THE ADOPTION OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AS A SUSTAINABLE GROWTH STRATEGY FOR SMALL ENTERPRISES
In the context of South Africa's economic environment, information communication technology integration appears to be a critical component in supporting small businesses' objectives for sustainable growth. The paper explores the deployment of Information Communication Technology and illustrates how it influences the distinctive structure of small businesses in South Africa. Data was collected from 374 manufacturing small and medium enterprises in KZN using convenience sampling and a positivist perspective. According to the results, there exist several barriers impeding manufacturing small and medium enterprise’s ability to grow sustainably. These barriers encompassed lack of digital skills (81.6%), vulnerability associated with ICT (90%) and infrastructural challenges (93.4%). It is therefore, recommended that to foster sustainable growth, small businesses should implement a well-rounded plan that integrates different strategies, such as management skill development, cybersecurity support, and infrastructure improvement.
SMEs, Growth Hindrance, Technical Skills, Sustainable Development, Entrepreneurship, 4IR Technologies, Implementation.