Leveraging E-Government Infrastructure for Entrepreneurship Development and Economic Growth in Rural Communities: Addressing Challenges and Opportunities in South Africa

This study examines the challenges and opportunities associated with entrepreneurship development in rural South African communities, focusing on the role of e-government infrastructure in promoting economic growth and addressing poverty and unemployment. It centers on Ga-Mothiba in Limpopo Province, a rural area facing limited access to vital services such as healthcare, education, and telecommunications—factors that contribute to high unemployment rates and the migration of residents to urban areas in search of better opportunities. The study also identifies restricted access to market information and limited government support as significant barriers to the economic participation of rural populations, while agriculture, the dominant livelihood in these areas, is declining due to reduced global demand and productivity challenges. Using a descriptive case study design within a quantitative research framework, the study distributed 108 closed-ended questionnaires to general residents and community leaders through purposive sampling, with 90 successfully completed and analysed using SPSS Version 25. The findings emphasize the need to expand e-government services in rural regions as a means to close the digital divide, enhance socio-economic inclusion, and enable access to essential public services. The research highlights that through strategic and inclusive policy implementation aligned with Batho Pele principles, e-government can empower rural youth, boost entrepreneurship, and contribute meaningfully to national development goals and sustainable rural advancement.