BBU calls for transparency at township business fund launch

The Black Business Unity (BBU) has expressed optimism over the Department of Small Business Development’s R500 million support fund, for township-based businesses. 

The organisation’s spokesperson, Mike Molloyi, said that despite their optimism, they are disappointed by the Department’s ongoing refusal to disclose the list of past and present beneficiaries of state-funded support.

Molloyi said the lack of transparency raised serious concerns about accountability, fairness, and the equitable distribution of resources meant to empower Black-owned enterprises.

“The right to know how public resources are allocated is not only a matter of good governance, but also a constitutional imperative,” said Molloyi.

“Organised businesses, civil society, and township entrepreneurs deserve to know who is being supported, which areas are being prioritided, and what measurable outcomes are expected from these investments.”

Molloyi, however, said that together with other business organisations, the BBU would closely monitor how small businesses would be prioritised and funded.  

The organisation further called on the Department of Small Business Development to publish a full list of businesses that have received support under the R500 million fund and similar schemes over the past five years.

“BBU calls on the Ministry to immediately publish a clear selection criterion and the decision-making process used in awarding funding, geographic and demographic breakdown of beneficiaries to assess equity and inclusion” said Molloyi. 

Mollyi demanded the establishment of an independent monitoring and evaluation panel that includes representatives from organized Black businesses.

“If we are to truly take our power back as Black business leaders, we must demand not only funding, but also fair processes, open access to information, and active inclusion in the economic transformation agenda.”

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