The contributions of Enactus to South Africaโs social and solidarity economy: a case study of a university
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Date
2024
Authors
Ndlovu, Crespen
Lefera, Maraka
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
OASIS
Abstract
๐๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ด๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ฑ: Over the past decade, there has been a noticeable rise in worldwide acknowledgement of the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) and its substantial socioeconomic and environmental benefits. In response, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed a resolution on 18 April 2023 advocating for government and institutional support to the SSE towards accelerating the achievement of sustainable development Goals (SDGs). However, there is a lack of understanding of how higher education institutions contribute to this agenda.
๐๐ถ๐บ:The study examines the contributions of Entrepreneurial Action Us (Enactus) to South Africaโs SSE.
๐ฆ๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด: The case study was conducted at the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State in South Africa, to examine how higher education and the SSE interact through Enactus initiatives.
๐ ๐ฒ๐๐ต๐ผ๐ฑ๐: The study utilised a qualitative research design involving semi-structured interviews with 11 students and alumni and an analysis of Enactusโ annual impact reports. This allowed for a comprehensive understanding of participantsโ experiences and perceptions regarding Enactusโ impact on the SSE.
๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐๐น๐๐: Enactus enhances student entrepreneurship and innovation, promoting economic growth, job creation and community sustainability. Initiatives like the student-led Vermi Village Enterprise have empowered youth and women and created employment opportunities. Collaboration with local corporations and educational institutions has fostered sustainable changes, improving regenerative agriculture and urban food production, thus addressing multiple poverty facets.
๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฐ๐น๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป: This study highlights the crucial role of initiatives like Enactus in promoting a more inclusive and sustainable economy, advancing the broader objectives of the SDGs, and supporting a brighter future for South Africa.
๐๐ผ๐ป๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฏ๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป: Despite resource limitations and the need for greater stakeholder engagement, Enactus projects and enterprises hold significant potential for driving sustainable development and socioeconomic equality, ultimately strengthening South Africaโs SSE.
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Keywords
Entrepreneurship, Social and solidarity economy, Enactus, Sustainable development goals, Students
Citation
Ndlovu, C., & Lefera, M. (2024). The contributions of Enactus to South Africaโs social and solidarity economy: a case study of a university. The Southern African Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management, 16(1), a933. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajesbm.v16i1.933