TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE ENTREPRENEURIAL PRACTICES IN SOUTH AFRICA: SELECTED CASE STUDIES

Year 2011, Volume: 3 Issue: 2, 209 - 218, 01.12.2011

Felicite Fairer-wessels

Abstract

Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising
the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable development
has political, economic, socio-cultural and environmental dimensions, and is
concerned with the protection of the environment, the well-being of the local
community and respect for their culture, and the long term creation of economic
benefits for all stakeholders involved. Within this context the emerging and/or
survivalist entrepreneur exists and must be empowered to create partnerships and
alliances within South Africa. In both urban and rural areas small entrepreneurs
urgently need market access, capital and opportunities to upgrade, invest and
expand in a sustainable manner.
To encourage sustainable entrepreneurs different types of local linkages can be
investigated, they can source new networks and suppliers to enhance their
businesses; and various approaches can be used to increase local sourcing.
Products can be identified that can be shifted to a local supplier, focusing on
reliability in peak season, identifying products with a theme, and the marketing of
several products together, that are more likely to succeed, to increase tourist
appeal and generate synergies in terms of business support, transport, marketing
and skills development.
Local festivals showcasing cultural traditions can be offered to attract tourists and
to create a positive destination image. Alternative revenue models can be used to
assist emerging entrepreneurs, such as volunteers helping at an event, in exchange
for the experience.
Case studies from a few business enterprises are discussed in terms of enabling
entrepreneurs to operate successfully and sustainably, amongst others, Spier; Jan Harmsgat, Ribolla Art Route and Stormsriver Adventures, where staff has been
retrained and procurement policies revisited to prioritize local, small, medium and
micro entrepreneurs.

Keywords

sustainable tourism, entrepreneurs, South Africa

References

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