This article was originally published as: An Assessment of University in Entrepreneurship Training as a Means of Reducing Youth Unemployment in South Africa: A Case of Durban University of Technology
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Abstract
Youth entrepreneurship is considered an important factor in economic growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation.Althoughyouth entrepreneurship is considered a key to addressing unemployment, the youth unemployment rate remains worrisome in developing countries.This paper assessed the entrepreneurship training in universities as a means of reducing youth unemployment.Youth unemployment is an impediment to inclusive economic development, limits the earning potential and future prospects of a new generation of South Africans, stymies business growth, threatens social cohesion, and puts pressure on government resources.Datawascollected from the Durban University of Technology students in Durban.A qualitativeapproach was adoptedin which semi structuredinterviews were used toobtainan understanding of the importance of universities in reducing the rate of unemployment in South Africa. In addition,nonprobabilitysampling, specifically purposive was used in the study to select the Durban University of Technology’s benefiting students from the Durban Entrepreneurship Centre.The data collectedwascoded and analysed using thematic analysis.The findingsrevealed that universities play a crucial role in supporting youth entrepreneurship in South Africa, which has led toareductioninthe rate of unemployment in South Africa. Findings were categorised into themes. Universities’ effort to reduce unemployment has yielded positive results, however, both the students and the universities are faced with a number of challenges. It is recommended that universities work together with the government to design strategies that help to reduce unemployment in South Africa.
Authors
- Priscilla Musariwa (Durban University of Technology, South Africa)
- Faith Tinonetsana (Durban University of Technology, South Africa)
Keywords
entrepreneurship, youth unemployment, inclusive economic development
References
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