Author(s): Nteboheng Patricia Mefi and Samson Nambei Asoba
This study explored social entrepreneurship and the sustainability of small enterprises at a township settlement that is fifteen kilometres from the Cape Town Central Business District (CBD). The study was based on the following questions: (1) what are the determinants of sustainable social entrepreneurship in black South African townships? and (2) what is the nature of the relationship between social entrepreneurship and the sustainability of small businesses in black South African townships? Interviews with ten (10) social entrepreneurs were conducted to gather evidence and suitable data to respond to the stated research questions. The study found that determinants for sustainable social entrepreneurship were based on certain social based values of the entrepreneur as well as the availability of certain support. Value for culture, aesthetic values and value for corporate social responsibility were some of the social values that were found to determine sustainable entrepreneurship while political and societal support were also found to be essential. There was also evidence that social entrepreneurship practices result in a social licence to operate in a community, improves brand and lead to better return on investment among other benefits. Entrepreneurs are recommended to adopt social entrepreneurship to ensure their sustainability.