Understanding the Lived Experiences of Entrepreneurs in Fostering Employment Creation: A Qualitative Case Study of the Marabastad Business Area in Pretoria, South Africa
Sheperd Sikhosana
, Humprey Lephethe Motsepe
entrepreneurship, start-up, employment, small businesses, SMEs
Entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in driving economic growth and job creation, particularly in developing countries like South Africa. With a high unemployment rate, particularly among youth, the need for effective entrepreneurial strategies is more pressing than ever. This research paper examines the contribution of entrepreneurship to employment creation in South Africa, exploring the barriers entrepreneurs face, the government's role in supporting entrepreneurial initiatives, and showcasing successful case studies. The findings indicate that fostering entrepreneurship is essential in reducing unemployment and promoting sustainable economic development in the country.
A qualitative research approach that focused on purposively sampled participants from two small scale businesses, was chosen for this study. The study used semi-structured interviews from two different cases whose contexts varied substantially. Data obtained from interviews were triangulated with review of documents. Data analysis was qualitative using a thematic approach.
The study found that entrepreneurial ventures contribute significantly to direct and indirect employment. Many small businesses operate in townships and rural areas, providing essential goods, services, and employment where large corporations have limited presence. Entrepreneurs reported difficulty in securing loans from traditional financial institutions due to stringent credit requirements and perceptions of risk associated with start-ups. Small businesses and start-ups help diversify the economy by introducing new products, services, and business models that increase competition and efficiency. Entrepreneurs who have considerably invested in their employees have added value to their businesses and increased employee loyalty.
"Understanding the Lived Experiences of Entrepreneurs in Fostering Employment Creation: A Qualitative Case Study of the Marabastad Business Area in Pretoria, South Africa ", TIJER - TIJER - INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH JOURNAL (www.TIJER.org), ISSN:2349-9249, Vol.12, Issue 6, page no.c651-c668, June-2025, Available :https://tijer.org/TIJER/papers/TIJER2506305.pdf
Volume 12
Issue 6,
June-2025
Pages : c651-c668
Paper Reg. ID: TIJER_158843
Published Paper Id: TIJER2506305
Downloads: 000235
Research Area: Management All
Country: Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
ISSN: 2349-9249 | IMPACT FACTOR: 8.57 Calculated By Google Scholar | ESTD YEAR: 2014
An International Scholarly Open Access Journal, Peer-Reviewed, Refereed Journal Impact Factor 8.57 Calculate by Google Scholar and Semantic Scholar | AI-Powered Research Tool, Multidisciplinary, Monthly, Multilanguage Journal Indexing in All Major Database & Metadata, Citation Generator
Publisher: TIJER (IJ Publication) Janvi Wave
