Evaluating Whether Indigenous Knowledge, Social Innovation, and Youth Social Entrepreneurship Play a Role towards the Reduction of Poverty and the Creation of Sustainable Jobs in Mpumalanga, South Africa

Abstract

The purpose of social entrepreneurship and social innovation is to make the world a better place through social change. The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between profitability and social entrepreneurship skills among female entrepreneurs working in the services economy sector or industry in the city of Mbombela in South Africa. The qualitative method was used to collect data from a random stratified sample of 110 small and medium-sized business enterprises in the services industry in Mbombela. The study measured 21 indicators of profitability concerning social entrepreneurship. The level of social entrepreneurship was measured by measuring commission variables concerning the three pillars (social capital without causing damage to human rights, sustainability, ability to provide profitable business services over the long term, and ability to provide business services without damaging the environment and vulnerable people in local communities). The study aims to bridge the gap between negative mindsets among social entrepreneurs and to provide value towards social innovation, social entrepreneurship, indigenous knowledge as well and business sustainability.