Resilience in Ganglands: Strategies and Coping Mechanisms of Female Entrepreneurs in Westbury, Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract

This study examines the resilience of female entrepreneurs (FEs) operating small, medium, and micro enterprises in Westbury, Johannesburg, one of South Africa’s most gang-affected communities. Although female entrepreneurship is widely recognised as a driver of socio-economic development, little is known about their experiences in ganglands. These settings, shaped by chronic violence and systemic exclusion, create uniquely hostile conditions that distinguish them from broader township contexts. Grounded in an integrated theoretical framework of Intersectional Feminist Entrepreneurship, Resilience, and Individual Entrepreneurial Orientation theories, the study engaged 10 FEs in Westbury through semi-structured interviews and participant observations over eight weeks, examining how they absorb shocks, adapt to volatility, and exercise agency in their businesses. Key informant interviews with community leaders provided contextual insights and facilitated participant access, while document analysis and photographs supported triangulation. Data were thematically analysed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) framework, with inductive coding and theme development in ATLAS.ti aligned with the research questions. Findings reveal that despite intersecting structural barriers, including mobility restrictions, emotional trauma, and limited access to formal support, FEs demonstrate resilience through relational networks, strategic business adaptations, and emotional endurance rooted in purpose, identity, and community embeddedness. The study contributes to existing research by conceptualising ganglands as distinct entrepreneurial ecosystems and applying a gendered lens to resilience in high-risk environments. These insights also equip policymakers and development actors to design targeted support programmes for women in high-risk areas, improve access to finance, strengthen community business networks, and foster partnerships to enhance security and reduce operational risks. They further provide FEs with recognition and practical guidance for navigating similarly violent and exclusionary contexts