime, climate change and youth unemployment to support Africa’s SME

    Innovators in race for $100,000 Mandela Rhodes Foundation prize

    Daveyton-born entrepreneur Kagiso Ranyawa has transformed steel drums into mobile handwashing stations

    Entrepreneur finds hygiene solution in steel drums

    Tshima Bricks is helping rural based folk to access bricks that are adaptable to their areas.

    Innovating rural housing – one block at a time

    Varsity student Owethu Ndzabe has opened a car wash

    Varsity student’s mobile car wash creates seven jobs

    TIA and Sedfa unite to propel growth for small businesses

    Women entrepreneurs find the going tough on online platforms

    Rich Tshepo helps SMMEs break into e-commerce

    E-commerce guru “Rich Tshepo” shares secrets

    Mulilo Renewable Energy LTD proves that there's energy market in South Africa.

    Mulilo is powering South Africa’s energy revolution

    The founder and CEO of Q4ME Vuledzani Mathavha

    Q4ME turns the hassle of queuing into a business opportunity

    Business analyst James Mavundla who launched Agrowex

    Agrowex App bridges farmer market gap

  • Finance
    SMEs are hoping that the G20 will ease export regulations

    SA pushes for global SME compact at G20

    DTIC Minister Parks Tau is inviting business people and related stakeholders to submit their views on proposed new draft regulations. Photo. DTIC

    Proposed changes to credit regulations target SMEs

    Chicken Bar franchise owner Asanda Maqabuka believes more needs to be done to empower women in franchise sector

    Women own 40% of franchise market but more support is needed

    Navigating SARS' 2025 tax season

    Tax season puts spotlight on compliance for new businesses

    MEC Lebohang Maile during his budget vote at Gauteng Legislature

    Gauteng’s budget offers strategic investment in SMEs

    South African National Parks, in partnership with Sanlam, offers an interest-free loan program at Table Mountain in Cape Town. Photo: Facebook.

    More businesses to benefit from SANParks loan deal

    Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana

    R402 billion budget could open doors for construction SMEs

    Small Business Finance Development Agency has helped an entrepreneur to secure funding to invest in a filling station. Pic: Shell

    Franchise funding for entrepreneurs

    SMEs happy with Limpopo budget

    Limpopo Budget: hope for small businesses

    GEP deputy chairperson Phosane Mngqibisa

    Gauteng increases support for small businesses to access funds

  • Tourism
    The commitments made at the recent G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in
Mpumalanga could open new opportunities for tourism SMMEs in Southern Africa,
according to entrepreneurs in neighbouring Eswatini.

    Eswatini tourism SMEs eye G20 opportunities

    South Africa's first-ever G20 Tourism Hackathon Challenge has put the spotlight on
how technology can transform the country's tourism landscape and, crucially, how it
could open new doors for small businesses in rural and underrepresented
communities

    Youth tourism tech innovations hold promise for small businesses

    Itumeleng Seleke, CEO and operations manager of Nomusa BNB (Pty) Ltd in
Richards Bay, said the government’s push on destination marketing offers a chance
to diversify offerings and attract more visitors.

    Tourism plan brings fresh hope for small businesses

    G20 Tourism Ministers Summit has opened new opportunities for SMEs

    Tourism Investment Summit unveils R1bn in new projects

    Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille noted  that SMEs are the backbone of the industry.

    SMEs pin hopes on G20 tourism priorities

    Bead makers are hoping to cash in on the abundance of cultural events during Heritage Month. 
Photo: Lucas Ledwaba/Mukurukuru Media

    Bead makers look to cash in on Heritage Month festivities

    North West SMEs in the tourism sector are hoping to cash in on a new strategy shift by the provincial government. Photo. North West Arts and Culture

    Tourism strategy shift gives SMEs new hope

    Statistics show that more than 79 000 tourists from China visited the country in 2023/4.

    Mandarin training could give local tourism business the edge

    SMEs in the tourism sector in Eastern Cape are set to benefit from SanParks incubation program

    Tourism SMEs to benefit from Sanparks incubation initiative

  • Advertise
No Result
View All Result
Vutivi
  • Business
    Small-scale farmers and livestock SMMEs in the North West are calling for urgent action to safeguard their businesses and livelihoods, after years of grappling with escalating crime and inadequate support.

    SMEs call for solutions as crime wave bites

    Eskom Development Foundation CEO, Cecil Ramonotsi

    Eskom’s business connect powers up SMEs

    Cranes operating amid backlog at Durban port, exporters say equipment bottlenecks are contributing to delays

    SMEs hit hard as Durban port congestion worsens

    According to industry estimates, ASM contributes R30–40 billion annually to the economy, yet most of this activity remains undocumented.

    Small scale miners await outcome of new mining bill

    Village tea crafters head to world’s largest food trade fair

    Banana farmers face a growing threat from Banana Bunchy Top Virus in Kwa Zulu-Natal

    Banana Bunchy Top Virus threatens farmers and jobs

    The commitments made at the recent G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in
Mpumalanga could open new opportunities for tourism SMMEs in Southern Africa,
according to entrepreneurs in neighbouring Eswatini.

    Eswatini tourism SMEs eye G20 opportunities

    South Africa's first-ever G20 Tourism Hackathon Challenge has put the spotlight on
how technology can transform the country's tourism landscape and, crucially, how it
could open new doors for small businesses in rural and underrepresented
communities

    Youth tourism tech innovations hold promise for small businesses

    Itumeleng Seleke, CEO and operations manager of Nomusa BNB (Pty) Ltd in
Richards Bay, said the government’s push on destination marketing offers a chance
to diversify offerings and attract more visitors.

    Tourism plan brings fresh hope for small businesses

    City of Tshwane Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya

    Tshwane turns empty properties into SME hubs

  • Agriculture
    Small-scale farmers and livestock SMMEs in the North West are calling for urgent action to safeguard their businesses and livelihoods, after years of grappling with escalating crime and inadequate support.

    SMEs call for solutions as crime wave bites

    According to industry estimates, ASM contributes R30–40 billion annually to the economy, yet most of this activity remains undocumented.

    Small scale miners await outcome of new mining bill

    Village tea crafters head to world’s largest food trade fair

    Banana farmers face a growing threat from Banana Bunchy Top Virus in Kwa Zulu-Natal

    Banana Bunchy Top Virus threatens farmers and jobs

    Township bakeries are facing huge challenges as the prices of wheat and flour soars.

    Township bakeries face ruin as wheat prices soar

    South Africa and Brazil have signed a landmark Memorandum of Intent to boost agricultural cooperation.

    South Africa and Brazil partner to strengthen agriculture

    Stock theft is threatening small rural farmers.

    Call for action as rising stock theft cripples rural SMMEs

    Small scale fishing permit holders are struggling against undocumented competitors. Photo. Mukurukuru Media

    Illegal fishing threatens livelihoods of documented fishers

  • Innovation
    Finalists for the 2025 Äänit Prize, whose ventures tackle crime, climate change and youth unemployment to support Africa’s SME

    Innovators in race for $100,000 Mandela Rhodes Foundation prize

    Daveyton-born entrepreneur Kagiso Ranyawa has transformed steel drums into mobile handwashing stations

    Entrepreneur finds hygiene solution in steel drums

    Tshima Bricks is helping rural based folk to access bricks that are adaptable to their areas.

    Innovating rural housing – one block at a time

    Varsity student Owethu Ndzabe has opened a car wash

    Varsity student’s mobile car wash creates seven jobs

    TIA and Sedfa unite to propel growth for small businesses

    Women entrepreneurs find the going tough on online platforms

    Rich Tshepo helps SMMEs break into e-commerce

    E-commerce guru “Rich Tshepo” shares secrets

    Mulilo Renewable Energy LTD proves that there's energy market in South Africa.

    Mulilo is powering South Africa’s energy revolution

    The founder and CEO of Q4ME Vuledzani Mathavha

    Q4ME turns the hassle of queuing into a business opportunity

    Business analyst James Mavundla who launched Agrowex

    Agrowex App bridges farmer market gap

  • Finance
    SMEs are hoping that the G20 will ease export regulations

    SA pushes for global SME compact at G20

    DTIC Minister Parks Tau is inviting business people and related stakeholders to submit their views on proposed new draft regulations. Photo. DTIC

    Proposed changes to credit regulations target SMEs

    Chicken Bar franchise owner Asanda Maqabuka believes more needs to be done to empower women in franchise sector

    Women own 40% of franchise market but more support is needed

    Navigating SARS' 2025 tax season

    Tax season puts spotlight on compliance for new businesses

    MEC Lebohang Maile during his budget vote at Gauteng Legislature

    Gauteng’s budget offers strategic investment in SMEs

    South African National Parks, in partnership with Sanlam, offers an interest-free loan program at Table Mountain in Cape Town. Photo: Facebook.

    More businesses to benefit from SANParks loan deal

    Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana

    R402 billion budget could open doors for construction SMEs

    Small Business Finance Development Agency has helped an entrepreneur to secure funding to invest in a filling station. Pic: Shell

    Franchise funding for entrepreneurs

    SMEs happy with Limpopo budget

    Limpopo Budget: hope for small businesses

    GEP deputy chairperson Phosane Mngqibisa

    Gauteng increases support for small businesses to access funds

  • Tourism
    The commitments made at the recent G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in
Mpumalanga could open new opportunities for tourism SMMEs in Southern Africa,
according to entrepreneurs in neighbouring Eswatini.

    Eswatini tourism SMEs eye G20 opportunities

    South Africa's first-ever G20 Tourism Hackathon Challenge has put the spotlight on
how technology can transform the country's tourism landscape and, crucially, how it
could open new doors for small businesses in rural and underrepresented
communities

    Youth tourism tech innovations hold promise for small businesses

    Itumeleng Seleke, CEO and operations manager of Nomusa BNB (Pty) Ltd in
Richards Bay, said the government’s push on destination marketing offers a chance
to diversify offerings and attract more visitors.

    Tourism plan brings fresh hope for small businesses

    G20 Tourism Ministers Summit has opened new opportunities for SMEs

    Tourism Investment Summit unveils R1bn in new projects

    Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille noted  that SMEs are the backbone of the industry.

    SMEs pin hopes on G20 tourism priorities

    Bead makers are hoping to cash in on the abundance of cultural events during Heritage Month. 
Photo: Lucas Ledwaba/Mukurukuru Media

    Bead makers look to cash in on Heritage Month festivities

    North West SMEs in the tourism sector are hoping to cash in on a new strategy shift by the provincial government. Photo. North West Arts and Culture

    Tourism strategy shift gives SMEs new hope

    Statistics show that more than 79 000 tourists from China visited the country in 2023/4.

    Mandarin training could give local tourism business the edge

    SMEs in the tourism sector in Eastern Cape are set to benefit from SanParks incubation program

    Tourism SMEs to benefit from Sanparks incubation initiative

  • Advertise
No Result
View All Result
Vutivi
No Result
View All Result

Small Business Development to rescue of informal traders

by Lucas Ledwaba
September 28, 2020
in Business
Reading Time: 3 mins read
A A
Traders like Fhumulani Muambadzi and Manyage Shonisani say the elevation of the club to the Premier Soccer League will help stimulate their business. Photo: Lucas Ledwaba/Mukurukuru Media

Traders like Fhumulani Muambadzi and Manyage Shonisani say the elevation of the club to the Premier Soccer League will help stimulate their business. Photo: Lucas Ledwaba/Mukurukuru Media

Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare via Email

Informal food traders Fhumulani Muambadzi and Manyage Shonisani were so desperate to restart their business after the easing of Covid-19 lockdown regulations they approached a loan shark to request a low-interest advance.
The duo, who operate along the busy R524 between Makhado and Thohoyandou in Limpopo, did not have funds to restart their business after five months of closure forced by Covid-19 lockdown regulations.
“We did not have any other choice. We had no other income during the lockdown and now we have to buy stock so we can start working again,” Shonisani said. Informal traders who form a large live from hand to mouth were the hardest hit by the lockdown regulations. Although the informal sector forms a large part of the economy many of their enterprises like food vendors and various sectors are not registered with the relevant government departments.
Minister of Small Business Development Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said she had chosen a path to assist small businesses to adapt to the new normal that required new business models. Ntshavheni said the plan entailed two phases which included Covid-19 Relief and supporting the re-start of small businesses for economic recovery.
The department has set aside R50 million to assist rural and township businesses as part of an ambitious plan to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on SMMEs. The plan included a debt relief fund catering for the provision of working capital, income protection and business survival.
Ntshaveni said the focus of the business recovery plan would be on township and rural entrepreneurship, strengthening informal businesses and localisation through targeted import replacement and supporting the utilisation of local skills and services in the infrastructure program.
Ntshaveni said as at May 8 that a total of 1 501 SMMEs were approved to the total value of R513 million.
“The value of the approval was later revised to a total R424mil across the same SMMEs as the country moved from level 5 lockdown to level 4 and ultimately level 3 due to many SMMEs being able to recommence business operations and therefore only requiring support for fewer months,” she said.
Ntshavheni said they have sent teams across municipalities to help informal businesses to register and comply with regulations so they can be included in the SMME database This may in the long term help businesses like those of Shonisani to seek assistance from more controlled and regulated entities and not loan sharks.
“The mashonisa wants his money whether business is good or not. So we have to work hard and ensure that we repay on time,” Shonisani said.

Tags: COVID-19debt relief fundEconomyInformal food tradersLoan sharkNtshavheni
Previous Post

Too early to count profits says tavern owners

Next Post

Beauty industry continues to feel effects of Covid-19

Lucas Ledwaba

Lucas Ledwaba

Related Posts

Small-scale farmers and livestock SMMEs in the North West are calling for urgent action to safeguard their businesses and livelihoods, after years of grappling with escalating crime and inadequate support.

SMEs call for solutions as crime wave bites

October 2, 2025
Eskom Development Foundation CEO, Cecil Ramonotsi

Eskom’s business connect powers up SMEs

October 2, 2025
Cranes operating amid backlog at Durban port, exporters say equipment bottlenecks are contributing to delays

SMEs hit hard as Durban port congestion worsens

October 2, 2025
Load More
Next Post
South Africa's beauty industry will still experience the financial aftermath long after the COVID-19 pandemic has passed.  Photo by Edgar Chaparro/Unsplash

Beauty industry continues to feel effects of Covid-19

A note from Vutivi Business News Founder, Moipone Malefane

Emerging farmer Pfananani Augustine Masisi is slowly breaking into the retail market even though it was difficult in the beginning. He farms crops such as cabbage and spinach. He was a photographer before moving into farming. His biggest dream is to open an agricultural school to mentor young emerging farmers. Photo: Lucas Ledwaba/Mukurukuru Media

Young farmers change face of farming

Information Inspiration Education | Analysis

South Africa's best news resource for micro-businesses and township entrepreneurs.

Follow Vutivi Business News on WhatsApp

FEATURED POST

Small-scale farmers and livestock SMMEs in the North West are calling for urgent action to safeguard their businesses and livelihoods, after years of grappling with escalating crime and inadequate support.

SMEs call for solutions as crime wave bites

October 2, 2025
Eskom Development Foundation CEO, Cecil Ramonotsi

Eskom’s business connect powers up SMEs

October 2, 2025
Cranes operating amid backlog at Durban port, exporters say equipment bottlenecks are contributing to delays

SMEs hit hard as Durban port congestion worsens

October 2, 2025
According to industry estimates, ASM contributes R30–40 billion annually to the economy, yet most of this activity remains undocumented.

Small scale miners await outcome of new mining bill

October 2, 2025

Vutivi is a digital business news platform that will serve the Small Medium Micro Enterprises in the form of writing stories that will be informative about their sector. We pledge to deliver a commercially sustainable, world-class digital financial and business news service that is a must-read while being responsive to readership needs and tailor-making packages for SMMEs.

Categories

  • Agriculture
  • Analysis
  • Business
  • Finance
  • Government Business
  • Innovation
  • Profile
  • Top story
  • Tourism

Get in Touch

Email

news@vutivibusiness.co.za

© 2025 Vutivi. All rights reserved. Website by AIPX Atelier

Advertise / Privacy Policy / Contact

No Result
View All Result
  • Business
  • Agriculture
  • Innovation
  • Finance
  • Tourism
  • Advertise

© 2024 Vutivi // Website by AIPX Atelier.