Abstract:
This article investigates using social entrepreneurship as a way of developing sustainable
township economies, so that poverty can be eradicated from the townships of South Africa
and township dwellers can begin to play a role in the economic development of the country.
The author also thinks it is God’s purpose for people to enjoy life, free from economic hardship.
A reduction in poverty would also bring down the crime rate and other social ills. It starts by
defining and clarifying the concepts of ‘entrepreneur’ and ‘social entrepreneurship’. It
continues by looking in more depth into township life and its challenges. This is done through
reviewing the literature and observations obtained through participant observation research.
Post-foundationalist practical theology believes in interdisciplinary dialogue as a means of
allowing the concept of social entrepreneurship to bring about a sustainable township
economy. From the author’s observations, it became apparent that to see the attainment of a
sustainable township economy, training and development should start with a strong emphasis
on personal identity and interpersonal and business skills. The author, therefore, proposes a
holistic approach to social entrepreneurship.
