Practical education creates work

Sacha Sorrell, director of REAL Training and of the South African Forum for Entrepreneurship, says that while it is agreed entrepreneurship and the jobs entrepreneurs create are key to transformation, South Africa ranks as one of the lowest performing entrepreneurial countries when compared to other developing nations.

"According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, 2005, a benchmark study of entrepreneurship, South Africa's major needs are self-belief in entrepreneurship and mentorship, developing an entrepreneurial mindset and education and training."

Sorrell says this lowly position and high levels of unemployment indicate that the current educational system is not working: "We need something different. If we keep doing the same thing, we will keep getting the same result.

"The South African Labour Guide (2004) found that for every 100 South Africans seeking employment, only 32 find work. Therefore, many will be forced into entrepreneurship.

"Yes, we have many educational issues to address. Many people are still unable to even read and write. We need something drastic, a new way of educating people in a practical way, a system that develops core entrepreneurial and human capital skills, something innovative that can tap into the diverse needs of South Africa, rather than just focussing on the elite as many of the graduate schools of business do so well."

Sorrell says the emphasis should be on a process and system that can be applied practically to one's life and business even when the students have had limited education.

"Key entrepreneurial success factors include understanding one's own abilities, leadership skills, and a knowledge of business principles. Many entrepreneurs acknowledge that formal education contributed little to their success."

Sorrell says these factors have promoted a focus on experiential learning in courses aimed at helping corporate managers and entrepreneurs to develop their entrepreneurial skills.