
Trade Minister concerned by hurdles faced by black-owned enterprises in the country
Tau raised the frustrations impacting the growth of small businesses while speaking at a transport sector engagement session today, which focused on initiatives that support black-owned businesses across different industries.
Tau said that launching the transformation fund will help resolve some of the barriers that exist for previously disadvantaged groups-- including funding requirements.
Parks Tau published a draft concept document on the R100 billion fund last month.
The fund is expected to be a catalyst for financial support.
READ: Tau doesn't expect R100bn transformation fund to threaten existing B-BBEE legislation
Tau said that it is important to ensure that there's also adequate support for small and medium businesses in the transport industry.
'By embedding clear targets for black ownership, management control and supplier diversity in our sector codes, we ensure that modernisation benefits all stakeholders. The transformation fund will be co-managed with private sector partners, creating accountability and shared commitment."
He called on industries to align with the fund's objectives to achieve rapid and inclusive growth.

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The South African
19 hours ago
- The South African
D-day for the South African economy less than a WEEK away
D-day for the South African economy – Wednesday 9 July 2025 – is now less than a week away. And talks of a necessary extension is creating growing tension in government ranks. Back in April of this year, US President Donald Trump instituted 30% tariffs on South Africa for all goods imported into America. But facing tremendous backlash worldwide, Trump hit pause on the tariffs for 90 days. This takes us to next weeks' D-day for the South African economy. Trade talks with the US started in May, but have not resulted in any concrete framework as yet. Image: File Unfortunately, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), Parks Tau, has shared little in the way of progress on crucial US-SA trade talks. All he can confirm is that South Africa is (one of many countries) asking for more time, reports The Citizen . Interestingly, it appears to be US delegates that are dragging their heels on trade talks. South Africa is yet to hear anything after a trade delegation submitted several proposals to the US back in May. The DTIC put forward a framework agreement focusing on trade and investment. And it identified key areas for growth in each nation's markets. However, as of now, it appears to have done little to stave of D-day for the South African economy … US insistence that South Africa must reform politically does not sit well with ANC leadership. Image: File As such, it appears the acrimonious relationship between the US and South Africa is grounded instead in ideological differences. There have been reports that President Ramaphosa's unwavering stance on BEE and denial of land expropriation has raised the hackles of US delegates. Nevertheless, last week, the Deputy Minister of Trade met with a US representative on the sidelines of a summit in Luanda, Angola. South Africa used the meeting to raise its concerns about the impact of the reciprocal tariffs in Africa. Worst-case scenario, South Africa is seeking a maximum tariff application of 10%. Vehicles like the South African-built Ford Ranger are exported all over the world and will suffer if 30% Trump tariffs go ahead next week. Image: File In a bid to avert D-day for the South African economy, the DTIC wants key export products exempted from the Section 232 tariffs. These include cars and car parts, as well as steel and aluminium. Although time is running out the DTIC is confident: 'The proposed framework will go through the internal approval processes in the US administration. South Africa welcomes this and has expressed a preparedness to engage once it is finalised.' Meanwhile, government is urging industry to exercise strategic patience and not take any decisions in haste. 'Government will continue to use every avenue to engage with the US to find an amicable solution to safeguard our interests in the US market,' concludes the department. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
Elon Musk's Starlink will have to wait for years – or find a way around B-BBEE laws ahead of G20
President Cyril Ramaphosa denied harbouring ideas of relaxing economic transformation laws to benefit tech billionaire Elon Musk after his recent visit to the US. In his recent weekly letter to the nation, Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa's commitment to broad-based economic policies that are central to fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Image: Presidency Pretoria-born tech tycoon Elon Musk will have to wait for about two years before his Starlink satellite internet company can legally enter the South African market – a vital area for the service to operate optimally in the region. Starlink – already available in a number of Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other countries on the continent – is reportedly aiming to launch its services in SA ahead of the G20 conference hosted by South Africa and opening in November. But the company still intends to bypass the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) law and its 30% previously disadvantaged individual ownership laws that Musk has labelled as 'racist', preferring instead to go the Equity Equivalent Investment Programme route, which on its own is not enough to be granted a licence. 'The wheels of government don't mill that fast,' said Paul Colmer, an executive committee member of the Wireless Access Providers' Association (WAPA), a non-profit wireless industry association established in 2006. Speaking to the Pretoria News on Wednesday about their 2025 WAPALOZA conference held in Muldersdrift near Johannesburg from June 23-25, Colmer estimated that it would take about two years for the Electronic Communications Act to be amended. He based this on a presentation by a legal practitioner who made a presentation at the conference. He said as things stood, to 'sidetrack' the B-BBEE requirements there would need to be a change in legislation, which is a 'long process'. There were other ways Starlink could speed up its entry into South Africa, including through partnering with local entities that already have the required B-BBEE status, but Musk and Starlink reportedly "really, really do not like the idea of middle-men". The company and its representatives have also been accused of using Musk's proximity to US President Donald Trump and members of his administration to expand across Africa and in other countries. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Colmer said Starlink, which has been 'overhyped' when there were other similar service providers to choose from, was discussed at their conference but was not the main topic. The key points of discussion included spectrum sharing – a major source of opportunities for the smaller local wireless internet service provider (WISP) following Icasa's recent legislation amendment – and artificial intelligence (AI). However, Colmer said his personal highlight was the technical presentations or regulatory discussions – it was the inspirational human stories of innovation and perseverance, especially that of Songezo Mhambi from the underserved Eastern Cape who spoke on "How I Built a WISP". He said Mhambi started with network switches on his bed because the roof was leaking everywhere else, literally sleeping with his network equipment. He fought to get bank funding, overcame incredible hurdles, and now he's expanding and creating employment. Today, Songezo is, among other things, founder and CEO at Mdaswifi, founder at Vice-Tech, a renowned tech entrepreneur and a 'digital evangelist'. Colmer said he wished he could clone Mhambi because people like him are the solution to getting everyone in South Africa connected. A representative from the Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) spoke about the connectivity ecosystem, emphasising how different forms of wireless technology can complement rather than simply compete with each other. Various connectivity solutions – from cellular to wi-fi to satellite – each have unique strengths and weaknesses that can together create a robust network ecosystem able to reliably and economically serve communities across South Africa's diverse landscape. Describing the conference as a success and welcoming the 'pragmatic optimism' displayed, Colmer reiterated his view that Starlink was 'overhyped' and dismissed concerns that Musk's constellation was going to kill the smaller wireless connectivity operators. In his conference summary he said: 'Yes, Starlink is coming, but OneWeb is already legally available in South Africa. Amazon's Project Kuiper is on the way. The Chinese are building their own constellation. 'But here's what I think got lost in all the hype: Starlink isn't the WISP killer some people fear it is. It has real limitations – downloading certain apps is problematic, WhatsApp calling isn't ideal. It's going to be complementary rather than primary. In countries that initially moved from WISPs to Starlink, many have actually moved back to WISPs.'


The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Major funding lifeline for township traders
Local spaza shop owners are urged to apply for the R500m Spaza Shop Support Fund, a national initiative aimed at strengthening township convenience stores by providing funding, training, and business development support. This is according to Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM) communications officer, Refilwe Mahlangu. She said a recent information session was held at Centenary Hall, where the city's Local Economic Development Section and the West Rand District Municipality partnered with the Department of Small Business Development, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEFA), and the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) to educate entrepreneurs on how to access the Spaza Shop Support Fund. Key stakeholders who attended the session included Executive Mayor Lucky Sele, representatives from the South African Revenue Services (SARS), West Rand District Municipality representative Sivuyile Boyce and Gauteng Department of Economic Development Head Mpho Nawa. 'Launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in November last year as part of the government's response to the foodborne illness crisis, the fund supports spaza shops through financial assistance and training, with a strong emphasis on food safety, business sustainability and market competitiveness,' said Mahlangu. She added that the support available will include: • Stock purchases via approved partners • Infrastructure upgrades (eg, fridges, shelves, security) • Operational tools and systems • Training: Point of Sale device use, business management, digital skills, food safety, and more However, Mahlangu emphasised that people who qualify for this fund are South African citizens operating spaza shops in townships or rural areas. 'Shops must be registered with the local municipality. For funding above R80 000, registration with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission and SARS is required. Shops must meet compliance standards and be owner-managed. Up to R100 000 in support is available for qualifying businesses,' Mahlangu continued. The details for more information and applications on this fund are below: • Contact 011 305 8080 • Visit the website • In person: At your local municipality, NEF or SEFA office At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!