Theses and Dissertations
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Browsing Theses and Dissertations by Author "Chiliya, Norman"
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Item Open Access A support framework of enhancing business performance of ruaral SMME's in the Limpopo Province, South Africa(2024-09-06) Razwiedani, Khathutshelo Collins; Chiliya, Norman; Nkondo, Livhuwani G.South Africa's aspiration for inclusive growth and development acknowledges the pivotal role of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) given the country's pervasive unemployment and poverty rates, particularly in rural regions. Since the inception of democracy in 1994 with the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) to the present National Development Plan: Vision 2030, the focal point of South Africa's developmental endeavours has been the alleviation of poverty and inequality. This study aimed to devise a support framework to enhance the performance of SMMEs in the rural expanse of Limpopo Province, South Africa, while also fostering entrepreneurship expansion. Its primary objectives encompassed identifying the determinants affecting rural SMME performance, crafting a conceptual framework to bolster it, utilizing empirical research outcomes to formulate recommendations, and drawing conclusions to augment SMMEs' performance in Limpopo. Additionally, the study proffered actionable insights for stakeholders, including policymakers and entrepreneurs, to ensure the sustained viability of SMMEs in rural South Africa. Employing a quantitative research design aligned with the educational positivist paradigm, the study collected data from 377 entrepreneurs through questionnaires. A Convenience Sampling method was employed. Validity and reliability were ensured through exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach alpha coefficients determination. Pearson's correlation coefficient tests were employed to discern relationships among independent variables. The resultant path model addressed prevalent challenges confronting rural small businesses, proposing a roadmap for enhancing their operational performance.Item Embargo The Contribution of Microfinance Institutions to Entrepreneurship Development in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa(2026-05-19) Mariba, Tshiangwa Knowledge; Chiliya, NormanThis investigation examines microfinance as a mechanism for enabling sustainable enterprise development within South Africa's distinctive socio-economic landscape, with particular attention to the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province. The research interrogates how financial intermediaries serving excluded populations influence poverty reduction trajectories and economic advancement pathways. The literature review synthesises diverse scholarly sources to explore microfinance’s conceptual foundations and evolutionary trajectory within South African contexts, with particular emphasis on financial inclusion and entrepreneurship development. Evidence reveals multidimensional benefits extending beyond capital access to encompass entrepreneurial capability development, employment generation, and gender-based economic empowerment. Methodologically, this qualitative inquiry gathered experiential data through twenty semistructured interviews with owners and managers of SMME’s who had engaged with microfinance services. Interview transcripts underwent systematic thematic analysis using ATLAS.ti software, revealing patterns illuminating how microfinance interventions shape both enterprise success and operational challenges faced by small business proprietors. Research findings illuminate microfinance's transformative potential while acknowledging complexities surrounding interest rate structures, repayment frameworks, and regulatory constraints. The analysis underscores requirements for differentiated support mechanisms acknowledging diverse entrepreneurial needs and aspirations characterizing South African business landscapes. This study provides contextually grounded insights into how microfinance is experienced by SMME owners in the Vhembe District, contributing empirical evidence to broader debates on financial inclusion and rural entrepreneurship in South Africa. Generated insights offer preliminary guidance for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers seeking to strengthen microfinance strategies in rural South African contexts, while acknowledging the inherent limitations of a single-site, cross-sectional qualitative design.Item Open Access The extent of entrepreneurship education in fostering entrepreneurial intentions: the case of selected Technocal and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College, Limpopo Provonce(2024-09-06) Tshisevhe, Livhuwani; Chiliya, Norman; Zindiye, S.Most political leaders place a great premium on encouraging young people to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset because they believe that doing so will help to lower the high rates of youth unemployment. To increase the number of Tertiary students who are interested in starting their own businesses or to lessen the number of young people looking for work, the government has been implementing entrepreneurship education programs to Tertiary Institutions in South Africa. The purpose of this study was to better understand how entrepreneurship education at selected TVET colleges can affect learner’s entrepreneurship intentions. A qualitative research methodology was used for this investigation. Structured interviews were conducted with 8 participants from selected TVET College, . The interviews were coded for easy analysis and analysed using ATLAS, ti. Results of this study indicated that entrepreneurship education can favourably influence TVET students’ aspiration to become entrepreneurs. This study showed that to develop students’ entrepreneurial zeal and form entrepreneurial Competency the entrepreneurship curriculum in selected TVET College needs to be improvedItem Embargo The Role of Entrepreneurial Education in Rural-Based Universities in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals: A Case Study of the University of Venda(2026-05-19) Ntiwane, Boitumelo Wendy; Ndou, Adam; Chiliya, NormanThis study examined rural-based universities' use of entrepreneurship education to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study aimed to determine how entrepreneurial education has equipped students with the abilities and knowledge required to promote innovation, economic growth, and sustainability in rural communities facing socioeconomic constraints. This study employed a qualitative research method, with participants chosen by snowball sampling. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data during face-to-face interviews. An audio recorder and a notebook were used to record the responses of 15 University of Venda students. The point of saturation determined the appropriate number of participants. The obtained data were transcribed in Microsoft Word and analysed with ATLAS.ti, and the findings were utilized to draw conclusions and provide recommendations for the study. The findings revealed both opportunities and challenges. While entrepreneurship education has raised awareness, fostered innovation, and encouraged community engagement, its potential is constrained by infrastructural barriers, funding limitations, weak implementation, and insufficient long-term support. Overall, the findings point to the need for curriculum reform, stronger institutional collaboration, and sustainable mentorship to unlock the full potential of entrepreneurial education The findings will contribute to the discussion of higher education's role in rural development by making practical recommendations to the University of Venda and educators on improving the effectiveness of entrepreneurial programs in achieving long-term goals.