Wissink, Henry Frank.Adegunloye, Ife Omotaye.2025-02-032025-02-0320232023https://hdl.handle.net/10413/23606Doctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.The concept of Aerotropolis, whereby, cities grow around airport operations infrastructure is becoming more popular globally. This has significant impact in improving employment generation within the environment that embraces the concept. Airports have become important employers and centers for urban growth. An indication of employment opportunities within the airport environment reflect that Heathrow airport employs 76,500 people while Dubai Airport employs 90,000. Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are generally seen to be the main driver of growth of any economy. This study therefore investigated how the TB-SMMEs can be enhanced for employment creation within the Durban Aerotropolis. The study also investigated the factors hampering the growth of TB-SMMEs. A mixed methods approach was employed for the research. Interviews were conducted with members of Dube Trade Port and some members of the Durban Tourism Unit. Quantitative data was collected through structured questionnaires conducted among some SMMEs within the tourism sector through respondents employing probability sampling and participants for non- probability sampling. The sample size was 243 respondents, and both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed. The data were presented with the utilization of tables, pie charts, and percentages. The Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) - version 26, was used to analyse the quantitative data. Content analysis with the aid of triangulation of data was utilised to analyse the qualitative data gathered from interviews. The results indicate the financial gap within the TB-SMMEs, poor infrastructural amenities, lack of innovation for creative ideas, poor knowledge sharing, deficient of necessary skills and increased crime rates that can pose an hinderance to the growth of TB-SMMEs within the Durban Aerotropolis. The study therefore recommends the upgrade of infrastructure that will enhance the operations of the TB-SMMEs within the Durban Aerotropolis, improvement of required skills among the TB-SMMEs, accessibility to funds and the mitigation of crime in order to enhance their productivity. This will hopefully result in growth that can further generate employment opportunities within the Durban Aerotropolis. The research adds to the body of knowledge on South African SMMEs and points to the need for continued research, particularly in developing other areas that can aid employment generation through the Durban Aerotropolis.enEmployment.Tourism.Small enterprises.Thesis