The role of small-scale apparel manufacturing businesses in the provision of employment and income generation

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to identify types of small-scale businesses used by households for self-employment, the challenges they face, and the type of support received from government and non-governmental organisations. Two independent studies were conducted: a mixed-method approach was applied to obtain information from 200 respondents in two rural districts of Limpopo province of South Africa. A qualitative case study was also conducted in an urban setting in the Gauteng province of South Africa to explore the business operations of 13 small-scale clothing manufacturers. Businesses were related to agriculture, various artisan and consumer-related fields. Problems experienced included limited production/financial business resources and management skills. Incubation hub entrepreneurs were resourceful and used creativity for business survival. The findings underscore the need for skills training and support for small-scale clothing manufacturing business owners.