The Function of Social Entrepreneurship in Tackling Social Development Issues in South Africa
Hloniphile C. Zwane 
Issue: Vol.6 No.10 Article 34 pp.2707 – 2720
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.202561034 | Published online 30th September, 2025
© 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
This research investigates the function of social entrepreneurship in addressing social development issues in South Africa. It underscores the increasing importance of social entrepreneurs in utilising business tactics to develop innovative, sustainable solutions to urgent community challenges such as environmental degradation, youth unemployment, educational disparities, health care inequalities and poverty. By combining business mechanisms with a social mission, these entities make significant contributions to inclusive development and the overarching goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Systematic Literature Review (SLR) technique was used in this paper, investigating an extensive array of peer-reviewed journal publications, pertinent case studies, and policy document reports about the South African setting. The SLR methodology facilitated a thorough and organised integration of current knowledge, enabling the recognition of prevalent themes, research deficiencies and practical approaches in social entrepreneurship. The findings revealed the necessity to improve public awareness of social entrepreneurship, establish supportive institutional and policy frameworks, increase access to funding and promoting community engagement. The study underscored the need for capacity-building activities and educational programs to equip aspiring social entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and knowledge. The study concluded that social entrepreneurship has revolutionary potential in South Africa by empowering marginalised people and promoting sustainable development. Mitigating institutional challenges and fostering a supportive environment for social entrepreneurs can accelerate social innovation and enhance sustained socio-economic advancements.
Keywords: Social Entrepreneurship, South Africa, Social Development, Systematic Literature Review, Education Inequality, Youth Unemployment
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Hloniphile Cleopatra Zwane is a PhD candidate at the University of Fort Hare. She holds a Master of Commerce degree in Business Management, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Business Management and Economics), a BCom Honours in Business Management, and a BCom degree in Business Management and Economics from the University of Zululand. She is currently a Survey Coordinator at the University of Zululand. Ms. Zwane is passionate about research and scholarship. She has published articles in accredited journals and has presented papers at both national and international conferences. Her research interests span entrepreneurship (with a particular focus on female and youth entrepreneurship), entrepreneurship education, cooperatives, as well as teaching and learning in higher education. She aims to contribute meaningfully to knowledge creation and policy discourse by publishing in high-impact journals and fostering collaborative research. With a strong commitment to academic excellence and social impact, she strives to advance inclusive entrepreneurship as a pathway to development.
Chidarikire, Munyaradzi , and Juliet Kamwendo.“ The Function of Social Entrepreneurship in Tackling Social Development Issues in South Africa,” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 6, no. 10 (2025): 2707 – 2720, https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.202561034
© 2025 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
