January 21, 2004
By Tammy O'Reilly
A RECENT survey of some 7 500 informal traders provides a fascinating insight into the daily life of the street sellers of Johannesburg.
For example, traders work on average between eight to 11 hours a day, but in certain areas like Alexandra township these hours are much longer.
The findings of the survey will also contribute to plans that the council is currently working on to upgrade and develop the informal trading sector of the city.
The survey, conducted during June and July last year by the Johannesburg City Council, saw 7 500 informal traders from across the City's 11 regions interviewed. They were asked to fill out forms detailing the amount of stock they carried, the type of goods, the value of the stock and the prices of the goods sold. Traders were also asked their perceptions with regards to structures, safety and security and utilities such as water and electricity in the areas in which they trade.
Information gathered will be used in formulating council policy on informal trade. The City's new Informal Trading Development Policy, which encompasses the setting up of different grades of street markets, training and various support structures for informal traders and ensures by-law enforcement, is constantly being updated and reviewed.
"The survey is helpful in that council is able to establish what development needs to take place, where and to what degree," said the council's SMME (small, medium and micro enterprises) programme manager, Sean Dinat.
There are almost 8 000 informal traders around Johannesburg, the survey found, with an equal number of men and women traders. Stock on the street is valued at R5-million, with a turnover of R6-million per annum. The survey also found that traders work lengthy hours, which fluctuate depending on the season. On average people work between eight to 11 hours a day, the survey found.
"These figures give us an indication of what contribution the informal traders are making to local economic development and how many jobs have been created," said Dinat.
Other information collected included identifying where more trading activity takes place compared to others, such as at taxi ranks.
The research project was undertaken in conjunction with the Computer Foundation, a company that does information technology work in the country and throughout Africa.
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