Mr

Kagiso Phake, North West University

The aim of the study is to explore the role that Somali social network plays in tuck-shop operations in Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality. the study basis its argument against the notion Somali businesses thrives based only on principles of economics. It argues that social networks and social capital plays a vital role in shaping the entrepreneurial spirit among Somali migrants in South Africa. The role played by social capital in the creation of Somali and human and financial capital will be examined. The study relied on qualitative methodology using structured interview guide and Focus Group Discussions (FDGs) for data collection and furthermore used the phenomenological case study as its research design. For data analysis the study relies on interpretative phenomenological analysis in order to understand the research participants’ lived experiences about the research topic at hand. Keywords: Somali migrants, social networks, tuck-shops, social capital, entrepreneurship, south Africa