Entrepreneurship Education in South Africa’s Higher Education Institutions:Iin Pursuit of Promoting Self-Reliance in Students

Abstract

Purpose: Entrepreneurship Education (EE) has garnered increased attention in South
African higher education institutions due to its potential to foster self-reliance and job
creation in a country grappling with high unemployment rates. This study examines
entrepreneurship education's role in promoting economic development and poverty
alleviation in South Africa.
Study design/methodology/approach: The study adopts a systematic review
approach to explore the effectiveness of entrepreneurship education in addressing
unemployment, creating employment opportunities, and fostering economic growth
in South Africa. The study seeks to identify key findings and insights regarding
integrating entrepreneurship education into teaching and learning practices in higher
education institutions by synthesising existing literature.
Findings: The findings indicate that entrepreneurship education has the potential to
accelerate economic growth, reduce unemployment rates, and alleviate poverty traps
in South Africa. By equipping students with entrepreneurial skills and mindset,
entrepreneurship education can empower individuals to establish and sustain small
businesses, thus contributing to economic development and poverty reduction.
Originality/value: This study contributes to the existing literature by providing
insights into the role of entrepreneurship education in addressing socio-economic
challenges in South Africa. The findings underscore the importance of integrating
entrepreneurship education into teaching and learning practices across all higher
education institutions to tackle unemployment and poverty in the country effectively.
The study emphasises the need for concerted efforts from stakeholders in higher
education to prioritise entrepreneurship education to foster economic resilience and
social upliftment in South Africa.