Parliament, Wednesday, 18 March 2026 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development, Ms Masefako Dikgale, welcomes the arrest of a Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) official and a company director in Limpopo for alleged corruption related to funding applications.
The arrests, effected by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), follow allegations that the official solicited and received bribes amounting to approximately R800 000 in exchange for facilitating and influencing funding approvals. The accompanying arrest of a company director who allegedly benefited from a fraudulent application underscores the seriousness of the matter and the extent to which public resources may have been compromised.
Ms Dikgale said the committee views these developments as a critical step in safeguarding the integrity of institutions established to support small enterprises. “SEDFA exists to empower and uplift small businesses, particularly those owned by historically disadvantaged individuals. Any attempt to divert these resources for personal gain is a direct attack on economic transformation and inclusive growth,” she said.
She emphasised that the committee is unequivocal in its firm position that corruption has no place in government, saying that officials entrusted with public resources carry a responsibility to act with integrity and accountability at all times.
Furthermore, Ms Dikgale reiterated the committee’s commitment to robust oversight of SEDFA as the entity reporting to the Department of Small Business Development. She indicated that the committee will closely monitor the case and may consider further engagements with the entity to assess internal controls and governance mechanisms.
She commended the Hawks for their work in investigating and acting against alleged corruption, noting that effective law enforcement is key to restoring confidence in public institutions.
Ms Dikgale calls on all stakeholders, including members of the public and business community, to report any suspected wrongdoing and to work collectively in building a transparent and accountable environment for small business development.
ISSUED BY PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, MS MASEFAKO DIKGALE.
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Email: jmolafo@parliament.gov.za
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