A Critical Analysis of the Entrepreneurship Development Programme Offered by the South African National Youth Development Agency, NYDA
Tryphosah Lerato Ramalepe *
Department of Management and Entrepreneurship, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa.
Patrick Ebong Ebewo
Department of Management and Entrepreneurship, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa.
Knowledge Shumba
Department of Management and Entrepreneurship, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Youth unemployment has become one of the most pressing economic challenges, and as a result, it has emerged as a priority for governments, businesses, educational institutions and NGOs. In response to this challenge, the South African government, through the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), has implemented the Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) to foster entrepreneurial skills and support small business development. However, despite these efforts, failure and survival rates remain relatively high. The Theoretical Framework for this study is the Entrepreneurship Competence (EntreComp) Model. The Theoretical Framework for this study is the Entrepreneurship Competence (EntreComp) Model, which comprises three competency areas of spotting ideas and opportunities, resources and taking action. The purpose of this study is to determine the extent to which the NYDA EDP has been able to equip the participants with the competencies which will enable them to improve the performance of their businesses. The studies reviewed reveal that EDPs help participants to acquire the skills, knowledge and competencies required to start and operate their businesses successfully. Participants who received comprehensive entrepreneurship training demonstrated a higher propensity to identify and act on entrepreneurial opportunities. The findings of this review have practical implications for policymakers, educators and practitioners involved in the provision and implementation of EDPs because this intervention can promote economic development and reduce unemployment. Future entrepreneurial development interventions should emphasise practical business skills such as incorporating innovative marketing and sales pitches. Entrepreneurs who have failed are not supported to re-emerge and learn from their mistakes. Beneficiaries should be supported throughout the stages of their entrepreneurship journey, especially during the growth phase. This research review adds to the body of knowledge examining the EDP’s ability to equip the participants with the competencies required for improving business performance, through the EntreComp framework lens.
Keywords: Entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship development programme (EDP), national youth development agency (NYDA), business performance, EntreComp