This study aimed at analyzing the impact of TQM in SMEs' daily operations. The following objectives have been identified in the study: (1) to foster an understanding on the effects of TQM adoption on the performance of SMEs; (2) Clarify the extent of TQM adoption by South African SMEs; and finally (3) Outline an understanding of the TQM principles which enterprises in South Africa consider important. The study followed a quantitative approach with a  purposive sample of 210 SMEs located in the Maboneng district in South Africa was studied. Data collection was done using questionnaires while data were analyzed using SPSS 25, where measures of central tendencies such as the mean and the average were calculated. Fundamental descriptive analysis has been used to portray the findings of the study. Results showed that many SMEs adopt TQM as a production philosophy even though not all components of TQM are appropriately applied. However, most companies do not see the need to involve the employees in all aspects of the production, especially if they do not understand the production process. Thus, this practice is contradictory to the philosophy of TQM.