A qualitative analysis of the informal social networks of street traders in the Pretoria Central Business District, South Africa

Abstract

The study investigates informal social networks’ role, contribution, and significance to street traders within the Pretoria Central Business District (CBD). This locale was considered ideal for this study because the City of Tshwane is the single-largest metropolitan municipality in South Africa. Furthermore, the metropolitan is centred around Pretoria, which is a capital city. As such, the city attracts a diverse and large amount of street traders, both local and foreign. Strategically located at the city’s centre, the Pretoria CBD is a bustling locale where multiple street trade discourses are constantly at play. Furthermore, there is a high volume of commuters (entering or leaving the city). As such, it is a crucial hub for transport networks.

Street trading is deeply embedded in the urban fabric of most societies, especially in developing nations, contributing to the livelihoods of millions worldwide. However, due to its informal nature, street trading necessitates adaptive coping strategies, where social networks emerge as a pivotal factor influencing traders resilience and success. Therefore, the study focuses on the unique relationships of solidarity developed by informal street traders to mitigate unfavourable social and economic circumstances. Informal traders exist in an uncertain environment characterized by vulnerability because of ‘illegality’, lack of financial security and exclusion, among other factors. The study argues that perceptions of vulnerability shape street traders’ participation in social networks. Vulnerability arises in multiple and complex factors experienced at the global, national, and local levels. The complexity manifests in multiple issues that render street traders vulnerable, ranging from rising unemployment, exclusionary government policies and legislation, and socio-economic deprivations.

Armed with these challenges, risks and threats, informal traders have an arsenal of innovative ways to sustain their livelihoods. This study analysed the link between vulnerability and street traders’ use of social networks to adapt to constantly changing circumstances. The resilience of street traders in the Pretoria CBD is highlighted through their ability to canvas a range of innovative informal networks. Self-organization by street traders in social networks represents the coping and livelihood strategies deployed as a survival toolkit. These networks also help street traders to get by and represent the benefits of sociability.

It adopts an ethnographic approach to investigate how vulnerability extends beyond the economic aspects to the social element, which has long been the main survival tool kit for informal street traders in urban spaces. As such, informal street trading emerges as a complex social space of interaction where social networks are a crucial part of a street trader’s life. The streets are highly contested economic spaces and are spaces of vulnerability where social capital is crucial for survival. This study has adopted a qualitative approach set within the constructivist paradigm. It is based on a single case study of the Pretoria CBD using participant observation, nonparticipant observation, and open-ended interviews. Thematic analysis is applied to the qualitative data to discern common patterns and emerging themes.

The findings reveal that social networks among street traders are a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that have the power to benefit traders in several ways. These networks facilitate resource-sharing, access, agency, resilience, a sense of belonging and mutual support. The study also identified challenges and disruptions within social networks, such as vulnerability to external pressures derived from the COVID-19 regulations. Based on the findings, key recommendations and policy implications are proposed to enhance the resilience of street traders. Policymakers are urged to expand targeted and tailored social protection mechanisms. For example, integrating those networks focused on skill development or financial literacy into urban development strategies. Furthermore, fostering an inclusive and supportive regulatory environment can reduce the negative impacts of external shocks. In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, and possible future shocks, government is encouraged to facilitate and provide accessible and inclusive socio-economic relief. The study recommends that street traders enhance the positive aspects of social networks as a tool to increase socio-economic security and reduce vulnerability.