Balancing Livelihoods and Regulation: A Scoping Review of the Socio‑Economic Impact of Street Vending in South Africa's Informal Economy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51137/wrp.ijarbm.591Keywords:
Street Vending, Livelihoods, South African Economy, Unemployment, Informal EconomyAbstract
South Africa faces deep socio‑economic inequality, with more than 18.2 million people living in extreme poverty. Street vending plays a critical role in supporting livelihoods, especially in rural and semi‑rural areas where access to goods, services, and employment is limited. The removal of this activity would intensify existing hardships. This study aims to examine the factors driving street vending, the challenges vendors face, and the sector’s contribution to the economy. The paper uses a scoping review approach. It synthesises literature published between 2020 and 2024. The review includes 31 studies identified through searches conducted in October 2024 using Google Scholar and the Sabinet African Journals database. Results show that street vending offers essential income opportunities for marginalised groups. However, vendors work under insecure conditions marked by weak legal protection, poor infrastructure, and inconsistent enforcement of bylaws. The findings also reveal that regulatory and formalisation efforts have begun, but progress is uneven. More targeted support is required. Policy measures should focus on improving working conditions, strengthening economic security, and recognising the developmental importance of street vending within South Africa’s informal economy.
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