Abstract

Rural entrepreneurs in the Western Cape Province of South Africa were surveyed in order to explore the challenges and opportunities that they are facing. The methodology used in this study involved a combination of quantitative and descriptive research. The study consisted of a sample of 160 rural entrepreneurs. Based on the results of the study, rural entrepreneurs in the Western Cape still face challenges such as lack of technical and business skills, shortage and high cost of raw materials, inaccessible and unreliable communication and transport services, and limited access to finance and sustainable markets. Rural entrepreneurs have various opportunities in the form of increasing government commitment to land reform and rural development, support from small business development institutions and the creation of networks and partnerships with other rural and urban entrepreneurs. The study recommends that the government needs to come up with comprehensive legislation and policies to spearhead and support rural development through rural entrepreneurship.

Key words: Rural, entrepreneurship, sustainability, development.