Abstract
Women-owned supplier small and medium enterprises are crucial for South Africa's socio-economic progress, driving employment, innovation, and inclusive growth. However, their participation in high-value sectors, such as mining, remains limited due to persistent structural barriers, including restricted access to capital, overly complex contract structures, and stringent compliance demands. Despite progressive transformation policies, generic support programmes frequently overlook the distinct financial constraints and operational hurdles encountered by women-owned supplier small and medium enterprises. This exclusion not only undermines inclusive development but also weakens supply chain resilience and limits the sector’s potential for innovation and equity. Strategic interventions are needed to integrate women-owned supplier SMEs into mining procurement systems and unlock their full economic potential.
This qualitative research explored the growth challenges encountered by female-owned supplier SMEs in mining supply chains. Based on semi-structured interviews with ten female entrepreneurs, the research explored how entrenched industry norms, gender bias, and financial exclusion impact business sustainability. Thematic analysis using ATLAS.ti revealed systemic challenges, such as exclusion from established supply networks, restrictive procurement practices, and inadequate institutional support. Financial assistance is widely recognised as essential; however, participants also highlighted exploitative practices that threaten long-term viability. Government programmes, although available, are often poorly targeted and lack alignment with the realities of women-led enterprises.
Key enablers of growth include access to networks, collaborative platforms, and Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) initiatives, but these require stronger links to actionable opportunities. Participants emphasised that mining supply chains offer critical avenues for market access, capitalisation, and skills development, yet remain inaccessible due to cultural and operational gatekeeping.
The study concluded that inclusive procurement targeted financial support, and deliberate network-building is essential to advance inclusive participation. Integrating women-owned SMEs into mining supply chains is not only a catalyst for business...