Creating an entrepreneurial culture among students through entrepreneurship development programmes (EDP)

Entrepreneurship is the cornerstone of economic growth and financial independence. This paper reports on the perception of students regarding entrepreneurship. Unemployment, especially for the youth, is a reality not only in South Africa but in many other countries globally. Creating a culture and awareness of students to become entrepreneurs is believed to be one solution to reduce unemployment. Various literature sources were examined during the compilation of a questionnaire, comprising 53 questions regarding issues relating to entrepreneurship, unemployment and job possibilities. Approximately 400 students from the Faculty of Economic Sciences and IT at the Vaal campus of North West University in Gauteng province, South Africa formed part of the survey and 293 completed questionnaires were received back. The questionnaire was pre-tested and piloted before the main survey. Data were analysed using z-tests and p-tests, and indicate that the implementation of entrepreneurship development programmes (EDPs) for students would be well supported. The students have a realistic view of the risk of unemployment and show a favourable attitude to entrepreneurship, which is seen as a possible safeguard against unemployment. It is believed that by introducing EDPs to students as early as their first year of study will create a culture to become self-employed. This could, in turn, improve economic development and help reduce youth unemployment in developing countries.