On this page you will find statements and op-eds distributed by SBI; coverage the Institute receives and news about and for SMEs. While we do not necessarily endorse political parties, nor the findings of other research institutions, our research and advocacy positions are increasingly highlighted by influential commentators. We post these articles or interviews here for your review.
News releases & OpEds
Time to Pay Up: Government unveils toughest crackdown on late payments in over 25 years
Time to Pay Up: Government unveils toughest crackdown on late payments in over 25 years Small businesses to be backed by new, stronger measures to tackle late payments. UK is backing small businesses with the toughest laws on late payments in the G7 Sweeping new...
Untangling the Knot: Navigating South Africa’s SMME Regulatory Landscape in 2026
Untangling the Knot: Navigating South Africa’s SMME Regulatory Landscape in 2026 Written by: Christo Owen van der Rheede For a small business owner in South Africa, the dream of entrepreneurship often collides with a sobering reality: a "paperwork ceiling" known as...
About FASA 2026 Conference and EXPO
About FASA 2026 Conference and EXPO South Africa is reaching a critical economic juncture. While franchising currently contributes a significant 15% to our GDP, FASA's 2026 Conference and EXPO focused on the transformative shift to 20%. The event served as a strategic...
SBI Podcast, episode two on B20 – In conversation with Dr Anthony Costa
SBI Podcast series episode two on B20- In conversation with, Dr Anthony CostaIn Episode 2 from the Small Business Institute's B20 podcast series, we sit down with Dr. Anthony Costa, a key figure at the heart of B20 South Africa’s preparations. Dr. Costa shares an...
SBI BPL SME Indaba left Small Business owners inspired!
THE SBI BPL SME INDABA – AN EVENT THAT EMPOWERED AND INSPIRED! The SBI BPL SME Indaba “Finance as a growth enabler” were held on 26 August 2025 at Bryanston Country Club. It was nothing short of a powerhouse day for South Africa’s small business segment. Co-hosted...
SBI BPL SME Indaba: “Finance As a Growth Enabler” – Tues, 26 August 2025
Attention Small Business Owners, SME Champions, and Everyone Driving Growth in the SME Ecosystem! The Small Business Institute (SBI) and Business Partners Limited are excited to invite you formally to join us at the next SME Indaba -- a must-attend event focusing on:...
SUBMISSION BY THE SMALL BUSINESS INSTITUTE ON THE DRAFT TRANSFORMATION FUND CONCEPT PAPER
SUBMISSION BY THE SMALL BUSINESS INSTITUTE ON THE DRAFT TRANSFORMATION FUND CONCEPT PAPER To: the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (“dtic”)By email: transformationfund@thedtic.gov.za May 28 2025 Introduction and background Earlier this year, government,...
SBI Podcast, Episode one on B20 – In conversation with BUSA CEO Khulekani Mathe
Get ready for an insightful episode where we unpack everything you need to know about the B20 with BUSA CEO, Khulekani Mathe —what it is, how it differs from the G20, and why it matters for business in South Africa and beyond. We’ll break down the unique role of...
SBI SME Indaba – Tuesday 20 May 2025 – “Innovation amidst compliance burden – unlocking the power of new technology.”
Attention Small Business owners, Business Chamber organisations and all role players in the SME enablement ecosystem! You are invited to the Next SBI SME Indaba being hosted on Tuesday 20 May 2025. Seats are limited, make sure to register to avoid disappointment!...
MEDIA STATEMENT: SBI CALLS ON RAMAPHOSA TO PLACE SMES AT THE HEART OF THE GROWTH AGENDA | MEDIA STATEMENT: SBI CALLS ON RAMAPHOSA TO PLACE SMES AT THE HEART OF THE GROWTH AGENDA
The Small Business Institute (“SBI”), which represents thousands of small
State of the Nation: Toby Chance talks DA Economic policy
“DA will stay in the GNU” with Toby Chance
Newzroom Afrika: Probe into SABS structural failures
Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau wants an investigation
Media Statement: SBI Mourns the Passing of Tito Mboweni
It was with a great shock that the Small Business
Media Statement: Small Business Institute Mourns the Passing of Mr Pravin Gordhan
September 13 2024 will be remembered for the sadness it
Media Release: SBI welcomes the formation of the Small Enterprise Development Advisory Board
The Small Business Institute (“SBI”), SA’s big voice for small
SBI reported in the news
Business Community Reaction to the 2026 National Budget
Business Community Reaction to the 2026 National Budget The business community, represented by the Small Business Institute (SBI) and the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI), noted that this year’s presentation was significantly more stable than the...
SBI CALLS FOR IMPLEMENTATION, A PAUSE ON NEW INITIATIVES
SBI CALLS FOR IMPLEMENTATION, A PAUSE ON NEW INITIATIVES February 11, 2026 Embargo: none As President Cyril Ramaphosa prepares to deliver his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday night, the Small Business Institute is calling on the President to focus on...
Business Unity SA slams Minister Tau’s decision to withdraw credit act reforms
Business Unity SA slams Minister Tau’s decision to withdraw credit act reformsThe minister withdrew proposed changes to the National Credit Act, which were aimed at helping small businesses secure loans. Motheo Khoaripe speaks to Khulekani Mathe (CEO designate of...
THE MONSTER OF LATE PAYMENTS STILL GOBBLING BUSINESSES
THE MONSTER OF LATE PAYMENTS STILL GOBBLING BUSINESSES During the Covid-19 pandemic, Business Unity SA, Business Leadership SA and the Small Business Institute ran a campaign to encourage publicly quoted companies to pay small business suppliers within 30 days. More...
OPINION | Investing in small businesses can fuel growth
Investing in small businesses can fuel growth The year 2024 was a pivotal year in the world's history. For SA, the 30th anniversary of the first democratic election ushered in the second incarnation of the government of national unity (GNU). The context for GNU-2024...
Ecommerce Business SA Regulations and Compliance – SBI CEO John Dludlu
Ecommerce Business SA Regulations and Compliance - SBI CEO John Dludlu
Small Business Institute outlines issues with spaza registration
JOHANNESBURG - It’s deadline-day for spaza shop owners and food vendors to register their businesses on Friday. This is part of government’s attempts to ensure compliance with regulations after several incidents of food-borne deaths and illnesses. Owners who fail to...
ENCA: Discussion | Small businesses expert responds to spaza shop deadline extension
JOHANNESBURG – The deadline for spaza shop registrations has been extended
The Phumlani Majozi Show: Will the GNU be good for small businesses? | EP 44 – econCHAT
Phumlani speaks to CEO of Small Business Institute, John Dludlu, about
Business Day: JOHN DLUDLU: Wrong diagnosis, and wrong medicine, for spaza shops
At last, the government has acknowledged the obvious — SA’s spaza
EWN: ‘It’s not business as usual. Informal business sector needs to be regulated soon’ – Small Business Institute
The recent food poisoning incidents have reignited discussions about the
Business Day: JOHN DLUDLU: Informal business sector needs to be regulated and soon
For years the government has been promising to regulate informal
Mercury: SBI pays tribute to Tito Mboweni
The Small Business Institute (SBI), has paid tribute to former
Vutivi Business: New small govt body a step in the right direction: SBI
The Small Business Institute (SBI) has welcomed the establishment of
Daily Maverick: YES aims to grow SME sector through zero fee campaign
To stimulate the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector – rightfully
