Using social entrepreneurship as a driver to transform the township economy: a case study of Soweto

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine how social entrepreneurship has been used to transform the Soweto township economy. The research adopted a mixed-method approach, combining surveys and semi-structured interviews with social entrepreneurs operating in Soweto. The findings revealed that social entrepreneurship is largely necessity-driven, shaped by unemployment and limited opportunities, and sustained through innovation and community engagement. Key challenges identified include limited access to funding, inadequate policy support, and insufficient training and mentorship opportunities. The study demonstrated that social entrepreneurs play a vital role in job creation, skills development, and community upliftment, yet require stronger institutional support to thrive. Based on these findings, the study recommends strengthening government policies, improving access to finance, expanding mentorship programmes, and fostering partnerships between government, private sector, and civil society to accelerate township economic transformation through social entrepreneurship.