A theory and outcome evaluation of the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation (AGOF) scholarship programme

The present study evaluates the AGOF Scholarship programme, which aims to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among South African youth. This evaluation examines whether the programme's activities achieve the intended outcomes and assesses the coherency of the programme theory. This study utilises a descriptive design, incorporating semi-structured interviews with four programme mobilisers and twelve scholarship beneficiaries (nine success cases and three non-success cases) along with a literature review that includes a synthesis of existing studies related to academic support, entrepreneurial mindset development and youth empowerment programmes to contextualise the findings and assess the programme's effectiveness in achieving its intended outcomes. The findings indicate that AGOF's structured support provided by the Scholarship Development Officers aligns with best practices identified in similar programmes in enhancing academic performance. In addition, experiential activities such as entrepreneurial showcases positively influence entrepreneurial alertness and self- efficacy, consistent with findings from studies in Singapore and Finland. However, gaps were identified in the programme, including the lack of structured career planning and peer feedback mechanisms, which could enhance the programme's effectiveness. This evaluation highlights the Scholarship's potential to address South Africa's socioeconomic challenges by equipping young individuals with the skills and confidence needed to pursue entrepreneurship. These skills may improve young South Africans' prospects and, in turn, contribute to job creation and economic growth.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Accounting and Accountability in Africa

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Van Wyk, Olga

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Chapman, Sarah

• youth entrepreneurship
• entrepreneurial mindset
• South Africa
• theory evaluation
• programme theory
• outcome evaluation
• Success Case Method

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/42811

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/42811