Abstract
This paper focuses on metalworkers and welders, who in this study are referred to as small-scale manufacturers of aluminium and steel products. The Small Manufacturing Enterprises (SMEs) are often well-resourced with potential to positively contribute to the Gross Domestic Products (GDP) of the country and assist the government address unemployment issues and enhance skills development within the country. Despite the pivotal role played by the SME, the sector is still under researched, thus information regarding the sector’s contribution is still not well publicized. The objective of this study is to investigate and assess the contribution and effectiveness of the small-scale manufacturing of aluminium and steel products into the mainstream economy, focusing mainly on the Gauteng City Region (GCR). The quantitative data composition consists of registered and unregistered small-scale manufacturers of aluminium and steel products. It was collected through a questionnaire, extracted and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).