SOWETO WORKSHOP AIMS TO EMPOWER LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS
Spaza shop and informal traders gather at Klipspruit Sports Centre to prepare for Gauteng summit, learn compliance and business skills
SOWETO – A spaza shop and informal traders workshop was hosted at the Klipspruit Sports Centre in Soweto on August 25, drawing dozens of local business owners eager to learn how to formalise their operations and prepare for the upcoming Gauteng Spaza Shop and Informal Traders Summit and Expo 2026.
The workshop formed part of the Gauteng Department of Economic Development’s programme to encourage business owners to ensure their businesses are fully compliant, while also providing information on how to run functional and profitable enterprises.
Benji Seitlhamo from the City of Johannesburg Department of Economic Development emphasised that the workshop was a build-up to the summit, which is set to take place on 17 and 18 September.
Spaza shop owner Selogilwe Sekwenyane said: “These sessions are important, especially for us as residents, because we do not receive enough information in our communities. We need this information to help build the township economy.”
COMPLIANCE AND FORMALISATION AT THE HEART OF THE WORKSHOP
The workshop focused on equipping informal traders with the knowledge and tools needed to register their businesses, comply with municipal regulations, and access government support programmes.
With the township economy playing an increasingly vital role in South Africa’s economic landscape, initiatives like these are seen as critical to unlocking the potential of small and micro-enterprises. Informal traders and spaza shop owners form the backbone of many communities, providing essential goods and services while creating employment opportunities.
The workshop also addressed challenges such as access to funding, business registration processes, and the importance of maintaining proper records.
GAUTENG SUMMIT TO BUILD ON WORKSHOP MOMENTUM
The Gauteng Spaza Shop and Informal Traders Summit and Expo 2026, scheduled for 17 and 18 September 17, is expected to bring together stakeholders from across the province to discuss policy frameworks, access to markets, and support mechanisms for informal businesses.
The summit will provide a platform for traders to engage directly with government officials, financial institutions, and industry experts. It is expected to build on the momentum generated by the Soweto workshop and other similar initiatives across the province.
TOWNSHIP ECONOMY A PRIORITY FOR GAUTENG
The Gauteng Department of Economic Development has identified the township economy as a key priority area, recognising its potential to drive inclusive growth and job creation.
Initiatives such as the spaza shop workshop and the upcoming summit form part of a broader strategy to formalise and support informal businesses, improve access to markets, and create an enabling environment for entrepreneurship.
