Abstract:
Migrants in South Africa do not come from neighbouring countries only, but also from the rest of Africa and beyond. The reason for this is a mixture of push and pull factors. Whether they were pushed or pulled, many ended up establishing their own businesses as a personal choice or because of factors such as discrimination in the labour market.
This study is qualitative in nature; in-depth interviews helped the researcher to explore and understand the social and economic experiences of immigrant entrepreneurs in Cape Town. Research findings indicate that Turkish and Columbian entrepreneurs come to Cape Town with the intention of building their own businesses and pursuing their passions. However, the survival and growth of the businesses are not without cost because of lack of support from the government, inaccessibility of banking services, difficulties in dealing with administrative requirements, and safety and security in Cape Town. The results show that social and human capital play an equally important role in the creation and growth (success) of an immigrant-owned business.
This study highlights the issues of the existence of immigrant entrepreneurs in South Africa and presents their roles in the South African community. It therefore contributes to the literature on the socio-economic experience of immigrant entrepreneurs in Cape Town, South Africa. This study is also aimed at assisting in policy formulation to promote entrepreneurship among immigrant communities in South Africa.
