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'n Model vir die bemagtiging van klein-, medium- en mikro-ondernemings in Suid-Afrika

- Riekert, F. B.

  • Authors: Riekert, F. B.
  • Date: 2012-09-12
  • Subjects: Small business - South Africa
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:10114 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7497
  • Description: M.Comm. , Hierdie studie het ten doel om die volgende te bereik: Om 'n oorsig te bied oor die geskiedenis van KMMO's in Suid-Afrika Om 'n kritiese beskouing te bied oor die makro- en mikro- ekonomiese omgewing waarbinne KMMO's in 'n hedendaagse Suid-Afrika funksioneer Gegrond op die voorafgaande doelwitte, om hipotese stellings te formuleer wat die basis sal vorm vir 'n model vir die bemagtiging en instaatstelling van KMMO's in Suid-Afrika, met die oog op verdere studie.
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Assessment of export potential for a small South African manufacturing enterprise

- Simoes, Pablo Jose Coelho Dias de Azevedo

  • Authors: Simoes, Pablo Jose Coelho Dias de Azevedo
  • Date: 2012-09-10
  • Subjects: Small business - South Africa , Export marketing - South Africa
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:9890 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7289
  • Description: M.Ing. , This research provides an assessment of export potential for a small South African Enterprise. An investigation will be conducted on export as a viable option for improving the small South African manufacturing enterprise's future outlook. Through the years following Apartheid, the manufacturing sector has diminished from once a protected self sufficient industry to an industry open to foreign competition due to the effects of globalization. The advent of reduced skilled workforce as a result of "brain drain" and lack of investment in education has also not helped any local enterprise in achieving growth easily, therefore the need to look at other growth mechanisms including export. Included is a brief overview of the export process procedure; the current and future social economic position of the country, and how the South African government's current policies aim to improve the local Small Medium Enterprises (SME) competitiveness. The export marketing plan, plus the necessary tools and plans for a business to initialize its first steps into export is also investigated and in the last chapters, a case study using a local business will be conducted using and adapting the export function for its own benefit.
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Assessment of lean concepts in the South African construction industry

- Ramaru, Pretty

  • Authors: Ramaru, Pretty
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Small business - South Africa , Entrepreneurship - South Africa , Construction industry - South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/453006 , uj:39975
  • Description: Abstract: The South African construction sector has been confronted with the issues of not meeting project schedules, budget and specifications set by the client and architect or engineer. Several studies have demonstrated that the applied models of project management and tools it employs fail to deliver projects on time, at agreed budget and at desired quality. Lean construction promotes the construction development and accomplishing the project objectives by reducing waste. However, in spite of the potential benefits of lean construction and assuming its awareness among stakeholders, little has been reported regarding its execution for performance enhancement and the successful fulfilment of clients’ needs in the South African construction industry. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess lean concepts and to recommend the most effective options for lean concepts’ adoption in South Africa. A quantitative approach has been used for this study. The data used in this study was derived from primary sources using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed both physically and using Google Forms. Out of the 200 questionnaires distributed, 152 were returned. However, only 151 questionnaires were usable, representing a 75.5% response rate. The data collected were analysed using the descriptive statistics (mean item score) and multivariate statistics (exploratory factor analysis) and Cronbach's alpha reliability test. Findings from the data revealed that there is a high level of awareness of lean principles and there is an average level of awareness of lean techniques within the South African construction industry. The study also revealed that there is an average level of application of lean principles while there is a low level of usage of lean techniques within the South African construction industry... , M.Tech. (Construction Management)
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Barriers to enterprise development : the case of SMMES operating in the South African motor body repair sector.

- Muyengwa, Goodwell, Mukhuba, Karabo, Battle, Kim, Mbohwa, Charles

  • Authors: Muyengwa, Goodwell , Mukhuba, Karabo , Battle, Kim , Mbohwa, Charles
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Small business - South Africa , Enterprise development - South Africa , Automotive body repair - South Africa
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:4835 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/12483
  • Description: This research investigates perceived barriers faced by Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises operating in the South African motor body repair sector. Despite various support strategies spearheaded by both Government and private sector for the development of these small businesses, not much has been achieved in this particular sector due to lack of research. An exploratory survey was carried out to ascertain barriers to enterprise development needs of auto body repairers. Funding opportunities are still scarce, causing a negative impact on equipment acquisitions, infrastructure development and access to market. There is need for proper multiskilling training on motor body repairs. Support measures for enterprise development for auto body repairers include the need to set up; dedicated lines of credit, acquisition of appropriate repair equipment from Original Equipment Suppliers, certified training from Original Equipment Manufacturers’, specific sector focus from various small business funded programmes, procurement of proper infrastructure and employment of better marketing strategies to remove poor business perception from the public. Unless measures are taken to address these problems the disadvantaged communities will forever lumber in poverty.
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Compliance with labour legislation within the small enterprise sector

- Luvhengo, Nkhuliseni Elijah

  • Authors: Luvhengo, Nkhuliseni Elijah
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: South Africa. Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1997 , Labor laws and legislation - South Africa , Small business - South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/291949 , uj:31719
  • Description: Abstract: The purpose of the study was to investigate how employees in the small enterprise sector can be protected, as well as how compliance with labour law – particularly with the Labour Relations Act (LRA) and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) – can be promoted. The study adopted a three-phased sequential mixed methods approach. In Phase 1, 17 semi-structured interviews were conducted with affiliated trade union officials of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) in the Limpopo province. The collected data were analysed using a thematic approach. During Phase 2, in which a quantitative approach was used, data from 365 owners and managers of small enterprises in the Limpopo province were selected in accordance with convenience sampling. Basic analyses such as means analysis, standard deviation and principal component analysis, were performed. In Phase 3, a qualitative approach was again used to validate the experiences of small business owners and trade union officials. A purposive sample was drawn of eight subject-matter experts in the small enterprise and labour relations fields, as well as policy makers in South African government departments. The data were analysed my means of content analyses of the interview responses. The results of the study suggest that small enterprise owners are not knowledgeable about labour laws, hence they are unable to comply with the law. A further finding was that the labour laws are cumbersome to small enterprises and, therefore different requirements should perhaps be applicable to this sector. Based on the results, guidelines are proposed which legislators could use to assist the government of South Africa in modifying, if necessary, the requirements of the LRA and the BCEA as they apply to the small enterprise sector. , Ph.D. (Employee Relations)
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Creating shared value in South AfricaA : a case study of Rustenburg and Emahlahleni regions

- Chingono, Tatenda T., Mbohwa, Charles

Development of construction small, medium and micro enterprise in the South African construction industry

- Tshikhudo, Livhuwani Murendeni

  • Authors: Tshikhudo, Livhuwani Murendeni
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Construction industry - South Africa , Small business - South Africa , Construction industry - South Africa - Management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/213647 , uj:21179
  • Description: Abstract: Large construction enterprises continue to restructure and downsize due to constant changes in the economic demands in South Africa, Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in the construction industry have come to play an increasingly imperative role in the industry and the South Africa's economic development. Construction SMMEs considerably create a vast amount of job opportunities due to their labour intensive nature and technologies used. However Construction SMMEs are faced with barriers denying them from further development and growth hence only a few survive and remain sustainable. Therefore this study investigates the development of construction SMMEs in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. A literature survey was carried out followed by primary data gathered through a structured questionnaire which was developed for 120 SMME construction firms to establish their perceptions on the development of SMMEs in the construction industry. Findings from the study indicate that producing quality work, good cash flow management, good contractual understanding, having a business plan, effective communication channel in the firm, maintaining good relationships with clients, proper record keeping, sensible operating costs, recruiting qualified staff and availability of effective marketing strategies were the main critical success factors required by SMMEs in the Gauteng Province for their firms survival in the construction industry. The most recommended solutions for the development of construction SMMEs in Gauteng Province of South Africa were; education / skills / qualifications; attending leadership training courses; availability of financial benefits, rewards and incentives; adapting practices of current larger construction companies and learning new skills that will enhance capability. The study further revealed that the critical factors contributing to the failure of construction SMMEs in Gauteng Province of South Africa are; corruption; insolvency / credit problems; poor cash flow management; accessing finance; lack of management skills; lack of general business skills; poor time management; poor estimation practices ; poor record keeping and low profit margins due to competition. This study contributes to the theory on the development of SMMEs as they are seen as the key to the development of the local economy and the country at large. The findings emanating from this study will form a basis for future research on construction SMMEs in South Africa. , M.Tech. (Construction Management)
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Evaluating project management techniques in small and medium enterprises delivering infrastructure in South Africa construction industry

- Agumba, Justus N., Adegoke, I. O., Otieno, F. A. O.

Evaluating project management techniques in SMEs' delivering infrastructure : a research project

- Agumba, J. N., Adegoke, I. O., Otieno, F., Fester, F. C.

Financing strategy for small, medium and micro-enterprises

- De Ponte, Joao Luis

  • Authors: De Ponte, Joao Luis
  • Date: 2014-02-05
  • Subjects: Small business - South Africa
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:3653 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/9039
  • Description: M.B.A. , With South Africa's formal economy creating only a trickle of new jobs, the small business sector would seem the only opportunity for our legions of unemployment. Despite this need the South African financial system in which both bankers and government guarantee agencies, still shy away from the sector most in need of capital. Aspiring entrepreneurs without capital or a proven track record running a business can prove difficult, The greatest challenge facing small business in South Africa, whether in its initial stage or through its growth stage, is the difficulty of obtaining finance from the banks or other financial institutions. When George Smith started his business in Roodepoort, west of Johannesburg in 1990, he entered into a partnership with his brother. They acquired a convenience store from Metcash Ltd., one of the biggest retail companies on the Johannesburg .Stock Exchange. Jazz Stores closed all its branches country wide due to major losses incurred (Smith, 1999). As young entrepreneurs they had a vision that a convenience store at a taxi rank could be profitable. Their biggest constraint was the lack of capital to finance the purchasing of the store, nevertheless the store was reopened soon after the purchase and the revamping was done in stages. Thanks to some of their friends and family who helped them financially...
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Growth barriers facing South African manufacturing small and medium enterprises

- Sesep, Carine

  • Authors: Sesep, Carine
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Small business - South Africa , Small business - Growth
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/225914 , uj:22829
  • Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Abstract: The South African manufacturing SME sector is recognised by many as a key driver of economic growth, employment and wealth creation. Despite the importance of the sector to South Africa’s economic development, the majority of South African manufacturing SME’s experience negative growth and severe losses. These losses include investment capital, property, staff competencies and intellectual capital. The purpose of this research is to identify the barriers that prevent the growth of South African manufacturing SME’s. A mixed research method which is a combination of qualitative and quantitative was used to gather data. A sample size of 8 SME’s was selected via purposive sampling or judgmental sampling techniques for the qualitative phase. The quantitative sample includes 61 manufacturing SME’s located in the industrial area of Randburg, which is located in Strijdom Park. The data was collected using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The information was analysed with SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) as well as applying the content analysis technique to identify barriers to growth facing manufacturing SME’s. The study concludes that there are several internal and external economic, political, social and competitive barriers that prevent the growth and sustainability of the majority of manufacturing SME’s in the Randburg CBD. The lack of access to finance, high taxes and tariffs, and crime are amongst the most common barriers that hamper manufacturing SME’s to grow in this area. The findings also revealed that an increase of government investment in the sector can improve the start-up, growth and competitiveness of the sector. This would enhance job creation significantly, as a high percentage (above 65%) of employment in South Africa comes from the SME sector.
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Individual-level intrapreneurial orientation and organisational growth in small and medium enterprises

- Schachtebeck, Chris

  • Authors: Schachtebeck, Chris
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Small business - South Africa , Unemployment - South Africa , Poverty - South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/282435 , uj:30423
  • Description: Abstract: Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are viewed as instrumental in alleviating many of the socio-economic woes South Africa faces, particularly with regard to joblessness and poverty. Yet, rates of entrepreneurship, innovation and new venture creation have been of concern in the South African context, with the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, in particular, highlighting the low rates of entrepreneurial activity. These phenomena manifest themselves in high discontinuation rates of SMEs, a small number of high-growth SMEs, low levels of Total Early-Stage Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) as well as exceedingly low rates of Entrepreneurial Employee Activity (EEA). While the entrepreneurial orientation of organisations, of various sizes, has been extensively explored from an organisational and growth perspective, no study has investigated intrapreneurial orientation and its effect on growth, particularly in South African SMEs. The overarching aim of this study was therefore to explore the effects of an employee’s Intrapreneurial Orientation on internal growth levels of South African SMEs. The study followed a six-stage approach. Firstly, a literature review was conducted, examining the concepts of Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) and Intrapreneurial Orientation (IO) as well as on the status quo of SMEs in South Africa. Stage 2 took the form of a narrative review of underlying EO and IO constructs, followed by Stage 3 which consisted of a qualitative study consisting of semi-structured interviews with employees of SMEs and a Delphi study of subject-matter experts. Stage 4 comprised a conceptual study linking the results of Stages 2 and 3. Stage 5 entailed a systematic review of the use of piloting methodology in South African small business research. The final stage, Stage 6, consisted of a quantitative study piloting an adapted instrument to explore the effects of IO on SME growth metrics. A narrative review was conducted in Stage 2 to determine underlying EO and IO constructs as applied in past studies. Based on the review, a construct map was created, indicating commonalities between the EO, Entrepreneurial Attitude Orientation (EAO) and Intrapreneurial Orientation (IO) concepts. Following the narrative review, interviews with employees of high-growth SMEs were conducted, supplemented by a Delphi study with South African subject-matter experts. A total of... , Ph.D. (Business Management)
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Open innovation for manufacturing in small and medium enterprises

- Kasende, Christelle Momba

  • Authors: Kasende, Christelle Momba
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Small business - South Africa , Job creation - South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/57385 , uj:16384
  • Description: Abstract: Manufacturing SMEs play a crucial role in the development of South Africa‟s economy and have become the primary source of job creation. It will be important to adopt an open innovation strategy in SMEs in order to sustain small businesses and overcome the problems that are affecting their long-term success and survival. Open innovation strategy provides incentive for firms to exploit creative ideas through various innovation modes. This strategy implements innovative offering, creates a new pathway to the market for technology and, shares competences across businesses in order to increase value creation and appropriation. The purpose of the dissertation is to investigate how manufacturing SMEs in South Africa are open when it comes to innovation. The population targeted were manufacturing SMEs operating in Strijdompark/Randburg, South Africa. The research methodology adopted was a mixed method approach which is the combination of both qualitative and quantitative research. Quantitative data was collected through closed-ended questions completed by 31 managers of the SMEs, and qualitative data was collected through interviews with 6 owners or managing director of the SMEs. The findings revealed that majority of manufacturing SMEs do not rank themselves as being very open in terms of innovation. This means that the SMEs kept their products and process development knowledge or ideas for themselves without sharing with others. Some did, however, have a few collaborative innovation partners with customers, suppliers and consultants. In addition, the results indicated that adopting open innovation strategy in SMEs assist the organisation in achieving their goals in short time and establish sustainable competitive advantage in the market. Therefore, SMEs should change their organisational structure that will allow resource sharing and encourage flexibility by empowering employees, understanding motivating factors and developing a program for rewarding innovative employees. This strategy can also be adopted in large companies. , M.Com. (Business Management)
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Patterns of empowering small businesses in Mantsopa through entrepreneurial skills development

- Mjanyelwa, Vivian Nomakheswa

  • Authors: Mjanyelwa, Vivian Nomakheswa
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Entrepreneurship - South Africa , Small business - South Africa , Community development - South Africa , Rural development - South Africa , Mantsopa Municipality (South Africa)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/403313 , uj:33791
  • Description: Abstract : Mantsopa Municipality is faced with a challenge of high unemployment and stagnant economic performance. The study explores the relationship between the entrepreneurship skills of small and medium-size business owners and business success. It assumes that if business owners lack entrepreneurial skills, then business success will be low. Therefore, a positive relationship between the two variables was assumed. Low levels of entrepreneurship skills and business success have a high chance to serve as a partial explanation for unemployment and stagnant economic performance in the Mantsopa Municipality. The technical research project identifies the relationship between the investigated variables, and analyses the existing gaps that might be related to poor business performance. An exploratory, cross-sectional survey design has been conducted. The findings confirmed that technical business skills have a strong influence on business practice to acquire a large-scale market share and to sustain business in the long term. Improving business success can enhance the potential for vibrant economic activities to impede the high level of unemployment rate that has been persistent in this local municipality of Ladybrand. , M.Com. (Local Economic Development)
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Proposed strategy for micro-enterprise development : a case of immigrants and locals in Tembisa & Ivory-Park

- Phalatsi, Francinah Lentheng

  • Authors: Phalatsi, Francinah Lentheng
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Small business - South Africa , Informal sector (Economics) - South Africa , Immigrants - Economic aspects - South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/478729 , uj:43275
  • Description: Abstract: Micro enterprises, and more precisely spaza shops which in essence are ‘small convenience stores’, play an integral part in many township economies within low-income earning societies in South Africa as providers of basic groceries and home essentials to those societies. Recent studies and reports show that there has been a dwindling case of South African owned spaza shops and on the contrary, spaza shops operated and owned by foreign nationals are reportedly growing and increasing in volume in certain townships and areas. The purpose of this study was to explore how local government within the Local Economic Development (LED) agenda can assist South African owned spaza shops to be sustainable and to grow. The aim of this report, therefore, was to create a practical strategy for LED practitioners to enable competitiveness and sustainability of South African spaza shops in the Tembisa and Ivory park townships, within the Ekurhuleni and City of Johannesburg municipalities. Through corroborating insight, lessons and results of trade practices and the notion of coopetition by foreigner-owned spaza shops. For this study, a concurrent mixed-method design was deemed appropriate, using both a survey questionnaire and semi-structured interviews to collect primary data. Key findings thereof showed that coopetition is a myth, and that social networks within ethnic enclaves is what foreign citizens are rather using to their advantage to run sustainable spaza shops and dominate the market... , M.Com. (Local Economic Development)
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Small enterprise development in South Africa : the role of business incubators

- Masutha, Mukhove, Rogerson, Christian M.

  • Authors: Masutha, Mukhove , Rogerson, Christian M.
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Small business - South Africa , Business enterprises - South Africa , New business enterprises - South Africa , Business incubators - South Africa
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:5488 , ISSN 1732–4254 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13607
  • Description: Business incubation is a relatively new phenomenon in scholarship and policy development for small enterprise development. Business incubators offer targeted business support and technical support services to accelerate the growth of emerging and small start-up business enterprises into financially and operationally independent enterprises. South Africa has adopted business incubation as one vehicle for upgrading the SMME economy. This article examines the evolution of policy towards business incubation, current progress, institutional issues and emerging geographies of business incubators as part of the unfolding and dynamic SMME policy landscape in South Africa. Considerable differences are observed between the activities of the network of state-supported incubators as opposed to private sector operated incubators.
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SMME development through productive use of domestic energy resources

- Kimemia, David K., Annegarn, Harold J.

  • Authors: Kimemia, David K. , Annegarn, Harold J.
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Productive energy services , Domestic energy , Free basic energy , Small business - South Africa
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:6120 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/12417
  • Description: Productive energy services are often overlooked in domestic energy access programs; yet people cannot raise their welfare except by engaging in economic activities. Household energy demand(s) should be viewed in two components, that is, residential and productive energy services. Although the South African government prioritised electricity distribution after independence, this programme was framed in terms of domestic residential use. Thus, the supplied electrical power was limited to low amperage current, adequate only for household lighting and electronics. Intrinsically, the National Electrification Programme and the Free Basic Electricity Programme [1]) that have substantially increased electricity access in the last decade, did little to spur Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises [SMME] growth in urban penumbras and rural localities. Yet, perambulates in these areas indicate that people are engaged in enterprises that yearn for cleaner, reliable, and cost-effective energy inputs. Commercial cooking is a prevalent business in the low-income settlements, which is powered mostly by basic fuels and low efficiency combustion technologies. Although SMMEs contribute about a quarter of gross capital formation, they have a major potential in employment creation, especially within the current context of negative jobs growth in government and large enterprise sectors. This paper argues that SMME growth can be consolidated and accelerated through provision of safe, affordable and efficient energy technologies. Evidence for this claim is based on a quantitative survey that was carried out among street vendors in Alexandra Township, Johannesburg. Discussions were held with the business owners on alternative fuels and modalities for transitioning the informal business sector to use of clean energy resources. The entrepreneurs cite energy poverty and poor premises as the biggest constraints to their businesses.
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The effect of the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller’s support on the manufacturing MSMEs

- Mangwana, Siyavuya Happy

  • Authors: Mangwana, Siyavuya Happy
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Industrial policy - South Africa , Small business - South Africa , Small business - South Africa - Finance
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/478656 , uj:43266
  • Description: Abstract: Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are regarded as the vehicles for economic growth, employment creation and poverty reduction. However, recent reports and studies show that small businesses in South Africa are not creating jobs. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of the support provided by the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP) on MSMEs in Gauteng. The study was conducted to understand the kind of support the GEP provides to MSMEs and the effect of that support on their annual turnover, employment and income level for employees. A descriptive research strategy using mixed methods of data collection was employed. Primary data was gathered through questionnaires which were sent to MSMEs while secondary data was obtained from the GEP’s reports. The study found that the support provided by the GEP is generic and does not respond to specific needs of the MSMEs. Furthermore, the support provided by the GEP was found to be supply-side driven as it is not informed by the needs of the MSMEs. With regards to the effect of the support on these enterprises, it was found that the support resulted in an increase in annual turnover and income levels for employees while employment remained stagnant. MSMEs prioritised higher productivity as opposed to increasing the number of employees. , M.Phil. (Industrial Policy)
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The effectiveness of government policy on the development and promotion of small business in South Africa : a case study of the Northern Province

- Mothiba, Malesela Jacob

  • Authors: Mothiba, Malesela Jacob
  • Date: 2012-08-27
  • Subjects: Small business - Government policy - South Africa. , Small business - South Africa
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:3233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6643
  • Description: M.B.A. , Since the first democratic elections of April 1994, the government of South Africa has been grappling with a wide range of social and economic development issues. The development and promotion of small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) is one of these critical issues. This is seen as vital for job creation, income generation and the promotion of sustainable and equitable economic growth. It is the view of government that the SIVIME sector also deserves attention because it has been neglected in the past. It is also widely acknowledged that SMMEs play a vital role in absorbing labour, penetrating new markets and expanding the economy in creative and innovative ways. The stated general objective by the government was the need to create an enabling environment in which small businesses would flourish. There was an intensive process of consultations with key stakeholders on the SMME sector. This took the form of the 1994 White Paper (discussion paper) on Strategies for the Development of an Integrated Policy and Support Programme for Small, Medium and Micro-Enterprises in South Africa, the President's Conference on Small Business in 1995 and the Second National Conference on Small Business in 1997. The highlight of these efforts was the enabling of the institutional support framework via the National Small Business Act of 1996 which aimed at providing a supportive environment for small business development. Several institutions were created under this act at national, provincial and local levels with the following aims and objectives: To coordinate the overall national policy on small business development. To mobilize the maximum involvement by all stakeholders. To facilitate the provision of financial and non-financial support services. In general, to represent the interests of the SMME sector. The aim of this study was to investigate how effective the government policy on the development and promotion of small business has been. The focus was the Northern Province, one of the nine provinces in South Africa. The researcher was specifically interested in looking at the establishment of the institutional framework at provincial and local government level, whether the products developed for small business support have been well-marketed to the SMME sector and whether the small business sector was benefiting from these products. There were three main aspects to the conduct of the study. Government officials in the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the Northern Province were interviewed. Institutions that have been set up to provide support services to small business were also visited and officials at these institutions were also interviewed. Further information was obtained from existing documentation at the DTI and from the institutions offering support services to small business. A survey of the SMME sector in the Northern Province was conducted. A designed questionnaire was presented to a representative sample of small businesses. The data obtained from interviews and existing documentation has been summarized descriptively. The data from the questionnaires has been analysed statistically. Graphical illustrations have been used to enhance the presentation. Conclusions, recommendations and some final reflections are also included.
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The history and development of black entrepreneurship in South Africa

- Ngcamu, Johannes Peter

  • Authors: Ngcamu, Johannes Peter
  • Date: 2012-08-08
  • Subjects: Entrepreneurship - South Africa , Black business enterprises - South Africa , Small business - South Africa , Employee empowerment - South Africa
  • Type: Mini-Dissertation
  • Identifier: uj:8967 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5438
  • Description: M.Comm. , The specific purpose of this study is to determine and verify the extent to which black enterprise and the culture of entrepreneurship in the black community has prevailed, since the dawn of democracy in 1994, and since the adoption of the White Paper on the Strategy of Developing and Promoting the SMMEs Sector in South Africa in 1996. In order to reach the desired conclusion, the investigation also includes an examination of the effects of culture, religion and education on enterprise and entreprenuership in the black community. This will be coupled to an evaluation of the relative significance of the concept of black economic empowerment (BEE) with regard to the government's desire to address the economic imbalances of the past. On the basis of the above assumptions and conclusions, recommendations regarding the advancement of black business and the promotion of a culture of entrepreneurship in the black community will be formulated. This study commences by looking into the definition and classification of SMMEs, as well as their characteristics. A link is made between the concepts of enterprise' and `entrepreneurship', on the one hand, and economic growth, on the other, with a view to investigating the role of the African entrepreneur in South Africa. The analysis reveals that the lack of income and skills and adequate education amongst the black majority exacerbates and impedes the growth and the entry of new indigenous entrepreneurs into business. Consequently, the fight against poverty and joblessness has been effectively deferred, especially among the most vulnerable members of our society, namely the youth and the female heads of household, who — despite our new dispensation — continue to face unfair discrimination and deprivation. Therefore, it is the contention of this study that to embark on a national campaign to promote small enterprises and a spirit of entrepreneurship leaving the vast majority of the target group illiterate and unskilled seems a colossal futile exercise. The exercise of promoting entrepreneurship requires a dedicated effort from every one of us, including every social institution which has a natural audience and/or a frequent and somewhat captive audience like churchgoers of all representative religions and denominations in South Africa. In the same manner, entrepreneurship cannot be consummated without altering our education system, and also altering our mindsets and our cultural institutions, which also include our places of worships, namely churches, mosques etcetera. Moreover, economic growth and economic development is dependent on the quality of labour and the quality of enterprise as opposed to the quantity that is envisaged by government through legislation. Unskilled and untrained entrepreneurs cannot be expected to operate big or small and medium size businesses and subsequently add value to the economy. It is by investing in their training that they can be empowered to increase the value of the businesses they operate and, consequently, retain a sustainable undertaking, which could have the possibility of increasing employment.
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