Abstract
This study examines the challenges and determinants of blockchain adoption among Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in the South African supply chain industry. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey was conducted with 222 SMMEs supply chain professionals to measure perceived benefits, implementation challenges, awareness and adoption intention. The results indicate that security and tamper-proofing capabilities significantly influence blockchain adoption, whereas traceability and transparency do not. Contrary to expectations, perceived implementation challenges such as cost and regulatory uncertainty did not significantly affect understanding in this sample. Notably, there was a positive correlation between blockchain knowledge and adoption intention, underscoring the critical role of awareness as a key determinant of adoption. The results suggest that that SMMEs must understand the tangible security benefits of blockchain before contemplating adoption. This research emphasises the necessity for targeted awareness, education and customised solutions to facilitate technology integration and enhance competitiveness among South African supply chain SMMEs.