Abstract
Literature purports that high barriers to
entrepreneurship have instigated a growing social
perception that the youth prefer, or believe, that they are
obliged to follow the route of seeking formal employment
rather than pursuing entrepreneurial ventures. This
research seeks to shed light upon the reasons for the low
rate of entrepreneurial intention amongst the South
African youth. Using a qualitative research approach,
eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with
university students in Gauteng, South Africa. The data
were analysed by means of summative content analysis,
Findings indicate a broad understanding of
entrepreneurship, but uncertainty surrounds the concept
of entrepreneurship, as well as the support provided to
prospective entrepreneurs by government and private
institutions.