Developing an Entrepreneurship Training Framework for Graphic Design Students at the Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa
Tumelo Rasedile 
Issue: Vol.5 No.13 Issue Article 1 pp. 2029-2039
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20245131 | Published online 1st October, 2024
© 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Entrepreneurship education has become increasingly important worldwide, including for graduates in South Africa. Like their counterparts in other emerging economies, South African graduates face challenges in starting their businesses. This study focused on Graphic Design graduates at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), who encountered difficulties in establishing their design businesses. The research aimed to develop an entrepreneurship education framework for the Integrated Communication Design (ICD) programme at Tshwane University of Technology. A qualitative method was used along with an interpretivism research philosophy to examine small and micrographic design businesses in Tshwane’s central business district. In this article, twelve participants were chosen through purposive sampling. Four main themes were revealed in this article namely, core entrepreneurial skills, curriculum challenges in practical education, challenges faced by graphic design graduates, and strategies for improving business performance. These findings informed the proposed framework for entrepreneurial education for Tshwane University of Technology. The study identified ten key challenges for graphic design graduates, such as a lack of contracts, mentorship, and financial support, difficulties in hiring skilled staff, limited business knowledge, reliance on government contracts, excessive subcontracting, brand recognition issues, cash flow problems, and corruption. The study concluded by emphasising the urgent need for a shift in graphic design education, particularly in South Africa. It is recommended that graphic design educational institutions and the government join hands in finding ways to sponsor these entrepreneurs financially and non-financially to make their transition into the corporate world as smooth as possible.
Keywords: Curriculum, entrepreneurship education, graphic design, higher education, Integrated Communication Design (ICD), small business
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Tumelo Rasedile is a seasoned graphic design lecturer with over 15 years of experience at the Tshwane University of Technology in the Faculty of Arts and Design, where he also serves as the Entrepreneurship and Work Integrated Learning Coordinator. He is committed to imparting design principles, fostering creativity, and encouraging critical thinking among his students. His teaching philosophy emphasises a hands-on, collaborative learning environment that inspires students to explore innovative solutions and remains attuned to industry trends and advancements in technology. Tumelo has presented numerous papers at both local and international conferences, showcasing his dedication to advancing design education and practice. Through his role as coordinator, he bridges the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that students gain practical experience and entrepreneurial skills essential for their future careers.
Rasedile, Tumelo. “Developing an Entrepreneurship Training Framework for Graphic Design Students at the Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa,” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 5, no.13 (2024): 2029-2039. https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20245131
© 2024 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
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