The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on women street traders selling food : a case study in the Marabastad area of Pretoria

Abstract

This dissertation explores and analyzes the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on women street traders in the Marabastad area of Pretoria. The research for this dissertation was conducted from a socio-economic perspective as it observed the impact of the pandemic on the businesses of women street traders. Qualitative research methods were employed to collect data, which included making use of existing literature, semi-structured in-depth interviews, and observations. There were 20 research participants who were interviewed, consisting of 19 women street traders and one government official. The dissertation concludes that women street traders were negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic as they were forced to stop selling food and this meant a loss of income which resulted in them struggling to provide for their families. They then used various mechanisms to react to and survive the Covid-19 pandemic, which included depending on social support grants, borrowing money, and using their savings. This dissertation shows that poor communication and bureaucratic processes were hinderances to the local municipality administering effective service delivery to the informal food traders. The issues that came as a result of the pandemic should challenge the government and other stakeholders to establish strategies and policies that work towards advancing the informal food economy in the City of Tshwane and elsewhere. The government could consider having less onerous requirements and a more enabling environment for street trading businesses and for accessing social relief services in a time of socio-economic crisis. More could also be done to include traders in the policy making process to ensure interventions better respond to their needs.