Empowering small businesses for SDG 7 in Tshilamba Rural Township: enhancing state capacity for sustainable development in South Africa
Ritshidze Nethengwe · Thanyani Madzivhandila · Kgalema Abbyton Mashamaite
International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026 · Vol. 8 / Issue 3 · 69-81
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Abstract
Sustainable development aims to create a societal framework in which economic advancement transpires without undermining environmental integrity. Despite advancements in developed countries, an estimated 1.3 billion individuals worldwide continue to experience a lack of access to electricity, significantly impeding their socio-economic development. This study examined the potential strategies for Thulamela Local Municipality to augment its initiatives related to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7, with a particular emphasis on the empowerment of small businesses to address energy requirements and advance sustainable development objectives. Therefore, the mixed-methods approach was employed, distributing 42 questionnaires to small enterprises at Tshilamba Rural Township and conducting semi-structured interviews with 5 key officials from the Thulamela Local Municipality. A comprehensive review of relevant literature was also conducted to guide the research process before fieldwork. The findings of this study elucidated several barriers to energy access, which included an unreliable power supply, elevated electricity costs, insufficient infrastructure, and the substantial investment necessary for the implementation of sustainable energy solutions. The literature has further underscored the inadequacies in energy production and supply infrastructure, which constrain the operational efficiency of small businesses. The results clearly indicate that although these businesses are robust and profit-generating, they do not have the necessary infrastructure and assistance to implement sustainable energy solutions. Thus, it recommended establishment of collaborations with renewable energy suppliers to provide cost-effective solar options or different energy sources ideal for small-scale businesses.
Keywords: {'name': 'Small Businesses'}, {'name': 'Sustainable Development'}, {'name': 'SDG 7'}, {'name': 'State Capacity'}, {'name': 'renewable energy'}
Authors & affiliations
Ritshidze Nethengwe
University of Limpopo
Thanyani Madzivhandila
University of Limpopo
Kgalema Abbyton Mashamaite
University of Limpopo
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