Economic Innovation
Awards

Research to results: Q&A with Ravini Moodley on scaling innovation in a constrained economy

From blombos to beyond: Celebrating South Africa’s zany DNA of innovation

Jacques Moolman

All systems go for this year's WC Economic Innovation Awards at the CT City Hall

MADE POSSIBLE BY:

More 2026 Western Cape Economic Innovation Awards

Subscribe & Follow

Advertise your job vacancies

Digital platform to support spaza shops goes live

The Department of Small Business Development has unveiled a digital platform to support spaza shops and other food-handling facilities as well as combat illegal businesses.

1 Apr 2025

Source:https://dsbdconnect.co.za/

The new digital platforms went live on 28 March 2025, following the announcement by Small Business Development Minister, Stella Ndabeni.

DSBD Connect is a digital platform designed to geo-map and support spaza shops and other food-handling facilities, while addressing the proliferation of illegal businesses across South Africa

The department said DSBD Connect will function as a comprehensive digital platform, offering:

• A verified database of spaza shops and food-handling facilities in the country.
• Robust business and product authentication processes.
• Facilitation of partnerships with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
• Access to funding and credit opportunities for small enterprises.

“This initiative is in line with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s commitment to combating illegal business operations that compromise consumer safety and undermine the local economy. Through DSBD Connect, the Department of Small Business Development is fostering sustainable business growth, regulatory compliance, and community empowerment,” the department said in a statement.

DSBD Connect is available at https://dsbdconnect.co.za/

Source: SAnews.gov.za

SAnews.gov.za is a South African government news service, published by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS). SAnews.gov.za (formerly BuaNews) was established to provide quick and easy access to articles and feature stories aimed at keeping the public informed about the implementation of government mandates.

Go to: http://www.sanews.gov.za