Student entrepreneurship as a socio-economic strategy against poverty and hunger at Howard College, University of KwaZulu-Natal.
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Date
2019
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Abstract
Poverty and hunger issues are a major problem in South Africa. They are more relevant to young South Africans as they are the ones who are more exposed to poverty. This is because South Africa has a high-income inequality rate coupled with a high unemployment rate which are mostly experienced by the youth. The study examines how student’s entrepreneurship at the University of KwaZulu Natal, Howard College Campus (UKZN-HC) has played an important role in reducing the chances of students being exposed to poverty and hunger while studying at UKZN.
The study is a qualitative in approach and aims at examining the challenges students’ face leading them to start income generating projects while being students. The qualitative method used ensures that students subjective meaning as to their hunger and poverty issues were voiced out well. The qualitative method aimed at outlining student’s perspective about the socio-economic issues and benefits of being student’s entrepreneurs. Participants of the study were recruited using the convenience/ non- random sampling which ensured direct choice on population to be interviewed with easier access. A total number of 10 students were interviewed both in formal and informal businesses on the Howard College Campus. The data collection methods used are in-depth interviews and observations. This was done with research instruments such as a voice recorder during in-depth interviews and a camera for taking pictures during observations.
Evidence from this study suggests that students came from mostly a harsh poverty-stricken background which has pushed them to start entrepreneurship ventures. Student’s entrepreneurship has not only changed their lives and livelihoods positively on campus, but it has had a positive effect on other students who face similar problems in the country. Entrepreneurship has a positive effect as students with businesses are now able to send money back home and assist their parents. The key findings of the study included how student entrepreneurs have employed other student, developing their livelihoods and solving South Africa’s socio- economic challenges.
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Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.