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Minister of Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni has launched a national drive to overhaul the Inyamazane Fund, starting with a high-profile consultation at Mthatha Stadium.
What Happened
Minister Ndabeni led the first in a series of public consultations aimed at revitalising the Inyamazane Fund, a financial support programme intended for businesses owned by South African military veterans.
The session took place at Mthatha Stadium in the Eastern Cape and was facilitated by the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEFDA). The review process will collect input from veterans across the country to redesign the fund for greater impact and accessibility.
In her keynote address, the Minister stressed the importance of economic inclusion for former service members:
“Military veterans laid down their lives for the freedom we enjoy today. We have a responsibility to ensure they are properly integrated into society and supported to participate meaningfully in the economy.”
Official Response
The Department of Small Business Development and SEFDA say the revitalisation process is meant to address existing gaps in how the Inyamazane Fund operates. Many veterans struggle to access capital or business development support, despite being eligible.
The consultations will help reshape the fund to reflect on-the-ground realities faced by veteran-owned enterprises.
Community Impact
Eastern Cape, a province with a large number of military veterans, is expected to play a key role in shaping the fund’s redesign.
This initiative could unlock job creation and entrepreneurship opportunities across the region — especially in underserved areas like the OR Tambo District.
Quick Facts:
- Event held at: Mthatha Stadium
- Focus: Revitalising the Inyamazane Fund
- Audience: Military veterans, SMME stakeholders
- Led by: Minister Stella Ndabeni and SEFDA
- Next: National consultations continue in other provinces
