Abstract

DHURUP, M  and  MAKHITHA, KM. Reflections on the constraints in entrepreneurial development among emerging survivalist and micro craft enterprises in Gauteng. JCMAN [online]. 2014, vol.11, n.1, pp.230-250. ISSN 1815-7440.

The development of the creative industries sector is a key strategy of the South African (SA) government for sustainable development and the creation of employment opportunities. This study investigated the constraints in entrepreneurial development among emerging and survivalist craft enterprises in SA. A survey was conducted among 220 craft enterprises. The findings revealed that craft enterprises face major challenges in terms of finance, technology adoption, training and development, quality assurance and new product development. Instead of relegating craft enterprises to the social welfare departments, it is necessary for the government and policy makers to incorporate such enterprises into the mission and operations of all departments of local governments. Local government and municipalities therefore need to work together in planning permanent trading areas within urban centres for craft enterprises. There is an urgent need to establish and formalise a national co-ordinating structure which can bring government and industry into a uniform national forum to drive growth, training and development and sustainability of the craft sector.

Keywords : craft enterprises; entrepreneurial marketing; finance; internet adoption; product development; training and development.

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