Community, spaza shop owners gather in Soweto to get info on funding

Community members including spaza shop owners have gathered in large numbers at Eyethu Shopping Centre in Soweto ahead of the official launch of the Spaza Shop Support Fund.

Many say they are there to gain more information on how they can benefit from the half-a-billion rand support fund.

The money will be given to South African-owned township community convenience stores and spaza shops.

It will cover among others the initial purchase of stock, upgrading of building infrastructure, refrigeration and shelving.

Some of those attending spoke to SABC News.

“I have a spaza shop so I came here for information, I’ve registered my shop so I want to know how I can access or apply for the funding, so I came here to gain knowledge”

” I came here to gain information so that my business can grow so that I can be able to employ and empower other South Africans.”