Malebo Suzan Mulaudzi, Chris Schachtebeck, Natanya Meyer
Abstract
This study explores the provincial-specific dynamics affecting female entrepreneurs in Gauteng’s learner transport industry, moving beyond national narratives to examine context-specific challenges and opportunities. Using a qualitative, exploratory research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 female entrepreneurs operating learner transport businesses in Gauteng province between August and October 2021. Thematic analysis using ATLAS.ti software identified six primary themes revealing significant disconnects between national policy frameworks and provincial implementation realities. The findings demonstrate a complete absence of government support at the provincial level, with all 15 participants reporting no meaningful assistance from government agencies, highlighting critical policy implementation gaps despite comprehensive national entrepreneurship policies. The research reveals complex institutional dynamics characterised by fragmented relationships with transport authorities, gender exclusion within association structures, and prohibitive membership costs, creating barriers to meaningful participation. Urban-specific operational challenges unique to Gauteng’s metropolitan environment include escalating fuel costs, intense market competition, traffic congestion complexities, and infrastructure constraints that differ substantially from rural contexts. The study identifies a stark absence of formal training programs specifically designed for the learner transport sector, with participants relying heavily on informal funding sources such as retrenchment packages and family support due to inadequate access to formal financial markets. The COVID-19 pandemic particularly exposed the sector’s vulnerability, with devastating economic impacts fundamentally altering the financial landscape for learner transport entrepreneurs. These findings contribute to entrepreneurship ecosystem theory by demonstrating the importance of provincial-level analysis and providing practical policy recommendations for provincial government implementation, industry associations, educational institutions, and financial institutions. The study highlights the need for differentiated, context-specific entrepreneurship support policies that recognise the distinct operational environment of metropolitan areas and address the intersection of gender, sector, and urban entrepreneurship dynamics.