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

EFF bid to oust National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza defeated

The EFF’s bid to remove National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has been defeated by 282 votes to 101. Julius Malema accused Didiza of protecting President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ANC. The motion was supported by MKP, ACDP, ATM, NCC and UAT. Phemelo speaks to Legal Expert Bophelo Seleke and EFF…
26 Aug 2PM 31 min

South Sudan President Salva Kiir in SA for official visit

South Sudan President Salva Kiir is in South Africa for high-level talks with President Cyril Ramaphosa, as the country prepares for elections later this year. The visit comes amid concerns over violations of the revitalised peace agreement and tensions with the main opposition. Phemelo speaks to Africa correspondent Nixon Katembo.
25 Aug 3PM 12 min

Ramaphosa calls for political unity to tackle SA water crisis

President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa can tackle its water crisis through the same coordinated approach used to address load shedding. He says the National Water Action Plan targets poor infrastructure, municipal failures, corruption and criminality. Phemelo speaks to WaterCan Executive Director, Dr Ferrial Adam.
25 Aug 3PM 13 min

R370 SRD grant rules challenged

The future of the R370 SRD grant is under scrutiny as government appeals a High Court ruling that found it should be treated as a permanent social grant. The Institute for Economic Justice says government must justify limits on who qualifies and ensure fair access. Phemelo speaks to IEJ Senior…
25 Aug 3PM 13 min

Home Affairs warns deportation costs could hit key programmes

The Home Affairs Committee is concerned that R341 million spent on increased deportations could force the department to divert funds from planned programmes. It says the department’s annual deportation budget is already depleted and is calling for a sustainable plan to address the pressure. Portfolio Committee Chairperson Mosa Chabane joins…
25 Aug 2PM 8 min
All episodes