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This study examines the role of the Economic Activation Office (EAO) in advancing entrepreneurship within a rural higher education institution in South Africa. The study is informed by Entrepreneurial University Theory, the Triple Helix Model, and the Resource-Based View (RBV), which are integrated to explain how institutional orientation, ecosystem collaboration, and resource mobilisation jointly shape entrepreneurship support. A qualitative exploratory design was adopted within an interpretivist paradigm. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 purposively selected participants comprising EAO staff, university entrepreneurship practitioners, and student entrepreneurs. Thematic analysis identified four interconnected roles of the EAO: entrepreneurship awareness creation, capacity and skills development, stakeholder collaboration and ecosystem coordination, and institutional support and resource mobilisation. The findings show that the EAO operates not only as an administrative support office but also as a boundary-spanning mechanism that connects students and university resources with external entrepreneurial opportunities. However, limited funding, incubation infrastructure, long-term mentorship, and uneven cross-faculty participation constrain its ability to translate awareness and capability development into sustained entrepreneurial outcomes. The study contributes a rural EAO ecosystem perspective in which awareness and capability development are strengthened by institutional resources and external ecosystem relationships, while rural structural conditions moderate the effectiveness of these mechanisms. The study recommends dedicated institutional funding, cross-faculty integration, formalised ecosystem partnerships, structured incubation and post-training support, and targeted policy measures for rural universities.

Entrepreneurship Education (EE) is increasingly recognised as a key driver of economic growth, employment creation, and poverty reduction across African countries. It also contributes to the development of digital competencies that support entrepreneurial innovation, highlighting the importance of human capital development in an evolving business environment. Recent technological advancements have transformed business operations, with the integration of digital technologies into entrepreneurial activities reshaping traditional business models, processes, and strategies. Consequently, digital entrepreneurship has emerged as an important socioeconomic force, creating a growing need for education, training, and skills development to strengthen the digital capabilities required for entrepreneurial innovation. This study examines the influence of Entrepreneurship Education on the development of entrepreneurial innovation through a systematic literature review. Relevant studies published between 2016 and 2026 were retrieved from databases including Scopus and Google Scholar. Of the 230 articles identified, 17 met the inclusion criteria and were selected for review. The findings indicate that student support, access to appropriate technological infrastructure, students’ and teachers’ perceptions of technology’s usefulness, and the nature of the tasks undertaken are important factors shaping the integration of technology into contemporary entrepreneurial activities. These findings have implications for promoting entrepreneurial innovation through human capital development in South Africa. The study therefore seeks to inform educators and policymakers about the contribution of Entrepreneurship Education to the development of digital competencies and the advancement of innovative entrepreneurial practices.                                                                        

Women entrepreneurs in South Africa continue to encounter financial, institutional, geographical, and gender constraints that hinder business growth. This research explores how these interrelated constraints affect women’s entrepreneurial perspectives and the engagement in the small- and medium-sized enterprise sector. Using an interpretivist qualitative method, data were gathered using an open-ended digital survey with 25 women entrepreneurs operating in various South African settings, reinforced by an analysis of pertinent policy and entrepreneurship-related papers. Thematic analysis identified six interconnected themes: financial exclusion and gendered power; gender norms and patriarchal expectations; geographic marginalisation; network and institutional exclusion; intersectional disadvantage; and resilience and survival-focused strategies. Findings show that women embrace adaptive practices such as personal savings, informal finance and diversification, which allow businesses survival but do not always promote sustained success. These barriers limit access to capital, markets, networks, facilities, and value chains, reducing job growth and business competitiveness. Reflecting on feminist economics, decolonial feminism, and intersectionality, the paper contends that women’s entrepreneurship needs to be regarded as a systemic and structural challenge, instead of a single resilience challenge. The research recommends coordinated, gender-responsive actions that promote accessibility to financing, markets, infrastructure, networks and supportive institutions.

Mobile technology is increasingly prevalent in urban regions of South Africa; nevertheless, there is a scarcity of empirical data evaluating the use and integration of such technologies by small-scale enterprises in KwaZulu-Natal. This research investigates the influence of mobile technology on the efficacy of mobile entrepreneurs within small-scale companies in KwaZulu-Natal. It aims to assess how the integration of mobile technologies influences corporate expansion, competitive edge, and the ability to satisfy market requirements. The research locale encompasses Durban, PMB, Port Shepstone, and Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal. The research utilised a quantitative methodology, surveying 384 mobile entrepreneurs affiliated with SEDA in the SMME sector in KwaZulu-Natal. A systematic closed-ended Likert scale questionnaire was used as the main tool for data collection. The analysis of data was conducted with SPSS version 29.0. The results of this research indicate that mobile technologies are perceived as significantly impactful in fostering business expansion, efficiency, and adaptability among mobile entrepreneurs in KwaZulu-Natal. This research determines that mobile technologies significantly contribute to the performance of mobile entrepreneurs in the small-scale industries of KZN. The research will enhance the understanding of mobile entrepreneurship inside small-scale enterprises. Policymakers and entrepreneurs can get advantages by comprehending the influence of mobile technologies on mobile entrepreneurship performance and their impact on business expansion, competitiveness, and market demand fulfilment

Social entrepreneurship has arisen as a pivotal mechanism for tackling intricate societal issues while fostering sustainable growth. This study examines the crucial function of social entrepreneurs in promoting inclusive growth, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment. Social businesses merge creative business models with social objectives, effectively reconciling profit and purpose while providing scalable solutions to challenges like poverty, inequality, and climate change. The research investigates the processes by which social entrepreneurship advances social development in South Africa, emphasising case studies from various industries and locations. It also examines the facilitating environments—policy frameworks, financial tools, and educational initiatives—that promote the development of social companies. The findings highlight the capacity of social entrepreneurship to initiate systemic change, underscoring its importance in fostering resilient and equitable communities. This research enhances the dialogue on sustainable development by framing social entrepreneurship as not only a corporate strategy but also a crucial catalyst for enduring social impact.    

The study evaluating social entrepreneurial activity as a strategy to enhance sustainable rural Economies in South Africa, using the uMhlathuze community. Sustainable local economic development is a paramount concern in South Africa, as ongoing inequality, unemployment, and spatial underdevelopment persistently hinder inclusive progress. This research assesses social entrepreneurial activity as a strategic approach to improving sustainable local economies, especially in marginalised and resource-limited areas. The research used a qualitative approach with original interview from selected participant to examine the ability of social businesses to foster grassroots creativity, create job opportunities, and enhance community resilience. Research demonstrates that social entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in local economic diversification, promotes social cohesiveness, and improves access to important services. Nonetheless, its influence is frequently restricted by insufficient legislative backing, inadequate financial frameworks, and institutional obstacles that impede scalability. The study presents a framework for incorporating social entrepreneurship into local development plans, highlighting collaborative governance, capacity building, and conducive regulatory frameworks. The research positions social entrepreneurship as a catalyst for sustainable development, highlighting its capacity to foster transformational and inclusive economic results in South Africa.

This article examines the influence of mentorship on women entrepreneurs in Cape Town, South Africa. The study assesses the extent to which mentorship contributes to personal empowerment, entrepreneurial performance, and innovation, while accounting for the effects of systemic barriers and the policy environment. A qualitative research design was employed, incorporating a systematic literature review guided by the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework to synthesize existing evidence. The review followed an iterative screening process, identifying three peer-reviewed studies that explicitly address mentorship in relation to women entrepreneurs within the African context. The findings from the literature indicate that women entrepreneurs across Africa face persistent structural constraints, including social-cultural norms, limited access to skills development, weak support systems, financial exclusion, and inadequate policy frameworks.  To complement the literature, primary data were collected from ten young female entrepreneurs in Cape Town who participated in a mentorship programme at RLabs. The empirical finding reinforce the significance of mentorship as a critical enabler of entrepreneurial growth, particularly in enhancing self-efficacy, business capabilities, and innovative practices. The study concludes that mentorship functions as a context-dependent and multifaceted mechanism that bridges personal empowerment and entrepreneurial outcomes. However, its effectiveness is contingent on the alignment of mentorship programmes with the specific social-economic realities of women entrepreneurs. The article recommends the design and implementation of targeted, context-sensitive mentorship interventions supported by enabling policy frameworks. While women's entrepreneurship is increasingly recognised as a catalyst for economic development in Africa, persistent systemic constraints continue to impede their full potential. This study contributes to literature by advancing a nuanced understanding of mentorship as both an individual and structural lever for entrepreneurial success within emerging economies. 

Globally, small businesses are recognized as key contributors to employment creation and economic development, particularly within local and regional economies. In South Africa, Small to Medium-sized Tourism Enterprises (SMTEs) play an important role in inclusive growth; however, their performance is often constrained by limited education levels and business skills among owners and managers. A quantitative research approach was employed, drawing on survey data collected from a random sample of 332 SMTE owners and managers operating within the province in order to understand the factors that contribute towards business performance. The findings underscore that the education levels and business-related competencies are significantly associated with improved business performance. Conversely, the findings demonstrate that deficiencies in managerial and operational skills negatively affect enterprise efficiency and growth potential. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of targeted skills development and education initiatives for SMTE owners and managers and underscores the role of government and support agencies in strengthening training programmes to enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of the tourism sector. Overall, the study makes a significant contribution to the under researched area of tourism entrepreneurship by demonstrating the critical role of human capital in strengthening SMTE performance within a developing economy context. The findings of the study lay a solid foundation for future interventions to enhance business performance within the small business sector. Moreover, this study provides a foundation for further research and longitudinal studies in the area of small business performance.

The challenges faced by university students in acquiring entrepreneurship skills, knowledge, and training necessitate consideration. This study identifies the profile and business information of student entrepreneurs, together with their skills and training requirements. The research is conducted from the viewpoint of an open distance and e-learning institution. A positivist philosophical approach was adopted, employing a quantitative survey design through an online questionnaire disseminated to students enrolled in four modules within an academic department. Descriptive statistics and contingency tables were employed to summarise the data and examine response patterns among various subgroups. Marketing, financial management, and business management are essential competencies and training requirements for entrepreneurs. They have obstacles in formalising their enterprises, possess constrained financial resources and training, and tax compliance constitutes a regulatory burden for small businesses. Entrepreneurship education programs must encompass a varied array of skills and training to guarantee business creation, growth, and sustainability. The research enhances comprehension of entrepreneurial competencies and training requirements. Insights are provided regarding entrepreneurial education and subsequent skills and training for students in entrepreneurship programs. An effective university entrepreneurship ecosystem cultivates an entrepreneurial mindset, promotes lifelong learning, and fosters innovation to meet the demands of the digital era.

Entrepreneurship policy occupies a significant role in the economic and social development policies of BRICS Plus states, but its efficacy is still debated. This study seeks to analyse the congruence between entrepreneurship policy frameworks, institutional conditions, and the realities of entrepreneurial ecosystems in situations where entrepreneurship is extensively advocated as a catalyst for job creation, poverty alleviation, and inclusive growth. This study employs a systematic literature review framework based on PRISMA principles, utilising peer-reviewed research from entrepreneurship, public policy, and development studies to examine the influence of policy instruments and institutional arrangements on entrepreneurial activity and development outcomes. The analysis indicates a continual disparity between policy intentions and actual implementation, marked by the prevalence of formal, organization-focused, and growth-driven policy assumptions that insufficiently address the informal, hybrid, and collective entrepreneurial practices common in BRICS Plus environments. Key findings (i) reveal inadequate integration of community-level ecosystems, (ii) institutional complexity hindering policy implementation, and (iii) misalignment between entrepreneurship policy objectives and inclusive development as well as Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) outcomes. The study proposes a policy-ecosystem alignment framework that redefines entrepreneurship policy as an adaptive, multi-tiered process situated within intricate institutional contexts. The research proposes a Policy–Ecosystem Alignment Framework that synthesises policy orientation, institutional conditions, ecosystem dynamics, and development results to elucidate disparities in entrepreneurial policy efficacy among BRICS Plus nations. The study suggests that achieving more inclusive and context-sensitive entrepreneurship outcomes in BRICS Plus nations necessitates policy frameworks that acknowledge entrepreneurial variety, institutional diversity, and ecosystem dynamics.

Globally, female entrepreneurship is increasing in developing countries, although women-owned businesses typically operate on a smaller scale and generate lower profits than their male counterparts. In South Africa, youth face significant challenges of poverty, inequality, and unemployment, exacerbated by unequal income distribution, which locks many into poverty and worsens psychosocial issues. The South African Ministry of Social Development identifies these factors as reasons to encourage young female entrepreneurship to combat these adversities. A study within the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality (KSDLM) utilised a questionnaire to gather insights from female youth entrepreneurs, revealing high perceptions of their contributions to economic growth and employment creation in the region, with mean values of 4.24 and 4.21, respectively. These findings underscore the crucial role of female youth entrepreneurship in driving local development and promoting confidence in women's economic contributions. The study underscores the importance of supporting women's entrepreneurship through policies and educational programs to stimulate social transformation and economic growth, ultimately contributing to a more equitable society. Addressing the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs is crucial to realizing their full potential and enhancing the nation's economy.

In an era of compounding crises, skills training is increasingly critical for building resilience in social enterprises (SEs), particularly in marginalized contexts. This study investigates the role of skills training in fostering resilience among township-based social enterprises in Johannesburg, South Africa. Operating within a legacy of spatial apartheid, chronic unemployment, and systemic inequality, these SEs face multidimensional skills gaps that constrain their scalability and sustainability. Through a qualitative, interpretive research design involving 15 SEs in Soweto, this study explores the key skills gaps, the contributions of training to resilience, and the systemic barriers to effective skills development. The findings reveal that skills gaps span financial literacy, technical competencies, digital skills, leadership, and psychosocial preparedness. Skills training, delivered through formal programs, private incubators, and informal peer networks, contributes to resilience by enhancing financial legitimacy, ensuring operational continuity, building social capital, and fostering psychological empowerment. However, significant barriers, including cost, geographic inaccessibility, communication gaps, and cultural mistrust, limit the inclusivity and impact of training initiatives. The study concludes that for skills training to be truly transformative, it must be reconceptualized towards co-designed, context-sensitive, and holistic models that integrate technical, managerial, and psychosocial capabilities. The insights contribute to the discourse on sustainable development and inclusive entrepreneurship in the Global South, offering implications for policymakers, development agencies, and social entrepreneurs seeking to build resilient ecosystems

This paper investigates the relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility, talent development, and performance in youth-led entrepreneurial firms operating in South Africa, where youth unemployment levels are high. It acknowledges that Corporate Social Responsibility plays a part in talent development and influencing the performance of an organization which is not well developed in young entrepreneurship. Through bibliometric analysis, the paper depicts the landscape of current knowledge and research trends to key themes, main authors and collaborative networks. Findings show that there is an emerging wake-up call to Corporate Social Responsibility as a strategic drive for the development of human capital and enhancing performance in youth-led companies, with notable gaps both conceptually and empirically on the institutional context of South African youth-owned businesses. This paper recommends that there should be more investment in culture-specific, evidence-based research and greater incorporation of Corporate Social Responsibility into programmes for youth talent development. By linking Corporate Social Responsibility to targeted talent development, long-term performance outcomes can be enhanced, and inclusive entrepreneurial growth for youth may be reinforced as a broad-based strategy for job creation, innovation, and sustainable economic development.

Entrepreneurship is increasingly recognised as a critical driver of economic growth, innovation, and graduate employability in the global knowledge economy. While entrepreneurship education has traditionally been located within business and management disciplines, limited attention has been paid to the pedagogical role of English methodology in cultivating entrepreneurial skills and mindsets in higher education. This study addresses this gap by systematically reviewing empirical literature published between 2014 and 2025 to examine how English teaching methodologies contribute to the development of entrepreneurial competencies among university students. Guided by human capital theory, social learning theory, and the theory of planned behaviour, the study synthesises evidence from peer-reviewed studies across diverse higher education contexts. The findings indicate that learner-centred, communicative, and experiential English pedagogies play a significant role in fostering key entrepreneurial attributes, including creativity, critical thinking, opportunity recognition, collaboration, adaptability, and persuasive communication. Approaches such as project-based learning, academic literacy instruction, digital storytelling, debate, and pitching tasks are shown to bridge linguistic competence with entrepreneurial agency by enabling students to apply language skills in authentic, problem-oriented contexts. Furthermore, English methodology emerges as a transversal pedagogical platform that supports interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation across academic fields. The study concludes that integrating entrepreneurship-oriented English methodologies into higher education curricula is not supplementary but essential for preparing graduates to navigate complex labour markets and entrepreneurial ecosystems. The article offers practical implications for curriculum design, academic development, and institutional policy, positioning English methodology as a strategic contributor to entrepreneurship education and socio-economic development.

Focusing on the challenges faced by entrepreneurship educators in South Africa, we employed a qualitative research approach.  The aim was to offer valuable insights that are applicable to similar educational settings and contribute to the broader discourse on entrepreneurship education. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews from a purposive sample of seven entrepreneurship educators in South Africa. The qualitative data collected for this study was analysed using thematic analysis with the support of ATLAS.ti version 24. The research reveals that educators encounter challenges in keeping the curriculum current due to changes in technology, market trends, and the rapidly evolving business environment. The findings also indicated that one semester was insufficient for educators to cover all the theoretical and practical aspects of entrepreneurship. Additionally, student engagement posed a challenge for educators as students showed more interest in pursuing formal employment rather than starting their own businesses. Interdisciplinary collaboration, lack of local case studies, networking and industry connections, resource constraints, and short-term teaching contracts were also identified as some of the challenges faced by entrepreneurship educators in universities. The practical implications suggest a need to promote entrepreneurship by implementing initiatives such as workshops and mentorship programs with successful entrepreneurs. The research fills a gap in the existing literature, as there is a limited understanding of the specific challenges faced by entrepreneurship educators.

Entrepreneurship is essential in tackling youth unemployment and poverty in South Africa. Yet, little empirical research explores how entrepreneurial skills, support systems, and societal values impact university students' entrepreneurial activities and success. This study examines the effects of these factors on students’ entrepreneurial outcomes and investigates how societal values may influence the relationship between activity and success. Conducted among students at the University of the Western Cape and the University of Mpumalanga, the research employed a quantitative, positivist approach. Data from 314 students were collected via a structured questionnaire, and validated constructs were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to test the proposed relationships. Results show that entrepreneurial skills and support systems significantly drive entrepreneurial activity, which in turn positively influences entrepreneurial success. Societal values also directly predict success, but they do not significantly moderate the link between activity and success. Overall, entrepreneurial competencies and support mechanisms are crucial for student outcomes, while societal values enhance success but have limited moderating effects. This research is among the first in South Africa to integrate empowerment theory and an expanded Theory of Planned Behaviour to explain student entrepreneurship. It offers valuable insights for higher education institutions, policymakers, and entrepreneurship programmes aiming to promote success in emerging economies.

This PRISMA-guided review synthesises evidence from 32 studies on how multilingual training supports women’s entrepreneurship in South African townships and rural areas. We focus on post-2010 literature from South Africa and comparable African contexts to examine the intersection of language, culture and capability-building in entrepreneurship support. Findings show that integrating indigenous languages and bilingual facilitation into training improves comprehension, confidence and customer reach; strengthens access to markets, finance and networks; and contributes to higher start-up participation and business resilience. Multilingualism emerges not only as a communicative aid but as a strategic resource that enhances inclusion, opportunity recognition and market insight. Policy and ecosystem factors such as public SME support and mobile enabled learning moderate these effects. We argue for language-sensitive curricula, co-delivery with community partners and targeted localisation of digital content. The review highlights design elements for more inclusive entrepreneurship development and outlines implications for policy and training providers. Keywords: multilingual training; women’s entrepreneurship; South Africa; language barriers; rural development; PRISMA.

Entrepreneurship has become a vital force for economic development and innovation in the 21st century. Higher education institutions are pivotal in preparing students to succeed in this dynamic landscape by nurturing entrepreneurial skills and mindsets. This systematically reviewed the 23 empirical studies from databases between 2014 and 2024 to explore the imperative role of higher education in fostering entrepreneurship. It examines the evolving demands of the global economy, emphasising the need for individuals equipped with the creativity, resilience, and adaptability characteristic of successful entrepreneurs. The research findings highlight the pivotal role of higher education in fostering entrepreneurial skills and mindsets. Key findings include adopting interdisciplinary curriculum design and integrating business, technology, and creative fields to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of entrepreneurship. The findings reveal that Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are critical in promoting entrepreneurial skills and mindsets. They can achieve this by driving entrepreneurial growth, providing practical learning opportunities, promoting cross-disciplinary and collaborative learning, and addressing challenges in entrepreneurship education. To fully realise this potential, a comprehensive approach is needed, including changes to the curriculum, development of academics, institutional support, and community involvement. This will enable HEIs to produce competent, knowledgeable graduates who drive innovation and economic development. Experiential learning opportunities such as internships and startup incubators significantly nurture entrepreneurial mindsets by offering real-world experiences and enhancing problem-solving skills. The study emphasises the importance of entrepreneurial ecosystems within higher education institutions, promoting collaboration and innovation through partnerships with various stakeholders.

This study examines the critical success factors (CSFs) that contribute to the effectiveness of ideation programs for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with a focus on the Durban University of Technology’s Centre for Social Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator. Employing a quantitative methodology, data were collected from 52 participants through a structured questionnaire and analysed using SPSS. The demographic profile indicated that most participants were young entrepreneurs operating in early-stage, resource-limited businesses. Reliability testing confirmed the robustness of the measurement scale (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.831; KMO = 0.709). Results from mean score analysis and one-sample t-tests demonstrated that clearly defined program objectives, customized content, mentoring, collaboration, practical learning experiences, a supportive environment, and access to market insights were consistently highly valued. Additionally, mechanisms such as feedback processes, follow-up support, and partnerships with industry stakeholders were identified as essential for maintaining the long-term impact of ideation initiatives. The study concludes that the success of ideation programs depends on a systems-based approach that effectively integrates resources, processes, the environment, and ongoing feedback, thereby promoting innovation, competitiveness, and resilience among SMEs.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are central to the Zambia’s economy, but often struggle with sustained profitability. This study examined the influence of entrepreneurial characteristics on SME profitability in Zambia. Specifically, the study aimed at; (i) identifying the key influential entrepreneurial characteristic and (ii) analysing the relationships between entrepreneurial characteristics and SME profitability. Entrepreneurial characteristics examined included; innovativeness, risk-taking, autonomy, confidence/negotiation skills, readiness, need for achievement, experience and education.  Data were collected from 201 SMEs registered with the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) across seven urban canters through structured questionnaires administered in face-to-face approach. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select respondents. Factor analysis, Pearson correlation, and chi-square tests were used to analyse the data. Findings revealed that entrepreneurial characteristics significantly influence SME profitability, with autonomy emerging as the most influential characteristic. However, correlation analysis indicated that autonomy and other characteristics including; education, experience, innovativeness, readiness, confidence, need for achievement, and risk-taking do not have a significant direct linear relationship, implying that their influence is contingent on contextual factors like finance, regulations, and markets. The study concludes that entrepreneurial characteristics alone are insufficient for profitability; instead, their influence depends on their alignment with environmental opportunities, offering insights for policy, training, and SME support interventions. Therefore, policy and practice should move beyond narrow emphasis on formal education or abstract entrepreneurial characteristics. Interventions should promote adaptive leadership, decision-making under uncertainty, and resource mobilisation that promote autonomous behaviour.