Abstract:

Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable development has political, economic, socio-cultural and environmental dimensions, and is concerned with the protection of the environment, the well-being of the local community and respect for their culture, and the long term creation of economic benefits for all stakeholders involved. Within this context the emerging and/or survivalist entrepreneur exists and must be empowered to create partnerships and alliances within South Africa. In both urban and rural areas small entrepreneurs urgently need market access, capital and opportunities to upgrade, invest and expand in a sustainable manner. To encourage sustainable entrepreneurs different types of local linkages can be investigated, they can source new networks and suppliers to enhance their businesses; and various approaches can be used to increase local sourcing. Products can be identified that can be shifted to a local supplier, focusing on reliability in peak season, identifying products with a theme, and the marketing of several products together, that are more likely to succeed, to increase tourist appeal and generate synergies in terms of business support, transport, marketing and skills development. Local festivals showcasing cultural traditions can be offered to attract tourists and to create a positive destination image. Alternative revenue models can be used to assist emerging entrepreneurs, such as volunteers helping at an event, in exchange for the experience. Case studies from a few business enterprises are discussed in terms of enabling entrepreneurs to operate successfully and sustainably, amongst others, Spier; Jan Harmsgat, Ribolla Art Route and Stormsriver Adventures, where staff has been retrained and procurement policies revisited to prioritize local, small, medium and micro entrepreneurs.

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