The government’s latest Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement has laid out what could be a turning point for South Africa’s small business sector, pledging to dismantle long-standing barriers to finance and market access through a combination of fiscal discipline, credit reform, and infrastructure investment.
At the centre of the budget is a new credit guarantee vehicle to be launched in 2025, capitalised with R1.8 billion in partnership with the World Bank. Treasury says the facility will help de-risk private investment in public infrastructure projects by offering payment and termination guarantees, allowing more small contractors to secure work and finance.
Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana said the measure is part of a broader effort to “unlock private capital” and increase small business participation in the economy.
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“By improving the flow of private investment into major projects, we are widening participation and creating new opportunities for local businesses,” he said.
Another major reform involves lowering South Africa’s inflation target to three percent, with a one-point tolerance band. Treasury believes the shift will, over time, reduce inflation expectations and allow for permanently lower interest rates, easing pressure on households and businesses. Analysts say this could translate into cheaper borrowing costs for SMEs and create a more predictable investment climate.
The government’s fiscal consolidation drive, coupled with the country’s recent removal from the Financial Action Task Force grey list, is also expected to lift business confidence and attract foreign investment, both key to creating a healthier lending environment for SMEs.
Sibusiso Nkosi, managing director of Nkosi Civil Works in KwaZulu-Natal, said access to capital remains the biggest hurdle.
“Funds like these are always promising on paper, but small contractors need to see real implementation. If the process is transparent and fair, it can change lives. But if it stays bureaucratic, then nothing changes for businesses like ours,” he said.
Economist Sandile Dube said the emphasis on macroeconomic stability is an important foundation for growth.
“Lower inflation and sustainable debt management give the Reserve Bank space to cut rates, which is critical for small business borrowing. But fiscal credibility must be matched with delivery especially in how these credit instruments reach the ground,” he said.
For small firms struggling with high costs, erratic power supply, and limited access to finance, the budget offers a cautiously optimistic outlook. Its success, however, will depend on how quickly these reforms translate from policy to practice and whether small enterprises are finally able to tap into the investment wave the government is trying to build.
lazola@vutivibusiness.co.za
