Author(s): Lawrence Mpele Lekhanya and Nirmala Dorasamy
The focus of this research paper is to provide an exploratory study on Entrevolutionizing Township Economy growth strategies in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. With township economy growth still an issue of concern in South African provinces,the study intended to establish the understanding and knowledge of various factors contributing to the growth of township economy and their implications. Empirical data was collected from 241) participants in different townships in KZN. This research was quantitative in nature and a 5-point Likertscaledquestionnairewas used to collect data from the selected places. Findings of the research indicated that township economy growth is affected by many factors such as political connections 58 (24.1%, P-Value < 0.001) and a high rate of unemployment, which impact potential customers 57 (23.7% P- Value <0.001). It further revealed additional issues of concern such as poor infrastructural support and financial support from relevant agencies (P-Value < 0.027). This study will benefit future investors in township economy, prospective entrepreneurs who would consider startingbusiness entities in townships, as well as business policy-makers in the selected municipalities. Most work done on the township economy has concentrated on its importance, with little emphasis on understanding and knowledge of various factors affecting entrepreneurial activities and performance of this sector of the economy. The findings are limited by the study’s exploratory, quantitative nature and small sample. Therefore, generalization of these results should be done with care and further research, with a large sample and consideration of other provinces, is recommended.