Kaya 959 Point of View with Phemelo Motene

SA's Small Businesses on the Brink – Over Half May Shut Down Within a Year

Loading player...
South Africa’s small businesses are under serious pressure, and many might not make it. A new survey shows that more than half (55.3%) of small and medium-sized businesses say they can only survive for one more year - or less - under current rising cost conditions, unless they get outside support. The Small Business Growth Index, backed by Absa, SACCI and UNISA, paints a worrying picture, with a third of the 1,600 businesses surveyed already facing "critical risk." Inflation may seem low on paper, but for many business owners, the costs are stacking up fast. Phemelo speaks to Deputy Minister of Small Business Development, Jane Sithole, about what’s being done to help small businesses especially those in the informal sector.
12 Aug 2025 5PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

Medium-Term Budget: What it means for workers and households

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has announced temporary fuel levy relief, increased funding for municipalities and social services, and additional resources to fight crime in the 2026 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement. However, South Africa’s growth forecast has been cut to 1.2% for 2026, despite progress in stabilising government debt. Phemelo speaks…
21 Oct 2PM 17 min

Rand Water warns of looming water crisis as demand hits record levels

Rand Water is warning of possible water supply disruptions as municipalities, including Johannesburg and Tshwane, continue to exceed their allocations. The bulk supplier says it is pumping at maximum capacity, but rising consumption is putting increasing pressure on the system, making it harder to balance supply across the network. Phemelo…
21 Oct 2PM 17 min

Maile vows tighter teacher checks after Soweto sexual assault allegations

Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile says the department will strengthen background checks on teachers following allegations that a teacher sexually assaulted a Grade 4 pupil at Busisiwe Primary School in Soweto. The accused teacher has been placed on precautionary suspension while disciplinary proceedings continue. Maile is calling for stronger safeguards,…
21 Oct 2PM 17 min

Mbeki denies secret deal to shield apartheid-era generals

Former president Thabo Mbeki has dismissed as a “complete fabrication” allegations that he held secret meetings with former apartheid-era military and police generals to prevent their prosecution for crimes committed under apartheid. Testifying before the TRC Cases Inquiry, Mbeki denied that such meetings took place as the inquiry investigates alleged…
20 Oct 3PM 23 min

Sibiya denied bail over witness intimidation and evidence concerns

Former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya will remain in custody after a Randburg magistrate denied him bail, citing concerns about possible witness intimidation and the destruction of evidence. The court found that he had failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances justifying his release. Sibiya denies the charges against him and…
20 Oct 3PM 6 min
All episodes