Stories

A New Era for Small Businesses: The Small Enterprise Ombud Service

Small Enterprise Ombud
The adoption of the National Small Enterprise Amendment Act of 2024 into law and the establishment of the small enterprise ombud service represent a pivotal advancement in creating a more equitable business landscape for small enterprises across South Africa. This office was designed to designed to provide affordable and effective access to justice for small businesses navigating legal disputes and regulatory challenges.
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The township economy and the developing supply chain brands

Township Economy supply chain brands
The South African township economy is witnessing a digital revolution in supply chain management, transforming how small businesses and spaza shops operate. Innovative companies like Delivery Ka Speed and Vuleka are introducing game-changing solutions for local entrepreneurs. From "buy now, pay later" options to efficient inventory management systems, these platforms are helping spaza shops modernize their operations. Tech-driven solutions are addressing critical challenges in logistics, stock control, and payment systems, proving that township businesses can thrive in the digital age.
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Counterfeit Goods and the Struggle of the Township Entrepreneur

Counterfeit Goods in Spaza Shops
South Africa's township economy, worth over R100 billion, is under siege by counterfeit goods. With 15-20% of spaza shop products potentially fake, legitimate businesses face devastating economic challenges. These counterfeit items erode profit margins, undermine local entrepreneurship, and pose serious health risks, particularly in pharmaceutical and food sectors. The impact extends beyond individual businesses, threatening job creation, tax revenue, and economic growth. Combating this issue requires a multi-faceted approach: stronger law enforcement, consumer education, government support, and industry collaboration. By addressing the counterfeit trade, we can protect township entrepreneurs and safeguard South Africa's economic future.
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What does it take to run compliant spaza shops in 2024; and can they compete?

Compliant Spaza Shops
Discover the requirements for operating a compliant spaza shop in South Africa's township economy. Compliance include business registration, good safety and facilities preparedness. The level of regulation makes it difficult for compliant spaza shops to be price competitive; the suggestion is to enforce regulations across the board.
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Ino Biodiesel – a business success story

INO Diesel
Innocentia Mahlatse Mamaila's story is more than just a business success story for Ino Biodiesel. Her business produces biodiesel from used cooking oil and this is essentially a renewable substitute for petroleum. Her accomplishment exemplifies the power of harnessing innovation, environmental concerns and entrepreneurial spirit around a business idea. Ino Biodiesel stands as a great example for black and female entrepreneurs to look to manufacturing as a viable and worthwhile business to start.
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How a successful Agritech Startup made it

Agricool Agritech Founders
Agrikool, an Agritech company founded in 2019, connects farmers with retailers through technology, reducing operating costs and ensuring prompt payments. With rapid growth and successful funding rounds, it has disrupted the market and benefited both farmers and retailers. By addressing the demand for efficiency in the food supply chain, Agrikool has emerged as a winning business.
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