The ambiguity of business support interventions for home-based enterprises that are re-shaping residential urban spaces in Durban, South Africa

Abstract

Positive developmental consequences for home-based enterprises (HBEs) are diminished in South African townships, due to insufficient alignment of business support interventions (BSI). There is limited urban planning knowledge on how HBEs in townships operate within residential zones and how spatial and regulatory challenges affect their development. The integration of supporting informal businesses presents a challenge since the informal economy does not have detailed spatial information. This article aims to address gaps in urban planning knowledge regarding how HBEs operate in residential zones, particularly in areas known for historical land-use conflicts. A case study approach with mixed methods (surveys and interviews) is used to investigate local initiatives for economic development in a ward area, using quantitative and qualitative data to better understand the interdisciplinary linkages of urban development in the South Durban Basin of eThekwini Municipality. Findings show that there are gaps in the way in which HBEs understand planning, policy, and regulations and this needs to be considered in reducing the lack of business support interventions for local economic development.