Thokozani Patmond Mbhele,Lunga Innocent Qhwagi
Informal enterprises play a pivotal role in sustaining unemployed youth in impoverished township communities. This qualitative, exploratory study aimed to identify the challenges and opportunities of young entrepreneurs in Klaarwater Township during the Covid-19 pandemic. The research objectives were to identify the socio-economic and supply chain operational challenges experienced by young entrepreneurs in townships; to examine sociodemographic factorsâ influence on their propensity to engage in entrepreneurial practices; and to establish the role of government interventions in increasing trade and propensity to engage in entrepreneurial activities. The sample consisted of seven shops run by young entrepreneurs and 42 regular customers. The interpretivism philosophy was adopted and semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted to gather data that was analysed by means of thematic analysis. The study revealed that the major challenges confronting young entrepreneurs in Klaarwater are the failure of businesses in the area, economic challenges, lack of support, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and differentiation in goods and services produced. Based on these findings, it is recommended that government; angels and venture capitalists step up their efforts to support young aspiring entrepreneurs.