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Browsing Theses and Dissertations by Author "Khohomela, N. T."
Item Open Access Black tax and micro-entrepreneurship in Thulamela Local Municipality forms, challenges and coping strategies(2019-05-18) Mikioni, Anyway; Shambare, R.; Khohomela, N. T.Africans are, by nature, collectivist people. This is especially true for countries such as South Africa, where people live their lives as a community – they celebrate life’s achievements together and mourn life’s tragic moments together. Africans support each other as one big family, at least theoretically, however, in the recent past, effects of urbanisation and globalisation have reshaped, reorganised, and reoriented African families. The once communal and collectivist views towards life (that the community or family comes first before the individual) are fast being replaced by individualistic perspectives towards life. The nuclear family is rapidly taking centre stage. In the process, individual needs are crowding out those of the family and community. Communal needs are now being viewed as a burden. To describe this ‘new’ burden, modern society has coined a term to express its mixed emotions towards its responsibility towards the extended family; they call it “black tax”. As a form of tax, supporting one’s extended family results in greater good, at least in the long-run, however, in the short-run, high levels of indebtedness and growing personal needs make one’s obligation to the family almost seems morally wrong, insensitive, and illegal, hence, the word “black,” as in the black market – an informal underground market that is often immoral and illegal. By extension, contemporary South Africans seem to be saying that whilst looking after one’s extended family in the 21st century is immoral, insensitive, unreasonable, and expensive, we still will try our best to be play our part, whenever and wherever we can. Clearly, black tax affects the lives of individuals, particularly those being black taxed. Despite this growing phenomenon, the literature has largely ignored the effect of black tax on the life of ordinary people. The few available studies focus mostly on black tax within the middle class, employed, working population. Very little studies have looked at the effect of black tax on entrepreneurs, as they too are not immune to black tax. It was, therefore, opportune for this dissertation to address this gap within the literature. Consequently, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of black tax on micro-entrepreneurs, as well as to identify coping strategies employed by the latter to balance business needs and communal expectations. A qualitative case study was conducted in which 12 entrepreneurs from the Thulamela Local Municipality area participated. Data were collected using in-depth interviews. After transcription, the interviews were analysed by means of thematic analysis using ATLAS.ti. Results indicate a high prevalence of various forms of black tax, challenges as well as well-structured coping strategies, as employed by the entrepreneurs. The value of this dissertation is that it is among the first in contributing towards understanding the impact of black tax on micro-entrepreneurship within the South African context. Several theoretical and practical implications have been suggested.Item Open Access The Impact of Sociocultural Factors on the Development of Entrepreneurship in Thulamela Local Municipality(2020-07) Murimwa, Chenjerai; Nkondo, L. G.; Khohomela, N. T.Entrepreneurship has become the backbone of every economy in the modern era; essential for employment creation, revamping national economic performance and generating wealth. Despite it being taught in tertiary institutions and trained in vocational institutions, studies show that entrepreneurship is not achieving its full potential in contributing to economies especially in rural settings. It needs to be fostered and nurtured in sociocultural perspectives to maximise its contribution towards the economy of South Africa. The aim of the study was to establish the importance of sociocultural factors in the development of entrepreneurship in rural settings of South Africa. The study area was Thohoyandou Central Business District, Tshaulu, Tshilamba and Khubvi in Thulamela Local Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. A mixed method approach was used, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods to better understand the relationship between entrepreneurship development and sociocultural dimensions involved and address the research objectives. The sample for this study comprised of 100 entrepreneurial initiatives in Thulamela Local Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The researcher used a stratified purposive sampling technique, where questionnaires with both open and closed ended questions was administered as the instrument for data collection. Predictive Analytics Software (PASW) version 25, formerly known as SPSS was used for quantitative data analysis and Thematic Content Analysis was employed to analyse qualitative data. The findings indicated social impedances, lack of confidence in the services offered, gender discrimination, role models and the support system as key influencers of entrepreneurship advancement. The study also showed that culture contributes to entrepreneurship development in Thulamela Local Municipality through aspects such as resistance, traditional beliefs and looking down upon others. The study also established that entrepreneurship is considered as better than conventional day-to-day jobs because of its ability to give financial stability to individuals and consolidate and empower the community. The researcher recommended that the following factors be considered: market expansion, funding, training and skills development, community development, teaching entrepreneurship in communities and internal business adjustments.Item Embargo Perceptions of cannabis entrepreneurs on South Africa’s cannabis masterplan: a case study of Limpopo Province(2024-09-06) Maumela, Mulalo Rejoyce; Nkondo, L. G.; Khohomela, N. T.This study delves into the emerging discourse surrounding the decriminalisation and commercialisation of cannabis, particularly within the context of South Africa's Cannabis Master Plan. With global shifts toward legalisation for both medicinal and recreational purposes, understanding the perceptions and challenges faced by cannabis entrepreneurs becomes paramount. In the Limpopo Province, like many other regions of South Africa, one of its strategic plans is to promote entrepreneurship and small-scale businesses, thus there is a need to interrogate the cannabis masterplan of the country. The main objective of the study was, therefore, to explore the perceptions of cannabis entrepreneurs on South Africa’s cannabis Master Plan. In this study a qualitative research method was used, and participants were selected using non-probability snowball sampling. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview guide through face-to-face interviews. An audio recorder and a notebook were used to capture the responses of the participants and data was collected from 16 cannabis entrepreneurs in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The adequate number of the sample size was guided by the point of saturation. The collected data was transcribed using Microsoft Word version 26 and analysed using ATLAS.ti.23 and the results found were used to make conclusions and recommendations of the study. The research findings highlight challenges faced by cannabis entrepreneurs, particularly, compliance with the country’s laws and regulatory bodies. For instance, to obtain a cannabis operating license, one is expected to pay a minimum of R25 000 and build a cannabis facility with high security and a sensory detector which is estimated could be over a million rand. The participants emphasised the need for unrestricted cannabis commercialisation, citing its benefits, such as income generation, economic growth and employment creation amongst others; also, entrepreneurs face issues with society not being informed about cannabis’ potential benefits. One of the recommendations made from this study is that policymakers and industry stakeholders should foster a sustainable, inclusive cannabis industry through full implementation of the Cannabis Master plan.Item Open Access The role of informal sector towards entrepreneurship development in Makhado Local Municipality(2021-06-23) Mukuvhi, Avhazwifuni Claude; Nkondo, L. G.; Khohomela, N. T.The informal sector plays a pivotal role in developing countries. Its presence in the economy contributes greatly in two ways: firstly, informal entrepreneurs drive job formation through small-business creation. Secondly, it is considered an incubator for business potential and a stepping stone for accessibility and graduation to the formal economy, thus it is a response to poverty and unemployment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the contributions of the informal sector to entrepreneurship development in Makhado Local Municipality. To address the research problem, the Interpretivist paradigm was used. The Interpretivist paradigm is a trend of research approach, and it support the use of qualitative methods for data collection and involves the social interaction with the population group of the study. The Interpretivist paradigm was chosen because it establishes a platform towards understanding the world as it is from subjective experiences of individuals. The study utilized a mixed method approach which includes both qualitative and quantitative approach. The non-probability convenience sampling approach was adopted because it is very easy to carry out with few rules governing how the sample should be collected. A sample size of 150 participants derived using convenience sampling was used to determine various characteristics of the study population. Semi-structured questionnaires were distributed to micro-entrepreneurs. Data collected was analysed using International Business Machines Statistical Package for Social Scientists version (IBM SPSS) 25 and thematic content analysis. The findings and recommendations will be established to ensure a progressive entrepreneurial environment.Item Embargo The role of entrepreneurial leadership on the business performance in small medium and micro enterprises in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province(2024-09-06) Muenda, Mutshidza Kingsley; Nkondo, L. G.; Khohomela, N. T.In recent years, Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa's Vhembe District have been pivotal in driving economic growth, fostering job creation, and sparking innovation within the region. Despite their significant contributions to the local economy, these enterprises face formidable challenges that impede their performance and sustainability, including limited access to financial and human resources, fierce competition from more giant corporations, and the unpredictability of market conditions. The study's main objective was to explore how various entrepreneurial leadership styles affect small, medium, and micro enterprises in the Vhembe district regarding overall business performance. To address this knowledge gap, the study utilised the interpretive paradigm and employed a qualitative research method with an exploratory design. In addition, the study employed in-depth interviews to examine the role of entrepreneurial leadership within the socio-economic and cultural context of the Vhembe District. Theoretical frameworks, such as transformational, authentic, and servant leadership, are examined for their relevance to the South African business landscape. The study scrutinised various dimensions of entrepreneurial leadership, including strategic decision-making, innovation orientation, employee motivation, and risk management. The study selected 16 participants through purposive sampling to ensure diverse perspectives and experiences were represented. Data collection was conducted through interviews, and data presentation and analysis were done using Atlas.ti 23. The study limited the evaluation of SMMEs' performance to specific metrics and non-financial indicators, including innovation and employee satisfaction. This approach allowed for a focused examination of how different leadership styles influenced aspects of performance. The study focused on a specific geographical area and was centred around that area, which may have impacted the relationship between leadership styles and SMMEs' performance since the qualitative study used ATLAS.ti to identify patterns and themes emerging from participants' responses. The study’s findings highlighted the positive influence of leadership styles such as transformational and collaborative leadership on financial outcomes, innovation, creativity, and customer satisfaction. However, SMMEs faced significant challenges in implementing these leadership styles, including internal resistance, external constraints, and resource limitations. Entrepreneurs emphasised the importance of leadership development programs, employee empowerment, flexibility, and strategic decision-making to foster an adaptive organisational culture. These findings provide actionable insights for enhancing entrepreneurial leadership within SMMEs in the region. Some findings aligned with the literature, while others diverged, thus enhancing detailed perspectives on the role of entrepreneurial leadership in SMMEs. The discussion revealed how these leadership traits influence diverse aspects of SMMEs' performance in Vhembe, highlighting the intricate interplay between entrepreneurial leadership and SMME outcomes. The alignment of findings with existing literature strengthens and validates the theoretical foundations established in previous research. Specifically, the study provides empirical evidence that substantiates the claims and assertions made by scholars in the field. By corroborating and extending upon established theories, the findings comprehensively understand how entrepreneurial leadership styles impact various facets of Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in the Vhembe district. This validation contributes to the credibility of existing theories and expands the knowledge base by introducing context-specific insights and highlighting the intricate dynamics at play in the unique socio-economic environment of the Vhembe district. Therefore, the study fortifies and adds depth to the existing theoretical framework, contributing to advancing knowledge in this critical domain. The study illuminated distinctive aspects of entrepreneurial leadership within the Vhembe district, unravelling context-specific nuances that distinguished it from broader contexts. These unique aspects provided actionable insights tailored for SMME owners, managers, policymakers, and other regional stakeholders. By pinpointing the specific characteristics and intricacies of entrepreneurial leadership relevant to the local socio-economic environment, the study offered targeted guidance for decision-makers to formulate strategies and policies aligned with the distinctive features of the Vhembe district. This approach ensured that recommendations and interventions were finely tuned to address the challenges and opportunities inherent to the local business landscape, fostering more effective and contextually relevant outcomes. These insights can inform targeted strategies and policies to support and nurture entrepreneurship within the SMME sector. Areas for further studies include exploring broader geographical contexts, assessing financial metrics, and investigating the scalability of entrepreneurial leadership in varied business landscapes. This study contributes to economic development and job creation by informing best practices for fostering entrepreneurial leadership in SMMEs. Recommendations include tailored leadership development programs, promotion of employee empowerment, flexibility in leadership approaches, and enhancing leadership awareness. This study calls for future research to explore broader contexts and assess financial metrics while contributing to the global discourse on fostering entrepreneurial leadership in SMMEs.