Small business owners across South Africa say the latest Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) 2024/2025 Annual Report gives them renewed confidence that government support for entrepreneurs is improving.
The report highlights major achievements by the Department and its agencies, the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) and the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA), in SMMEs and cooperatives. It shows progress in areas such as funding, training, mentorship, and market access, with a special focus on women, youth, and township entrepreneurs.
Mmathapelo Radebe, who runs a small bakery in Sebokeng, Gauteng, said SEDA’s mentorship programme helped her formalise her business and increase production.
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“Before their training, I didn’t understand how to manage my finances or handle orders properly. Now I employ three young people and even supply local schools,” she said.
Siyanda Ndlovu, who owns a furniture manufacturing business in Mthatha, said access to SEFA funding changed his operation for the better.
“I used to make everything by hand, but with the loan I bought better equipment, now I can produce more items and take on bigger contracts,” said Ndlovu.
Lethabo Mokwena, a plumber from Mamelodi, said his business has grown through DSBD’s training and networking initiatives.
“They helped us learn how to bid for government tenders and how to meet compliance requirements. Those skills helped me secure contracts I never thought I could get,” he said.
According to the DSBD report, thousands of small businesses across all nine provinces have benefited from its programmes. The department also noted progress in digital transformation, supporting entrepreneurs to use online tools and e-commerce platforms to reach new markets.
While most business owners interviewed welcomed these developments, they also called for faster processing of funding applications and greater local outreach.
“The programmes are working, but many small business owners in rural areas still don’t know how to access them,” said Ndlovu.
The DSBD said it remains committed to building stronger partnerships with local municipalities and the private sector to ensure that more entrepreneurs receive the support they need to thrive.
