Small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) are vital to the South African economy, generating substantial employment and contributing to the nation’s overall economic growth. However, recent shock events, including floods, civil unrest, and load shedding, have highlighted the vulnerability of SMMEs and the need for a more resilient business landscape. This paper aims to investigate the resilience of SMMEs in South Africa, providing a draft framework to understand and enhance their capacity to prevent and mitigate risks associated with these events.

Through a desktop approach, including case studies and previous impact analysis, as well as discussions with other researchers and practitioners, we assess the factors that contribute to the vulnerability of SMMEs. The findings reveal that SMMEs face numerous challenges, such as limited infrastructure and insufficient risk management capabilities. Building on these insights, we propose a multifaceted framework that focuses on risk prevention, mitigation, and adaptation strategies. By integrating the perspectives of practitioners and policymakers, this paper seeks to inform the development of targeted interventions and policies that foster resilience among South African SMMEs, enhancing their ability to withstand and recover from shocks and ultimately supporting the long-term sustainability of the national economy.

After reviewing the impacts of recent shock events such as KZN floods, unrest and pandemic, and ongoing stressors such as crime and load shedding on SMMEs, a framework for understanding SMME resilience is proposed and presented as a practitioner guide for assessing and building SMME resilience.