What is it that makes Small Business Enterprise Development such a buzzword in South Africa?

On the education side of life there seems to be an overload of offerings on the market. Training programmes are being developed at a fast rate – excellent! Skills programmes follow on its heels and mentorship programmes are on the serving tray for dessert. This is exactly what our country needs in terms of economic development and trying to beat the ugly monster of unemployment. Where does one start to address the issue of unemployment?

With Small Business Development Programmes? Trying to land as many ‘bums on seats’ as possible? Wonderful for the training provider’s status. There seems to be this gap, and if not addressed soon the gap will widen. If one has to conduct a survey of trained individuals, to try and determine how many individuals actually started an own venture, and how long the venture has been in operation, one would find a picture that is not so satisfying. Trying to narrow this gap between training and reality, a lot of initiatives have seen the light. Small Business Incubators are one such initiative. Different sectors in the economy have embarked on several projects of this nature with excellent results. Hubs are being developed within large city centers to try and improve the infrastructure for small business operations. Again the question is posed: ‘Where does one start to address the issue of unemployment?’

The focus should shift a little more to educating or rather motivating the nation in entrepreneurial thinking. We all have habits, hopefully more good ones than bad ones. Point is, entrepreneurial thinking and behavior must be instilled in the minds of our children, and for us. One is never too old to learn new habits. Ask a learner or student, ‘What is China known for?’ Without hesitation the answer would be blurted, ‘toys’! ‘What about America?’ ‘Movies’! ‘And South Africa?’ Suddenly silence is golden. Perhaps, there from the back a soft whisper, but not really applicable to the question. Now that is where one should start. Entrepreneurship should grow as you grow, and when push comes to shovel, you are mentally and physically ready with this step into the future.

Think about it. In the olden days, kids were told to work and study hard, so that they can get a good, steady job where they can work for the next 40 years. Those days are now over! What on earth can we tell our kids now? Me and you, the parents, have an important task, giving our kids a message of hope. But then, have we converted yet to this new way of thinking? Isn’t that exactly what habits are all about? Breaking barriers of thinking? In figurative language, we can actually say we need to open our brains to new experiences. This opens yet another door, and that is change.

To conclude, small business development and the whole idea of entrepreneurial spirit is certainly the key to upliftment, both socially and economically.

Joanette can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it