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Fostering entrepreneurial mindsets in underserved communities - a multiple case study of Cape Flats in Western Cape, South Africa
Entrepreneurship is increasingly viewed as a solution for employment creation and poverty alleviation in developing countries, specifically underserved communities. In developed countries, individuals usually possess both entrepreneurial intentions and competencies and have access to various resourc...
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English English |
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Graduate School of Business (GSB)
2026
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| _version_ | 1867613323166482432 |
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| access_status_str | Open Access |
| author | Pastor, Amiena |
| author2 | Nkontwana, Phumlani |
| author_browse | Nkontwana, Phumlani Pastor, Amiena |
| author_facet | Nkontwana, Phumlani Pastor, Amiena |
| author_sort | Pastor, Amiena |
| collection | Thesis |
| description | Entrepreneurship is increasingly viewed as a solution for employment creation and poverty alleviation in developing countries, specifically underserved communities. In developed countries, individuals usually possess both entrepreneurial intentions and competencies and have access to various resources and opportunities to start and scale their businesses. However, those in developing countries do not have access to this. Those who engage in entrepreneurial activities do so for survival and are identified as being part of the informal economy. This study aimed to evaluate a strategy that encourages entrepreneurial mindsets among individuals living in underserved communities on the Cape Flats in the Western Cape by examining three groups and their sustainability methods. To understand the different mindsets regarding entrepreneurship among people living in underserved communities, multiple case studies were conducted with three groups and analysed using thematic analysis. Group 1 was constantly seeking relief from daily life challenges, Group 2 were survivalist entrepreneurs, and Group 3 were opportunity-based or growth-oriented entrepreneurs. The goal was to develop a strategy informed by the experiences, attitudes, practices, and perspectives of individuals in Groups 2 and 3. By understanding their mindsets, we aimed to assist those in Group 1 by providing similar strategies to help them move forward. The research revealed that participants in Group 1 wanted to change their environmental circumstances; however, owing to a lack of entrepreneurial training and resources, they felt trapped and helpless. Some managed to face challenges by starting small businesses, either self-taught or inheriting skills, which mainly consist of artisanal skills. The study suggests that an increase in informal learning in these communities could be a strategy to help lift people out of difficult situations. This approach was explored further by incorporating skill development and entrepreneurial training as constructive interventions facilitated by individuals or groups. These initiatives can help reduce unemployment and address various social issues. |
| format | Thesis |
| id | oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/42581 |
| institution | University of Cape Town (South Africa) |
| language | English eng |
| last_indexed | 2026-06-10T12:34:17.944Z |
| license_str | Not specified — see source repository |
| provenance_str_mv | Harvested via OAI-PMH from UCTD — University of Cape Town Open Access Repository |
| publishDate | 2026 |
| publishDateRange | 2026 |
| publishDateSort | 2026 |
| publisher | Graduate School of Business (GSB) |
| publisherStr | Graduate School of Business (GSB) |
| record_format | dspace |
| source_str | UCTD — University of Cape Town Open Access Repository |
| spelling | oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/42581 Fostering entrepreneurial mindsets in underserved communities - a multiple case study of Cape Flats in Western Cape, South Africa Pastor, Amiena Nkontwana, Phumlani entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial mindsets, underserved communities, informal economy micro business livelihood inclusive innovation Entrepreneurship is increasingly viewed as a solution for employment creation and poverty alleviation in developing countries, specifically underserved communities. In developed countries, individuals usually possess both entrepreneurial intentions and competencies and have access to various resources and opportunities to start and scale their businesses. However, those in developing countries do not have access to this. Those who engage in entrepreneurial activities do so for survival and are identified as being part of the informal economy. This study aimed to evaluate a strategy that encourages entrepreneurial mindsets among individuals living in underserved communities on the Cape Flats in the Western Cape by examining three groups and their sustainability methods. To understand the different mindsets regarding entrepreneurship among people living in underserved communities, multiple case studies were conducted with three groups and analysed using thematic analysis. Group 1 was constantly seeking relief from daily life challenges, Group 2 were survivalist entrepreneurs, and Group 3 were opportunity-based or growth-oriented entrepreneurs. The goal was to develop a strategy informed by the experiences, attitudes, practices, and perspectives of individuals in Groups 2 and 3. By understanding their mindsets, we aimed to assist those in Group 1 by providing similar strategies to help them move forward. The research revealed that participants in Group 1 wanted to change their environmental circumstances; however, owing to a lack of entrepreneurial training and resources, they felt trapped and helpless. Some managed to face challenges by starting small businesses, either self-taught or inheriting skills, which mainly consist of artisanal skills. The study suggests that an increase in informal learning in these communities could be a strategy to help lift people out of difficult situations. This approach was explored further by incorporating skill development and entrepreneurial training as constructive interventions facilitated by individuals or groups. These initiatives can help reduce unemployment and address various social issues. 2026-01-16T09:42:08Z 2026-01-16T09:42:08Z 2025 2026-01-15T13:14:57Z Thesis / Dissertation Masters MPhil http://hdl.handle.net/11427/42581 en eng application/pdf Graduate School of Business (GSB) Faculty of Commerce University of Cape Town |
| spellingShingle | entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial mindsets, underserved communities, informal economy micro business livelihood inclusive innovation Pastor, Amiena Fostering entrepreneurial mindsets in underserved communities - a multiple case study of Cape Flats in Western Cape, South Africa |
| thesis_degree_str | Master's |
| title | Fostering entrepreneurial mindsets in underserved communities - a multiple case study of Cape Flats in Western Cape, South Africa |
| title_full | Fostering entrepreneurial mindsets in underserved communities - a multiple case study of Cape Flats in Western Cape, South Africa |
| title_fullStr | Fostering entrepreneurial mindsets in underserved communities - a multiple case study of Cape Flats in Western Cape, South Africa |
| title_full_unstemmed | Fostering entrepreneurial mindsets in underserved communities - a multiple case study of Cape Flats in Western Cape, South Africa |
| title_short | Fostering entrepreneurial mindsets in underserved communities - a multiple case study of Cape Flats in Western Cape, South Africa |
| title_sort | fostering entrepreneurial mindsets in underserved communities a multiple case study of cape flats in western cape south africa |
| topic | entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial mindsets, underserved communities, informal economy micro business livelihood inclusive innovation |
| url | http://hdl.handle.net/11427/42581 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT pastoramiena fosteringentrepreneurialmindsetsinunderservedcommunitiesamultiplecasestudyofcapeflatsinwesterncapesouthafrica |