The Role of Youthful Entrepreneurs in the Sustainable Development Programme at the Durban University of Technology (DUT)

Sijuwade Adedayo Ogunsola; Mary-ann Nokulunga Nhleko; Jamila Adam; Bongani Innocent Dlamini

doi:10.47814/ijssrr.v8i7.2708

Sijuwade Adedayo Ogunsola Faculty of Management Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
Mary-ann Nokulunga Nhleko Faculty of Management Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
Jamila Adam Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
Bongani Innocent Dlamini Faculty of Management Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa

DOI: https://doi.org/10.47814/ijssrr.v8i7.2708

Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Youthful entrepreneurs, DUT, Sustainable development, SMME, South Africa

Abstract

In this contemporary era, how to encourage more growth-oriented businesses to arise and scale up is the key concern for policymakers. The aim of the study was to investigate the role of youthful entrepreneurs in the sustainable development programme at the Durban University of Technology (DUT). To realize this aim, this study adopts the use of both secondary and primary research. In the secondary research literature review on both youthful entrepreneurs and the sustainable development programme was done. In the primary research, a questionnaire was used to gather primary data required for this study backed up by semi - structured interviews. Findings from the primary research highlight the positive impact of DUT in motivating students towards entrepreneurship and sustainable development. Many students express a strong understanding of entrepreneurship and its role in addressing societal challenges. Recommendations focus on curriculum enhancement, faculty expertise, incubation and support programs, and industry partnerships to strengthen DUT's support for entrepreneurial endeavours. Continuous review and updates to the entrepreneurship curriculum, fostering faculty expertise, and establishing robust support systems and partnerships aim to provide students with a holistic entrepreneurial education. The study concludes with recommendations for further research, encouraging a comparative analysis of perceptions and attitudes towards entrepreneurship and sustainable development at different institutions and a longitudinal study to assess the long-term effectiveness of entrepreneurship education.

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