The extent to which female informal traders participate in the local economic development (LED) programme at Umhlathuze local municipality, Kwazulu-Natal province

Employment in the informal sector is on the increase in various regions of the world. There are more women than men in the informal sector and there are several explanations for this basic fact. Among other factors is that the informal sector is the primary source of employment for women in many developing countries such as South Africa. Gender-based differences in employment status within the informal sector have implications for relative earnings and poverty levels. Prior to 1994, South Africa experienced a high rate of inequality and under-development, especially among rural dwellers. This led to political tensions which culminated in the struggle for freedom. After the struggle, the new dispensation in South Africa ushered the democratic and inclusive governance, hence, a series of legislations and policies were instituted to correct the injustices of the past. These, among others, include the policy on Local Economic Development (LED) which placed strong emphasis on the social and economic development of rural dwellers. This study explored the place of women in informal trading business using a selected municipality in South Africa. A qualitative method was adopted for data collection. Focus group discussions were conducted for selected informal women traders in the selected municipality, while semi-structured interviews were conducted for municipal officials. The awareness of women regarding the LED programme as well as its effect on women in informal trading business were investigated. The findings of the study showed that women get involved in informal businesses due to several factors such as death of the breadwinner, poverty, and poor or non-formal education, among others. Furthermore, lack of awareness of LED programme, poor infrastructures, lack of warehouse for storage, low income, municipal policies, lack of adequate training, among others, are factors which hinder the progress of women informal business traders in the selected municipal areas. Hence, the study recommends the review of policies, creation of awareness on LED programme, construction of warehouses and infrastructures to enhance the upliftment of women informal business traders.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Zululand

Year dc:date.issued

2019

Author dc:creator

• Bennett, Rejoice Phindile

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Adetiba, T.C.
• Jili, N.N.

• Informal traders
• Local economic development

Licence

• https://devspace.unizulu.ac.za/bitstreams/4f7cc5ec-4e7e-4424-9366-37c90e640f89/download