Spaza shop associations and township entrepreneurship forums are expressing urgent concerns regarding the R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund and this evening we look at some of the
challenges faced by locals in building and maintaining spaza shops, as well as, the support needed in order to bolster businesses owned by South Africans in townships.

Spaza shop associations and township entrepreneurship forums&nbsp;are expressing urgent concerns regarding the R500 million Spaza&nbsp;Shop Support Fund and this evening we look at some of the challenges faced by locals in building and maintaining spaza&nbsp;shops, as well as, the support needed in order to bolster&nbsp;businesses owned by South Africans in townships.

METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope

METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope

AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: South African Owned Township Businesses in Crisis

Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela’s decision to place the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) under administration has been met with criticism from student bodies, opposition parties, labour unions and civil society organisations. Manamela has defended the move, saying it is necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the financial aid scheme. He has appointed Hlengani Mathebula as administrator.

Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela&rsquo;s decision to place the&nbsp;National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) under&nbsp;administration has been met with criticism from student bodies,&nbsp;opposition parties, labour unions and civil society organisations.&nbsp;Manamela has defended the move, saying it is necessary to&nbsp;ensure the long-term sustainability of the financial aid scheme.&nbsp;He has appointed Hlengani Mathebula as administrator.

Mixed Reactions to Manamela Placing NSFAS Under Administration

The Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration has added its reaction to a report by the Sunday Times that hundreds of public servants remain suspended with full pay, costing the state about R800 million a year. The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Jan de Villiers, says the committee will request the Minister of Public Service and Administration to brief the committee on the reasons
disciplinary matters remain unresolved beyond prescribed timeframes and the corrective steps the department is taking.

The Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration&nbsp;has added its reaction to a report by the Sunday Times that&nbsp;hundreds of public servants remain suspended with full pay,&nbsp;costing the state about R800 million a year.&nbsp;The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Jan de Villiers, says the&nbsp;committee will request the Minister of Public Service and&nbsp;Administration to brief the committee on the reasons disciplinary matters remain unresolved beyond prescribed&nbsp;timeframes and the corrective steps the department is taking.

R800 Million Reportedly Spent on Suspended Public Officials

South Africa’s proposed Tobacco Control Bill has ignited a heated national debate, with critics arguing that while it is designed as a public health measure, it may unintentionally strengthen the
country’s already booming illicit cigarette trade. The Bill is described not as a solution to smoking, but as a “gift to criminals” , warning that stricter regulations, packaging controls, advertising bans, and increased restrictions could push more consumers into the black market rather than reducing demand. This, critics argue, risks expanding the power and profitability of organised criminal syndicates who already dominate the illegal tobacco supply chain. At the heart of the debate is a deeper tension: should South Africa prioritise aggressive public health regulation to reduce
smoking rates, or focus on strengthening enforcement first to prevent illicit trade from flourishing? With estimates suggesting that the majority of cigarettes in circulation may already be illegal, opponents of the Bill argue that regulation without enforcement capacity could further weaken the formal industry, cost jobs, and reduce tax revenue. Supporters of the Bill, however, maintain that stronger controls are necessary to protect public health, reduce smoking prevalence, and align South Africa with global tobacco control standards,insisting that enforcement challenges should not delay
essential legislation. The question now driving public discourse is whether the Tobacco Bill will reduce harm or unintentionally deepen the influence of the very criminal networks it seeks to undermine.

South Africa&rsquo;s proposed Tobacco Control Bill has ignited a heated national debate, with critics arguing that while it is designed as a&nbsp;public health measure, it may unintentionally strengthen the country&rsquo;s already booming illicit cigarette trade.&nbsp;The Bill is described not as a solution to smoking, but as a &ldquo;gift to&nbsp;criminals&rdquo; , warning that stricter regulations, packaging controls,&nbsp;advertising bans, and increased restrictions could push more&nbsp;consumers into the black market rather than reducing demand.&nbsp;This, critics argue, risks expanding the power and profitability of&nbsp;organised criminal syndicates who already dominate the illegal&nbsp;tobacco supply chain.&nbsp;At the heart of the debate is a deeper tension: should South&nbsp;Africa prioritise aggressive public health regulation to reduce smoking rates, or focus on strengthening enforcement first to&nbsp;prevent illicit trade from flourishing? With estimates suggesting&nbsp;that the majority of cigarettes in circulation may already be&nbsp;illegal, opponents of the Bill argue that regulation without&nbsp;enforcement capacity could further weaken the formal industry,&nbsp;cost jobs, and reduce tax revenue.&nbsp;Supporters of the Bill, however, maintain that stronger controls&nbsp;are necessary to protect public health, reduce smoking&nbsp;prevalence, and align South Africa with global tobacco control&nbsp;standards,insisting that enforcement challenges should not delay essential legislation.&nbsp;The question now driving public discourse is whether the Tobacco&nbsp;Bill will reduce harm or unintentionally deepen the influence of&nbsp;the very criminal networks it seeks to undermine.

AFTER 8 IS AFTER 8: South African Owned Township Businesses in Crisis

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