Knowledge of street vendors in overcoming challenges associated with the government requirements– A South African case study

Author: 
Mmathapelo Gosebo

This study aims to determine whether micro-enterprises such as street vendors have administrative knowledge to overcome challenges associated with the government requirements. A questionnaire was administered to street vendors around the Johannesburg area to fulfil aims of this study. Descriptive results reveal a significant number of street vendors would abandon their current economic activity for jobs that pay at least US$200 a week; most street vendors have below high school education; and the vast majority of street vendors do not have any business administrative training. Inferential results reveal that government policies on micro-enterprises are almost unknown to street vendors; government laws on micro-enterprises are perceived as an impediment to street vending; andlaw enforcement agencies on micro-enterprise are perceived as hindering street vending. This study contributes to the understanding of fissures in the dissemination of government requirements to street vendors; and the comprehension of cracks in channels available to influence government policies, laws, and practice in favour of street vendors. Accordingly, there is a need for government to socialize street vendors (not through law enforcement) about policies, laws, and practices that nurture micro-enterprises

Paper No: 
592