Job stealers? A close look at immigrant street traders in Cape Town

Abstract

Since 1994, when the apartheid regime officially ended, large numbers of African immigrants, looking for safety and better economic opportunities, have entered South Africa. Due to the country’s poor economic situation and its history of racial oppression, immigrants were quickly labelled as ‘job stealers’ by a xenophobic mass. As a means to earn a living, many immigrants resorted to informal street trade. By examining immigrant street traders in Cape Town, this research aims to find out how these people influence the well-being of South Africans nationals via their entrepreneurship, and to what extent the image of immigrants as ‘job stealers’ is justified. The findings in this study are the result of a literature review, direct observations and 34 interviews that were conducted with immigrant street traders in different parts of Cape Town. Results indicate that there are several ways in which informal street trade by immigrants can positively influence the well-being of South Africans. Firstly, immigrants employ South African locals in their businesses, providing employment and directly opposing the image of them as ‘job stealers’. Secondly, immigrants transfer knowledge and skills to South African locals. Lastly, the findings indicate multiple ways in which informal street trade provides immigrants with a platform to strengthen social ties with South African nationals. The overall result is an acknowledgement of the contribution that African immigrants bring to South African society through economic as well as social development. Recommendations are made regarding research topics and policy changes, such as adjusting immigration laws and improving opportunities for immigrant entrepreneurs to receive financial support.