Resilience on the street: Lived experiences of car guards in Windhoek’s central business district

This study delves into the challenges and aspirations of car guards, a vulnerable community aiming to improve their overall well-being. The research, conducted through semi-structured interviews guided by qualitative methodology, offers profound explanations for the multifaceted struggles faced by car guards. The interview used a semistructured guide, which was meticulously designed to capture the rich and diverse experiences of car guards. In addition, photographs were used as a supplementary method to collect data, offering a visual context for their living and working conditions. The findings illuminate the complexities of car guards’ lives, highlighting issues such as limited health care access, inadequate housing, financial vulnerabilities, and occupational hazards. Despite these challenges, the study underscores the remarkable resilience, determination, and hope demonstrated by car guards as they navigate their precarious circumstances. This study recommends urgent policy reforms, including the revision of restrictive municipal bylaws, and emphasises the importance of addressing basic needs such as healthcare, clean water, and nutrition. Education and skills development programmes are advocated to enhance employability, coupled with financial support mechanisms and community engagement initiatives. Environmental safety training and psychosocial support services are essential. Empowering car guards to advocate for their rights and involving them in decision-making processes are crucial steps towards creating a more inclusive and supportive urban environment. By implementing these recommendations, society can recognise and nurture the resilience of car guards, thus fostering a compassionate and equitable society for all. This comprehensive approach, informed by qualitative research and visual data, contributes significantly to understanding the unique experiences of car guards and supports their journey towards a brighter future

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Namibia

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Gawaseb, Dawid

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Tjirera, Ellison

• Resilience
• Informal sector
• Car guards
• Living and working conditions
• Namibia
• University of Namibia

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11070/4235

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.unam.edu.na:11070/4235