Involvement of Unemployed Graduate Youth in SMME Support Programmes: The Case of Mankweng Area, Limpopo Province

Abstract

This article investigates whether graduate unemployed youth from the Mankweng area in Limpopo Province are aware of small, medium and micro-enterprise support programmes. The article also explores the unemployed youth’s interest in starting their own business ventures. This study is premised on the understanding that youth participation in the activities of small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) can reduce the high rate of unemployment in the country and can contribute towards bettering the economy of especially rural areas. This article applied a qualitative research method. The study focused on 15 unemployed youth graduates based in the Mankweng area. Data were collected using semi-structured individual interviews. The main findings indicate that only 27 per cent of the participants are aware of some of the available SMME support programmes; and only 40 per cent show interest in starting their own businesses. The study recommends that these programmes ought to be publicised more and be made accessible to the youth, particularly in rural areas. In addition, entrepreneurial education needs to start early at primary school level. Such early awareness will help to build entrepreneurial acumen amongst the youth.