Minister unveils R2.9bn budget for small businesses

Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni on Friday tabled in the National Assembly her department's R2.9 billion budget for the 2025/26 financial year.

- MAYIBONGWE MAQHINA

Speaking during the budget vote debate, Ndabeni said the budget reflected their unwavering commitment to the spirit of the Freedom Charter.

“We are building a more inclusive economy that enables youth, women and communities in townships and rural areas to participate meaningfully in shaping South Africa’s future through micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) development,” she said.

Ndabeni also said R2.4bn of the budget would be transfers and subsidies to the department’s entities, while the remaining R468 million was meant for compensation of employees at R265m, R197m for goods and services, and R6m in capital expenditure.