An assessment of survivalist enterprises in the Capricorn District Municipality

Abstract

This study aims to reconcile diverging views on public-sector support for survivalist enterprises. The study assessed all 566 survivalist enterprises in the records of the Capricorn District Municipality of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Data on variables such as demographic characteristics and the types of items traded were collected through questionnaires and analysed by means of cross-tabulations in the SPSS software program. The study found that most survivalist entrepreneurs had obtained at least a secondary education. Women ran the majority of these enterprises, and youth participation was also substantial. The study recommended providing these entrepreneurs with training in technical and financial management skills, but employing differentiated training strategies for urban and rural enterprises, as well as specifically targeting young entrepreneurs. Training should be conducted at a time that suits the entrepreneurs, for instance when business activity is lower.