This edited book examines the social realities of migrant traders in the informal economy in South Africa. It draws on original research conducted with migrant traders in order to understand their lived experiences in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. With chapters on the diverse types of informal trading, urban versus rural settings, migrant women, xenophobia, crime, poverty, well-being and policy responses, the book will be a valuable resource for researchers, scholars, policymakers and development practitioners whose work relates to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
Author(s): Pranitha Maharaj
Series: Sustainable Development Goals Series
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
Year: 2023
Language: English
Pages: 274
City: Cham
Acknowledgements
Contents
Notes on Contributors
List of Figures
List of Tables
1 Introduction
Migrants on the Fringe of the Economy
Trading in the Era of COVID-19
Summary and Organisation of the Volume
References
2 Migrants in the Informal Sector: What We Know So Far?
Introduction
Migration for Employment: Stock and Flow
Alternatives to Formal Employment
The Informal Economy: Origin and Overview
Magnitude and Size of the Informal Economy
Migrant Informal Traders in South Africa
A Means to Make a Living: Street Trading
Feminisation of the Informal Economy: African Women in Business
Migration to the South: Is South Africa Still a Favoured Destination?
Xenophobia or Afrophobia? Crime, Violence and Harassment
The COVID-19 Pandemic: An Additional Strain
The Importance of Remaining in the Informal Sector: Resilience Through Hardship
Conclusion
References
3 Hustling to Survive: Livelihood Strategies of Migrants
Introduction
Migrants Are Not Homogenous
Reasons for Moving
Livelihood Strategies of Migrants
Challenges to Livelihood Activities
Impact of the Pandemic
Conclusion
References
4 Escaping Poverty in Zimbabwe: Experiences of Informal Traders in South Africa
Introduction
Well-Being of Zimbabwean Migrants
Methods
Reasons for Migrating to South Africa
Expectations Versus Reality
Going into Informal Business
Growing the Customer Base
Profile of the Customers
Challenges of Doing Business in South Africa
Remitting in Poverty and Its Effects on Well-Being
The Impact of COVID-19 on Zimbabwean Informal Traders
Conclusion
References
5 Innovation and Flexibility: Nigerian Women in Durban’s Informal Economy
Introduction
Women on the Move
Durban: An Attractive Destination for Nigerian Women
Alone and in Search of Greener Pastures
Starting Afresh in the Informal Economy
Daily Challenges Experienced by Nigerian Women
Better Policy, Better Protection: Prioritising Women’s Needs
An Added Stress: The COVID-19 Pandemic
Concluding Remarks
References
6 Remittance Flow and Familial Relations in the Face of COVID-19 Pandemic: Rethinking Social Ties During the Migration Period
Introduction
The Economic Fallout in Zimbabwe
Remittance Flow and Family Provision in the Country of Origin
Mobility Restrictions in the Era of COVID-19
Family as a Unit of Analysis for Migration
Remittances: A Source of Family Tension
Migrants Are Vulnerable During the Pandemic
Remittance Flow and Relations During the Pandemic
Misuse of Remittances
Family Welfare First
Conclusion
References
7 No Protection, No Support: Older Migrants Operating in South Africa’s Informal Economy
Introduction
Older Traders Operating During a Global Crisis
Income Security During Older Age
Researching Older Migrants
Trading to Survive: Older Migrants Operating in the Informal Economy
Leaving My Life Behind
Voiceless and Vulnerable: Older Traders Operating in Fear
Ageing During Uncertain Times
COVID-19: Hunger Is the New Normal
A Cry for Government Intervention
Concluding Remarks
References
8 Collaboration or Competition? The Relationship Between Locals and Migrants in the Informal Economy
Introduction
Researching Local and Migrants
Locals and Migrants in the Informal Economy
Nature of Relations Between Migrant and Local Traders
Cultivating Good Relations Between Migrants and Locals
Navigating Tense and Hostile Relationships
Language as a Barrier to Building Relations
Competition for Limited Resources and Customers
An Increasingly Hostile Environment
Lockdown Worsens the Situation for Informal Traders
Concluding Remarks
References
9 Changes in Public Attitudes and Behaviour Towards International Migrants in South Africa During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Introduction
Mass Views Towards Immigration
Zero-Sum Thinking About International Migrants
Elite Anti-immigrant Attitudes
Understanding Attacks on International Migrants
Elite Assessments of Anti-immigrant Violence
Organised Non-state Anti-immigrant Actions
Conclusion
References
10 The Inclusion of International Migrants in the Informal Economy: From Policy to Practice
Introduction
The Informal Economy and International Migrants
Regulatory Framework
Experiences of International Migrants in the Informal Economy
Conclusion
References
