Ms Betty Kunene’s interest in issues relating to women and entrepreneurship earned her a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
In line with the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2020/2021 Women’s Entrepreneurship Report which showed that women’s entrepreneurship is a key to inclusive economic growth in developing economies, Kunene believes that women in entrepreneurship are critical to local economic development.
Her study on challenges confronted by women entrepreneurs in eThekwini Municipality revealed amongst other things, a lack of access to credit facilities and finance; gender discrimination; being unaware of business support services; a lack of mentors, confidence and entrepreneurial training; the need to balance family and business responsibilities; societal norms and expectations; and a lack of business management skills that hinder the success of women in entrepreneurship. The study was supervised by Dr Pfano Mashau, interim Academic Leader for Research at the Graduate School of Business and Leadership.
‘Particularly in a country like South Africa, I believe that entrepreneurship is the best and most effective solution to high unemployment rates and thus high levels of poverty,’ said Kunene. The study highlights support from family and government as essential for women’s success.
Kunene is employed by eThekwini Municipality as a Quality Officer for the Scientific Services Laboratory at the Water and Sanitation Unit where she is responsible for ensuring that, as an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory, it remains accredited by following internationally recognised guidelines and standards in testing of drinking water in the municipality.
Next on Kunene’s agenda is submitting her research findings to the municipality’s Business Support and Tourism Market Unit, as she hopes that they will influence policies aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs in the metropole.
‘These policies could cater for the diversity of women entrepreneurship, that is, women in specific sectors, women entrepreneurs in rural and township areas, and women in male-dominated industries, to not only address the general needs of women in entrepreneurship but also their specific industry needs,’ she said. She believes such interventions will enhance entrepreneurship among women and minimise challenges.
Completing MBA studies was no mean feat for the married mother of three boys. She commented: ‘It’s a tough journey but with a good plan in place and great support from family, it is a journey that one is able to walk and finish.’ Her family is proud of her achievement.
Words: Hazel Langa
Photograph: Abhi Indarajan