Empowerment in South Africa and the educational aspect of the basho

Addressing the legacy of Apartheid, South Africa is currently in a stage of economic transformation. Previously disadvantaged individuals (PDIs) are now seeking opportunities in the 'first economy'. However, and particularly prominent in the construction sector, these young companies often fail to develop into meaningful business entities. This is thought to be due to a general lack of knowledge and skills which are needed to survive in a competitive formal economic environment. The policies of the country encourage established and PDI owned emerging companies to work together. Thus an opportunity for learning and knowledge transfers within these collaborations arises. The adequate context of such transfers of knowledge is known to be crucial. The cognitive distance between the sender and receiver, demarcating the context, is of particular importance. A survey amongst key site staff was conducted. The focus of the survey was to explore the types and levels of formal education amongst key site staff. Combined with existing literature on the cultural differences between 'Blacks' and 'Whites' in South Africa, the knowledge of the educational levels allowed the researchers to assess and describe aspects of the cognitive distance existing between these parties. Differences in educational levels and training exist, translating in cognitive distances hindering knowledge transfer. These findings enable the researchers to formulate better models for knowledge transfers between these parties, taking the existing cognitive distance of parties into account.