Navigating the green economy in South Africa: A perspective from Black women sustainable business owners

Nomoyi, Khanyisa

Navigating the green economy in South Africa: A perspective from Black women sustainable business owners

Thesis / Dissertation

2026

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

African Studies

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Abstract

This research explores the experiences of Black women sustainable business owners and their navigation of the South African green economy. The study sought to understand how their businesses, which function as green micro-businesses, contribute towards building the national green economy. This research used ecofeminism and feminist economics as a theoretical basis to understand their experiences, unpack the development of the green economy and explore the possibilities of feminist economics in practice through their businesses. As South Africa continues to grapple with the effects of climate change on the economy, there are various national policies and financing instruments which aim to boost the developing green economy. With a focus on the Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME) sector, this study prioritised Black women leading green microbusinesses. Current literature dominantly represents the experiences of Global North adaptation of the green economy. In Africa, research continues in understanding the impacts of climate change on economies and the potential for SMMEs to drive critical aspects of economies that are climate responsive and resilient. Black feminist research methodologies were used in the study to understand the experiences of participants. The study was conducted with four microbusinesses operating in various townships in East London and eGqeberha in the Eastern Cape. Research participants were selected using snowball sampling to ensure that their responses align with the objectives of this study. Key findings from this research revealed the importance of solidarity in how black women conceptualise the economy, a need for feminist economic understanding of the green economy and possibilities for alternative economic frameworks for a climate resilient future. This research contributes to growing literature in the field by offering a feminist critique and economic alternatives on how Black women in the green economy envision sustainability.