Across the ages, businesses have risen and fallen. In South Africa today, surveys show that only 38–40% of SMEs expect to survive beyond a year without external support, while more than half risk closure due to funding gaps, poor management, or market shocks. These figures echo the reality: survival is never guaranteed, and resilience is often the deciding factor.
Funding and the Illusion of Security
Government programmes such as the Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme (TREP) provide loans and support, yet repayment compliance varies widely from 10% in manufacturing to 50% in services. Many businesses close not because funding is absent, but because financial discipline and accountability are lacking. On the other hand, private initiatives like the SAB Foundation show that with mentorship and structure, 90% of supported entrepreneurs remain in operation after five years. The lesson is clear: funding alone does not secure success.
Trade, Imports, and the Price We Pay South Africa records trade surpluses in coal and agriculture, yet overall export growth lags behind peers. The World Bank points to structural challenges, unreliable logistics, energy shortages, and tariff barriers, that weaken competitiveness. This explains why local consumers often pay more for imported goods, even when raw materials originate here.
The Consumer Mindset
We often trust imported luxury goods over local creations. A necklace priced at R25,000 from abroad is seen as “authentic,” while the same piece from a local artisan in Eldorado Park is dismissed as “fake.” This mindset undermines local entrepreneurship and keeps communities dependent on external validation.
Breaking the Myth
There is no universal formula for business success. Some entrepreneurs thrive without government support, while others collapse despite access to loans. The “one size fits all” mindset is a myth. Business survival depends on context, resilience, and identity, not a single path or system.
Identity and Purpose
Not all medical students become doctors; some open pharmacies, others innovate in biotech. Likewise, not all entrepreneurs should chase tenders or government contracts. The real key is knowing who you are and building outside the system’s expectations.
Closing thoughts
Before starting a business, seek to understand yourself. Don’t add to the statistics of failed ventures. Remember: we are all useful in different ways, and success is never one size fits all.
Reference
● Absa/UNISA/SACCI Small Business Growth Index (2025) -official SME survey showing survival rates and sector challenges.
● SAB Foundation Impact Report (2025) – confirms that 90% of supported entrepreneurs remain operational after 5 years.
● UNU‑WIDER study on TREP repayment compliance (2024)—repayment rates vary by sector, from ~20% in manufacturing to ~50% in services.
● World Bank South Africa Trade Competitiveness Report (2024) – highlights structural trade challenges and AfCFTA opportunities. By Thamsanqa Yawathe
2 responses to “Business Talk: The “One Size Fits All” Mindset By Thamsanqa Yawathe”
Excellent article, Thamsanqa. Your message is a timely reminder that a one-size-fits-all approach rarely delivers sustainable results in today’s dynamic business environment. Every business, team, and customer base has unique needs, and leaders who take the time to understand those differences are far more likely to achieve meaningful growth and long-term success. Thank you for sharing such practical insights🤔 and challenging businesses to think beyond generic solutions. A thought-provoking and valuable read.
Known affectionately as Stress or Mparks, Ntokozo Thamsanqa Yawathe, I was born on August 22, 1996. I grew up in a disadvantaged environment and attended an under-resourced primary school. These experiences shaped my deep desire to return home one day and uplift the youth in my community.
Driven by this vision, I founded Thamy Dot Africa (PTY) LTD in 2017, a multi-division company dedicated to creating change. Though the business faced challenges, my passion remained undeterred. In 2023, I engaged in positive, growth-driven activities.
In 2025, my passion for multimedia and digital storytelling led me to join the iHub Africa program, where I expanded my skills in digital marketing and core soft skills. While this chapter demanded my full focus, temporarily shifting my attention from my businesses, it equipped me with the tools needed to make an even greater impact in the future.
Leave a Reply