Explore publications.

Rural entrepreneurship has emerged as a significant focus and is widely recognised as a crucial contributor to the tourism sector and overall economic development of the Wild Coast in South Africa. Rural entrepreneurial ventures frequently function in unstable and resource-limited contexts, rendering them susceptible to various factors that may impede their sustainability. This study aimed to examine the success factors affecting the sustainability of rural tourism entrepreneurs in the Wild Coast region of the Eastern Cape province, South Africa. This study employed a descriptive research design and quantitative methodology. Additionally, inferential statistics were utilised to derive descriptive statistics from a sample of 310 tourism ventures, enabling inferences about population parameters via correlation analysis. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select a sample of business respondents from the Wild Coast in the context of rural tourism entrepreneurship. The research findings indicate a significant correlation among skills development, motivations for entrepreneurship, business challenges, and strategic and management knowledge as critical success factors for rural enterprises. This study contributes to the under-explored domain of success factors influencing rural tourism entrepreneurs. This study identifies success factors for rural entrepreneurs and advocates for ongoing efforts and interventions to optimise their utilisation. This study significantly enhances the understanding of the impact of specific variables on the performance of SMTEs. This is especially important in the Eastern Cape Province, where there is a lack of research examining the factors that contribute to the sustainable success of rural tourism entrepreneurs.

This study examines the perceived impact of ideation programs on the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) affiliated with a university-based incubator. A quantitative survey was conducted with 52 SME owners. The findings indicate a predominantly positive perception, with high average scores across all measured dimensions of competitiveness. The survey instrument demonstrated excellent reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.947). Participants reported that participation in ideation programs significantly improved their ability to respond to market changes, identify new opportunities, develop innovative marketing strategies, and enhance their brand reputation. A notable insight is the strong belief among participants that these programs cultivate a culture of innovation and adaptability, which are essential for sustained resilience. The study concludes that structured ideation programs serve as an effective mechanism for developing the dynamic capabilities necessary for SMEs to compete effectively. It is recommended that incubators and policymakers continue to prioritize and invest in such programs as a strategic approach to strengthen SME competitiveness and overall economic vitality.

The aim of this paper was to analyse social entrepreneurs as the proponents towards achieving LED and ensuring the reduction of poverty and community empowerment. The emergence of social entrepreneurship in South Africa could improve LED, addressing imperative conundrums such as poverty, unemployment and inequality. The argument of this paper is that social entrepreneurs through their unique business models may play a critical role in ensuring a comprehensive LED, which could be sustainable to alleviate poverty and ensure community empowerment. The significance of social entrepreneurship cannot be circumvented in a country characterized by socio-economic ills, wherein people’s living standards continue to deteriorate. Thus, the capacity of both government and private sector remains questionable because of the perpetual challenges that ordinary people endure on the ground. Social entrepreneurs may help to rejuvenate underserved communities, especially in rural and township regions. The paper emphasized on how social enterprises foster inclusive development by generating employment, improving access to education, healthcare and financial services and uplifting historically marginalized groups like women and youth. This is a conceptual paper that adopted a literature-based methodology to fulfil its aim. It relied on secondary data sources to critique social entrepreneurship as a proponent for LED. The paper revealed that social entrepreneurs continue to play a significant role in improving the lives of the destitute both in rural and township areas. This paper underscored the need to have a proliferation of social entrepreneurs to resuscitate local economic hubs in South African rural and township areas. It concludes that for a comprehensive LED to take place, social entrepreneurs should be the paragons of LED.

This study examines the role of ideation programs as drivers of innovation and creativity within Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) at the Durban University of Technology's Centre for Social Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (CSERI). A quantitative research methodology was used, employing a structured questionnaire distributed to 52 student entrepreneurs. The results indicate a predominantly positive perception among participants, suggesting that ideation programs significantly improve understanding of innovative concepts, encourage creative thinking, and promote a culture of experimentation and collaboration. Statistical analysis demonstrated the high reliability of the measurement instrument (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.843) and revealed notable differences in perceived benefits based on the entrepreneur's age and the duration of the enterprise's operation. The findings suggest that ideation programs are effective tools for developing intangible resources and dynamic capabilities essential for SME innovation. It is recommended that incubator programs be tailored to address the diverse needs of entrepreneurs at various stages of their personal and business development to maximize their effectiveness.

In South Africa, social grants assist approximately 18 million individuals; nonetheless, numerous beneficiaries remain ensnared in poverty due to obstacles that hinder entrepreneurial advancement. This study investigated the obstacles hindering social grant applicants in Mthatha, Eastern Cape from achieving sustainable entrepreneurship and evaluated the local government's role in mitigating these issues. A qualitative technique was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with 20 informal entrepreneurs, and the material was examined thematically. Results indicated enduring financial, institutional, and socio-economic obstacles, with more than 75% of participants identifying insufficient capital and 65% acknowledging criminality and extortion as significant impediments. The majority of participants received no municipal support, training, or business aid, necessitating ongoing dependence on funds despite their entrepreneurial endeavours. The study indicates that minimal government involvement, insufficient safety measures, and fragile institutional frameworks sustain reliance and hinder local economic development. Enhancing local government interventions, inclusive funding methods, and safety activities could improve business viability and diminish long-term dependence on social assistance in Mthatha.

Startups have been recognized as direct drivers of national economic prosperity; therefore, factors that contribute to their success hold a special place in entrepreneurship literature. Still, there is a lack of studies elaborating how the emergence of new digital technologies has changed the way success factors impact ventures. To address the research problem, a qualitative methodology is employed grounded on systematic literature review, summarizing insights from existing literature, incorporating 110 research papers published on Emerald, Scopus and EBSCO, and other relevant bases, in the period from October 2024 to September 2025. The central objective of this research is to provide clear comparisons of the impact of four internal entrepreneurial success factors (knowledge, internal innovation capacity, social networks and managerial and planning ability) in the frames of traditional and digital businesses. Results show that the four studied success factors are essential for both traditional and digital businesses. It illustrates that the four elaborate factors are mutually interconnected, starting with traditional processes which emphasize experiential learning, transferring to digital processes emphasizing knowledge of sophisticated technology. As contribution to entrepreneurial practice, comparative analysis underlines the need for deeper understanding of entrepreneurial environments and adaptation of hybrid capabilities combining strategic planning with digital adaptability.

Entrepreneurship education has been implemented at numerous higher education institutions to provide students with the skills and knowledge for pursuing entrepreneurship as a career.  Nevertheless, several problems confront entrepreneurship education, despite its recognised benefits among students.  This study sought to identify the obstacles in entrepreneurship education that impede student entrepreneurial development at the University of Venda.  The research employed a qualitative design to fulfil its purpose.  The targeted population consisted of University of Venda student-entrepreneurs engaged in entrepreneurship education programs and those enrolled in entrepreneurship courses.  A convenience sample method was employed to choose 10 participants, and data were gathered using semi-structured face-to-face and telephone interviews in alignment with the research objectives.  The gathered data was evaluated thematically utilising Atlas.ti version 8.4. The findings revealed the obstacles confronting entrepreneurship education, which include budgetary limits, insufficient funding, and unsuitable teaching techniques.  This research is one of the few that have recognised the obstacles of entrepreneurship education for students.  A mixed-method research strategy is advisable for a comprehensive comprehension of the topic.

This study investigates the perceptions of Management Sciences students in Bloemfontein, South Africa, regarding the role of technology in facilitating entrepreneurship and its impact on business success. In the context of a rapidly evolving technological landscape, the research aims to evaluate students' knowledge, attitudes, and comprehension of how technology influences entrepreneurial endeavours. Utilising a quantitative approach, this study identifies gaps in students' understanding, assesses their readiness to embrace technological advancements, and evaluates their awareness of the strategic importance of technology in the entrepreneurial journey. Findings reveal significant insights into students' perceptions and highlight areas for improvement in educational curricula designed to enhance technological literacy among aspiring entrepreneurs. This study contributes to the development of interventions that equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the increasingly digital entrepreneurial landscape, thereby promoting a generation of technologically proficient and entrepreneurial-minded individuals.

Entrepreneurship serves as a key catalyst for innovation, job creation, and sustainable economic growth in developing societies. This paper reviews existing literature to evaluate how entrepreneurship education enhances students’ understanding of global markets and the productive economy. Using studies published between January 2015 and September 2025, the review synthesizes evidence from diverse contexts to explore cognitive, experiential, and skill-based learning outcomes. The analysis highlights recurring themes such as adaptability, resilience, innovation, and interdisciplinary learning, revealing that entrepreneurship education significantly improves students’ economic awareness and entrepreneurial intentions. Methodologically, a structured qualitative review was applied across multiple academic databases using defined inclusion criteria. Ten studies were examined in depth, showing consistent links between entrepreneurship education and enhanced global market literacy, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, and practical business application. The paper contributes to theory by integrating insights from critical realism and evolutionary economics, offering an interdisciplinary framework for analyzing entrepreneurship education’s societal impact. In practice, the findings suggest that embedding global market simulations and intercultural experiences within curricula can strengthen students’ preparedness for dynamic economies. The review concludes with implications for policymakers, educators, and future researchers.

Entrepreneurship literacy has become a critical response to South Africa’s pressing socio-economic challenges, particularly high unemployment and poverty. This paper examines the role of higher education institutions (HEIs) in embedding entrepreneurship literacy into their curricula, going beyond traditional entrepreneurship education by integrating competencies such as innovation, economic management, and technological fluency across disciplines. Using a narrative literature review complemented by a meta-analytic synthesis, the study systematically analysed global and South African scholarship published between 2007 and 2025. The findings reveal that entrepreneurship literacy programmes have a moderate positive effect on students’ entrepreneurial intentions and self-efficacy, but only a small effect on actual venture creation, highlighting persistent structural barriers such as funding gaps, limited incubation, and insufficient staff training. In contrast, international contexts where entrepreneurship education is deeply integrated across disciplines show stronger outcomes. The study concludes that for South Africa to realise the transformative potential of entrepreneurship literacy, a unified national policy, adaptive curricula, academic staff development, and robust industry partnerships are essential. Without these systemic reforms, entrepreneurship literacy will remain an underutilised resource, but with them, it can become a cornerstone for innovation, employability, and inclusive economic growth.

This research investigates the contribution of women-owned businesses in driving economic development within the UAE, focusing on the primary elements influencing their success. A purposive sampling method was used to gather input from the Emirati businesswomen through a custom-designed questionnaire. Data were collected via various methods, including telephone interviews, email correspondence, and on-site visits where applicable. For analysis, the study employed partial least squares regression and structural equation modeling to assess both the measurement and structural frameworks. The evaluation centered on four key dimensions: individual attributes, organizational internal and external elements, support mechanisms, and the impact of national cultural norms. According to the results, business outcomes are positively influenced by individual traits, cultural context, external conditions, and support networks, whereas internal factors appear to lack significant influence. Notably, while the prevailing national culture enhances the overall performance of women-led ventures, it appears to impair the function of support systems. The research sheds light on the essential enablers and cultural limitations shaping the success of female entrepreneurs in the UAE.

This desk research journal article explores the relationship between entrepreneurship and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in the context of South Africa. The study examines the challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs in harnessing the potential of 4IR technologies and their impact on economic growth, job creation, and social development. Research shows that people are being laid off as a result of other industries collapsing since their services are no longer needed. The article highlights the government's initiatives and policies to support entrepreneurial activities in the 4IR era. Through the analysis of existing literature and case studies, this article examines the challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs in South Africa. Qualitatively, the study utilized secondary sources for data collection. The study concludes that Industry 4.0 can affect entrepreneurship in South Africa in the era of 4IR. The implications of entrepreneurs in the 4IR include concentrating on the characteristics of the techno-economic opportunities, creating entrepreneurship that reacts to intelligence, and creating a system that adapts to the knowledge of rapid change and manufacturing advancements.

Traditionally, the business landscape has been male-dominated; however, recent trends indicate a notable rise in female entrepreneurs within rural regions of South Africa. Women-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality encounter various challenges, including issues with financing, access to education and training, gender bias, business skills development, and maintaining a work-life balance. Women entrepreneurs frequently encounter challenges in balancing their professional and family obligations due to numerous domestic duties and responsibilities. Their long-term business success may be jeopardised by these challenges.  This study seeks to examine the challenges encountered by women-owned SMEs, focussing on the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality as the area of investigation. The investigation employed a qualitative approach to gather and examine the data. The investigation employed a semi-structured interview guide for data collection and utilised a thematic content analysis method to examine both empirical and secondary data. A snowball sampling technique was employed to identify appropriate participants, resulting in the successful sampling of forty (N=40) individuals in 2024. The findings indicated that the majority of participants had achieved their matriculation (grade 12) qualifications; however, they conveyed a desire for further skills and training in entrepreneurship to enhance their business management and growth. A significant number of women reported encountering various forms of discrimination, including being advised to stay at home and care for their husbands and children due to their gender. Women-owned businesses encounter barriers in obtaining resources, networks, and opportunities when compared to their male counterparts. The analysis suggests that businesses owned by women ought to receive equal opportunities as those owned by men. It is essential to enhance the capabilities of women-owned businesses by providing resources including technology, financial support, and training in sustainable business development. In conclusion, the study emphasises the importance of the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality acknowledging the contributions of women-owned SMEs and offering the essential support needed to address unemployment in the region. In the process of awarding tenders, it is essential for municipalities to guarantee the inclusion of women on the board of directors, in accordance with the stipulations set forth by the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act Amendment 42 of 2013.

The research was a comprehensive study on the association between Entrepreneurial Competencies (EC) and Managerial Competencies (MC) within the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) sector in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. SMEs are recognized as crucial drivers of economic development, particularly in regions undergoing developmental transitions like KwaZulu-Natal. However, there is a notable gap in understanding the interplay between EC and MC within this sector, despite their acknowledged significance in fostering SME success and economic growth. Through a cross-sectional survey approach targeting SMEs in the Durban South area, data on entrepreneurial and managerial competencies and their impact on SME growth were collected from owner-managers. The survey instrument, a self-administered questionnaire, consisted of closed-ended questions structured on a 5-point Likert scale. Statistical tools such as regression analysis and simple percentages were employed to analyse the data. The study findings suggest that while both EC and MC are essential for SME success, their direct impact on SME growth may vary depending on the context and organizational characteristics. While no statistically significant associations were found between SME growth and EC, significant associations were observed between SME growth and MC. The study recommends an integrated approach to competency building within SMEs, emphasising the synergies between entrepreneurial and managerial competencies. Future research should explore these dynamics further, considering industry-specific factors and organizational dynamics, to provide practical implications for competency development strategies and business management practices.

Psychological problems pose a significant threat to the entrepreneurial process, including increasing fear of failure and reducing the probability of starting a business. Consequently, substantial research found that entrepreneurial fear of failure reduces the intention to start a business and negatively impacts on entrepreneurial behaviour and the entrepreneurial process. Considering the adverse effects of fear of failure on entrepreneurial development, and subsequent economic development, it is imperative to investigate strategies that mitigate entrepreneurial fear of failure. Thus, this literature review study explores the strategies that can reduce fear of failure among entrepreneurs. Secondary research was conducted using online databases to comprehensively review literature on entrepreneurial fear of failure. The findings show that entrepreneurial education and training programs, social and peer support, cultural and institutional support, mindset and personal development and perceived knowledge and skills play a significant role in mitigating entrepreneurial fear of failure. Drawing from the study findings, the research recommends that entrepreneurship education programs focus on developing personal traits such as self-efficacy, resilience and optimism and addressing psychological problems faced by entrepreneurs. Furthermore, policymakers should develop failure-tolerance policies, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem should create a culture that views failure as part of the entrepreneurial process to motivate aspiring entrepreneurs. Moreover, the entrepreneurial ecosystem should create a supportive and collaborative environment that fosters a positive inclination towards entrepreneurship.

The changing business environment in South Africa has encouraged Management Accounting graduates to consider alternative career paths beyond traditional corporate positions. Entrepreneurship, especially in the fields of consulting and financial advisory, offers a valuable opportunity for these graduates to utilize their skills in financial analysis, business strategy, and risk management. Nonetheless, many graduates remain underrepresented in entrepreneurial endeavors due to several challenges, including limited exposure to entrepreneurship education, a tendency towards risk aversion, and difficulties in accessing financial resources. This study examines the entrepreneurial intentions of Management Accounting graduates in South Africa, focusing on their perceptions of self-efficacy, available support systems, and the obstacles they encounter in pursuing entrepreneurship. Anchored in the Entrepreneurial Intention Theory (EIT), the research investigates key factors such as attitudes towards entrepreneurship, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms that affect graduates’ career decisions. A quantitative methodology was employed, surveying third year and postgraduate diploma students at the Durban University of Technology to evaluate their preparedness for entrepreneurship. The findings reveal that although graduates acknowledge entrepreneurship as a feasible career option, deficiencies in entrepreneurial training and limited opportunities for practical business experience impede their transition into self-employment. The study emphasizes the necessity of incorporating entrepreneurship education into Management Accounting curricula and enhancing collaborations between universities and industries to address these deficiencies. Moreover, targeted support from government agencies and financial institutions is crucial for cultivating a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem. The study seeks to provide valuable insights for educational institutions and policymakers to improve career diversification strategies for graduates by tackling these barriers. Promoting entrepreneurial ventures in consulting and financial advisory not only broadens employment opportunities but also contributes to the wider economic development of South Africa.

The increasing unemployment rates in South Africa and other parts of the continent underscore the critical importance of youth involvement in entrepreneurship to sustain the economy and enhance living standards. Despite this, youth participation in entrepreneurship remains low. This study aimed to investigate the entrepreneurial cognition of opportunities and challenges among the youth in the South African context. Exploratory design using a qualitative research approach, focusing on a cross-sectional data collection method through structured online interviews was employed. A sample of twelve South African youth. The findings show that engagement in entrepreneurial activities remains limited due to significant cognitive challenges which stem from historical inequalities that have marginalized many from economic participation and from present systems that are less supportive of the youth. The study recommends promoting an entrepreneurial mindset focused on seizing opportunities and overcoming historical constraints to stimulate start-up creation and reduce unemployment.

Entrepreneurship is often examined from psychological, social, and economic perspectives. However, this fragmented approach limits our understanding of how these dimensions interact, especially in a world shaped by rapid technological changes and evolving market dynamics. To address this, the Yolk Entrepreneurship Framework was introduced as an integrative model that unifies diverse perspectives. This study employed a conceptual research design and systematically reviewed two decades of literature from leading journals. Through thematic analysis, it explores six key variables: entrepreneurial mindset, sociocultural influences, economic factors, intrapreneurship, sustainable entrepreneurship, and technological advancements. The findings reveal that entrepreneurship is shaped by the dynamic interplay between individual traits and broader contextual factors. Notably, social capital enhances innovation driven by a mindset, highlighting the synergy between internal attributes and external networks. The Yolk Framework visualises these interconnections and promotes a comprehensive view of entrepreneurship. This underscores the need to integrate psychological, sociological, and economic insights to fully grasp the entrepreneurial process. This framework offers a comprehensive lens for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to understand entrepreneurship as a dynamic, interconnected phenomenon that supports informed research, inclusive policy design, and context-sensitive practice.

Entrepreneurship is a fundamental driver of economic growth and innovation, particularly in emerging economies where youth unemployment remains a critical challenge. This study examines the role of self-efficacy in shaping entrepreneurial motivation and behaviour among students at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), South Africa. Grounded in Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory, this study integrates Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behaviour and Becker’s Human Capital Theory to explore the link between self-efficacy, entrepreneurial intentions, and long-term business success. A qualitative research design was employed, involving in-depth interviews with purposively selected students enrolled in entrepreneurship programs. Thematic analysis was utilised to extract key themes related to self-efficacy, resilience, risk-taking behaviour, and socio-economic influences. The findings indicate that students with higher levels of self-efficacy demonstrate stronger entrepreneurial motivation, persistence, and proactive business engagement. The study further explores the role of mentorship programs, institutional support, and policy interventions in enhancing self-efficacy among young entrepreneurs. The research offers critical policy recommendations for higher education institutions, government bodies, and business incubators, advocating for structured entrepreneurship training, financial accessibility reforms, and mentorship-driven ecosystem development. The findings contribute to the growing body of literature on entrepreneurial self-efficacy in emerging markets and provide actionable strategies to foster an entrepreneurial mindset among university students.

This purely qualitative study is about the perceptions of growth for Wood Processing SMEs at Lusaka’s Buseko and Mandevu-Chaisa markets. The first objective was to highlight factors that can contribute to the growth of wood processing SMEs at Buseko and Mandevu-Chaisa markets to grow into viable commercial ventures. The second objective was to ascertain the challenges SMEs in the wood processing industry were facing. The third objective was to explore the strategies that can be implemented by the wood processing SMEs to ensure profitability and growth of wood processing business ventures. An interpretivism paradigm was adopted targeting a sample size of 20 SMEs that were identified using a snowball sampling method from a population 82 SMEs. The information was collected using semi structured interview guides and analysed using an inductive thematic approach. The findings revealed that there was available market for wood products and there was evidence of some SMEs in wood processing at the two markets growing into commercial ventures. Lack of specialized commercial equipment, lack of government support towards SMEs in wood processing and lack of formal training in wood processing were identified as challenges. Access to commercial equipment, taking wood processing industry as a quick method of employment creation and marketing wood products were identified as strategies that can be implemented to ensure profitability and growth of wood processing SMEs. The study recommended access to commercial equipment through cooperative loans and promoting training of more youths in carpentry and joinery in order to alleviate employment shortage.