Impetus for Social Sustainability in South African Communities: Lessons from Social Enterprises in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality

Abstract

The aim of this article is to contribute to the pursuit of sustainable social development in South Africa through local empirical evidence using selected social enterprises. The article used a qualitative research approach, an interpretive paradigm and a case study research design to investigate the way in which social enterprises promote social sustainability in South Africa. Three social enterprises were purposively selected, from which eight participants were interviewed. The data were analysed using the content thematic analysis technique. The findings indicate that social enterprises invest and create value in people and for communities for a better future, facilitate and improve approaches to community interventions, provide platforms for nurturing tolerance and cohesiveness in communities, and create wealth for social change in the communities. The authors conclude that a strategic attempt by social enterprises to invest in programmes and ventures that bring long-term positive social change is a vital ingredient for social sustainability and social development.