Manyaka, Semape Jacob2017-11-242017-11-242017-09-29Manyaka-Boshielo, S.J., 2017, ‘Social entrepreneurship as a way of developing sustainable township economies’, HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies 73(4), a3830. https://doi.org/ 10.4102/hts.v73i4.3830.0259-9422 (print)2072-8050 (online)10.4102/hts.v73i4.3830http://hdl.handle.net/2263/63334This 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.en© 2017. The Authors. Licensee: AOSIS. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.Social entrepreneurshipPovertyEconomic developmentDwellersSouth Africa (SA)Theology articles SDG-01SDG-01: No povertyTheology articles SDG-08SDG-08: Decent work and economic growthTheology articles SDG-09SDG-09: Industry, innovation and infrastructureTheology articles SDG-10SDG-10: Reduced inequalitiesTheology articles SDG-11SDG-11: Sustainable cities and communitiesTheology articles SDG-17SDG-17: Partnerships for the goalsArticle