Author(s): Kgomotlokoa Thaba-Nkadimene, Sharon Mmakola
This paper reports on the study that examined the voices of unemployed youth on entrepreneurial development and support by using language and community structures that builds up a sustained networks and relationships. This paper responds to two main research questions, namely ‘what is the influence of language on understanding the entrepreneurial content during training and development? What is the value of community structures in promoting sustainable networks and relationships?’ The study is informed by the Indigenous Social Capital Conceptual Model; and it premised within interpretivism paradigm that informed the use of interviews qualitative techniques. Data was collected among twelve (12) unemployed youth in Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality in Limpopo Province. It was found that the use of English language as a hindrance to entrepreneurial activities and training, whereas community structures were found to be the preferred communication channels and bedrocks for sustained networking and a required relationship for entrepreneurial support and development. As part of the conclusion, this study recommends that the support and development of unemployed youth should address the challenges associated with the use of English; instead use local languages. Furthermore, the study endorses the value of community structure. This study recommends that South African intervention programme that aimed at developing entrepreneurial skills of unemployed youth should be grounded on the Indigenous Social Capital Conceptual Model; that emphasises on the use of local indigenous languages and promotion of sustainable relationship and networks through community structures.