THE ROLE OF INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING TOWARDS YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA

The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of institutions of higher learning towards youth entrepreneurship development in South Africa. The study adopted a quantitative research methodology. A sample of 150 university business students was considered. A convenience sampling technique was used to draw the participants. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data in a survey. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse data. Reliability was measured using the Cronbach’s alpha. The results showed that the university under consideration is doing well in terms of career guidance towards the entrepreneurship career. However, weaknesses were identified in other areas such as practical entrepreneurship education, extending entrepreneurial advice and financial support to young South Africans through their corporate social responsibility programmes and acting as training centres and innovation hubs, hence, weakening youth’s confidence to start their own businesses. Universities were recommended to craft different programmes to cater for youth.