Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams has hit back at a social media storm over claims that she helped undocumented foreign nationals secure government funding for spaza shops, dismissing the allegations as false, malicious and without any factual basis.

The controversy erupted after a purported statement began circulating online, alleging that Ndabeni-Abrahams had helped foreign nationals obtain spaza shop funding and personally benefited from the process.

The minister has categorically rejected the claims.

In a statement, Ndabeni-Abrahams said she had never personally approved funding applications under the programme and had not financially benefited from the government support initiative.

The allegations, she said, misrepresented how the funding process works and falsely attributed powers to political office bearers that they do not have.

How the Spaza Shop Funding Process Works

Ndabeni-Abrahams stressed that political heads are not responsible for administering or distributing financial assistance under the Spaza Shop Support Fund.

The programme is administered through designated implementing agencies, with applications subject to established procedures before funding can be approved.

According to the minister, the process includes:

• Independent administration: The Spaza Shop Support Fund is managed by designated implementing agencies rather than individual political office bearers.
• Eligibility and verification: Applications are subjected to established eligibility, verification and approval procedures.
• No individual override: Ministry officials do not have the authority to bypass the prescribed processes and personally approve funding applications.

The explanation comes as misinformation surrounding government support programmes continues to circulate rapidly across social media platforms, where fabricated statements can reach thousands of people before their authenticity is established.

Minister Warns Against Sharing Unverified Claims

Ndabeni-Abrahams urged members of the public to exercise caution before accepting or sharing information circulating online.

She warned that unsubstantiated allegations do more than damage the reputations of individuals. They can also undermine public confidence in state programmes designed to support small businesses and local communities.

The minister’s office described the circulating claims as malicious and urged the public to rely on verified information rather than social media posts presented as official statements.

The dispute also places renewed attention on the importance of transparency around government funding, particularly programmes aimed at supporting small businesses and spaza shop owners.

For now, Ndabeni-Abrahams has firmly rejected the allegations and maintained that the funding process operates through established administrative channels rather than personal intervention by political leaders.

As the claims continue to circulate online, the minister’s warning is directed at both the source of the allegations and those amplifying them: verify before sharing.

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