DVA4805
ASSIGNMENT 3 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 23 JULY 2025
,Gender and Development
Challenges Faced by Women in the Informal Sector in South Africa and Policy
Recommendations
1. Introduction
In South Africa, the informal economy employs nearly 30% of working women,
especially in urban townships and rural areas (Statistics South Africa [Stats SA], 2021).
These women contribute significantly to household survival and community resilience
but face a range of economic, social, and legal challenges.
2. Profiles of Participants (Simulated Interviews)
Name Age Location Informal Occupation
Thandi 39 Soweto, Gauteng Street food vendor
Zanele 45 Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal Domestic worker
Nokuthula 33 Khayelitsha, Cape Town Hair braider (home-based)
Busi 29 Mthatha, Eastern Cape Informal clothes trader
Lerato 37 Diepsloot, Gauteng Waste picker (recycler)
3. Challenges and Obstacles
A. Economic Insecurity
Unpredictable earnings: Thandi and Busi noted that business depends on foot
traffic and weather.
, No access to credit: All participants struggle to access formal loans without
payslips or collateral.
B. Unsafe and Unregulated Working Conditions
Exposure to hazards: Lerato lacks gloves and masks while handling waste.
No formal contracts: Zanele can be dismissed anytime with no severance or
notice.
C. Lack of Social Protection
None are enrolled in the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) or national
health insurance.
No access to maternity leave, disability cover, or pensions.
D. Gender-Based Vulnerabilities
Harassment from police or male customers reported by Nokuthula and Thandi.
Unpaid domestic and care work burdens especially affect Zanele and Nokuthula.
E. Legal and Policy Exclusion
Street vendors like Thandi are often evicted without notice by metro police.
Informal workers are not fully covered by labour law protections (ILO, 2018).
4. Thematic Analysis
Theme Findings from Interviews
Daily sales and incomes are volatile; lack of credit and
Economic Insecurity
savings
ASSIGNMENT 3 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 23 JULY 2025
,Gender and Development
Challenges Faced by Women in the Informal Sector in South Africa and Policy
Recommendations
1. Introduction
In South Africa, the informal economy employs nearly 30% of working women,
especially in urban townships and rural areas (Statistics South Africa [Stats SA], 2021).
These women contribute significantly to household survival and community resilience
but face a range of economic, social, and legal challenges.
2. Profiles of Participants (Simulated Interviews)
Name Age Location Informal Occupation
Thandi 39 Soweto, Gauteng Street food vendor
Zanele 45 Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal Domestic worker
Nokuthula 33 Khayelitsha, Cape Town Hair braider (home-based)
Busi 29 Mthatha, Eastern Cape Informal clothes trader
Lerato 37 Diepsloot, Gauteng Waste picker (recycler)
3. Challenges and Obstacles
A. Economic Insecurity
Unpredictable earnings: Thandi and Busi noted that business depends on foot
traffic and weather.
, No access to credit: All participants struggle to access formal loans without
payslips or collateral.
B. Unsafe and Unregulated Working Conditions
Exposure to hazards: Lerato lacks gloves and masks while handling waste.
No formal contracts: Zanele can be dismissed anytime with no severance or
notice.
C. Lack of Social Protection
None are enrolled in the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) or national
health insurance.
No access to maternity leave, disability cover, or pensions.
D. Gender-Based Vulnerabilities
Harassment from police or male customers reported by Nokuthula and Thandi.
Unpaid domestic and care work burdens especially affect Zanele and Nokuthula.
E. Legal and Policy Exclusion
Street vendors like Thandi are often evicted without notice by metro police.
Informal workers are not fully covered by labour law protections (ILO, 2018).
4. Thematic Analysis
Theme Findings from Interviews
Daily sales and incomes are volatile; lack of credit and
Economic Insecurity
savings
