Abstract
Purpose: The objective of this paper was to explore how two South African social enterprises navigated an uncertain and challenging distruptive business environment during the Covid-19 pandemic, utilising technology and social innovative approaches. Design/methodology/approach – This study applied a qualitative multiple case study design, reporting on findings of two social entrepreneurial organisations in South Africa, purposively selected as case studies. Findings – The findings were drawn from content analysis of semi-structured interviews and organisational documents. Reflecting that the two social enterprises included in the study, were hard-pressed into applying new approaches to sustain the organisation during the disruptive pandemic period. The primary aim of the social enterprises utilising the innovative approaches, were to ensure that the organisational mission was maintained, irrespective of the disruption caused by the pandemic. Implications and recommendations – This study details the practical considerations taken by the social enterprise leaders to circumvent the impact of the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. It is recommended that leaders take a forwardthinking and procative approach to sustainable innovation. Originality/value – The learnings from this study could be beneficial for social enterprise practitioners and there is potential for policy change. Furthermore, the study adds to the social innovation discourse and how technology is used for the common good and influencing the overall effectiveness and sustainability of social enterprise organisations.