Migrant Traders: The Unsung Heroes of South Africa’s Tourism Economy

South Africa’s vibrant tourism industry thrives not only on its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage but also on the contributions of informal street traders. Many of these traders are migrants, offering unique and affordable goods that attract tourists, generate employment, and support local producers. Yet, despite their undeniable role in the economy, they remain largely unprotected by policy. 

South Africa's tourism sector presents lucrative opportunities for informal traders. In 2023 alone, the country welcomed R8.48 million international tourists, with the sector contributing 3.5% to the nation’s GDP (The Conversation 2025). Street traders, many of whom are migrants, are a key component of this success, offering souvenirs, food, and other locally sourced goods that shape tourists' experiences. However, they face numerous challenges due to policy neglect, lack of formal recognition, and restricted access to essential resources.

Recent research conducted in Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg (2022-2023) by Alicia Fourie, Andrea Saayman and Derick Blaauw (A. S. Alicia Fourie 2024)highlights the remarkable resilience of informal migrant traders. Many have been in the business for over 14 years, supporting multiple dependents and adapting to market changes with innovative strategies such as product diversification, shared payment systems, and community-driven networks. Despite their hard work, the average gross monthly income remains low at approximately $580, making financial stability a persistent challenge (A. S. Alicia Fourie 2024).  

The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed the vulnerabilities of informal traders, with many, particularly migrants, excluded from government relief programs. According to Thabo Mokoena, a Johannesburg-based tourism entrepreneur, supporting policy reform to protect migrant traders: “Tourists value the authenticity and affordability of street markets. If we want to grow our tourism sector, we must ensure these traders are supported, not marginalized” (A. S. Alicia Fourie, Andrea Saayman and Derick Blaauw 2025). 

Migrant traders are an indispensable part of South Africa’s tourism ecosystem. Investing in their success not only ensures their livelihood but also strengthens the tourism industry as a whole. As South Africa implements its Tourism Sector Recovery Plan, policymakers must acknowledge and protect the informal traders, whether local or migrant traders, who contribute so much to the country’s economy.

References

Alicia Fourie, Andrea Saayman & Derick Blaauw. 2024. Investigating the resilience and challenges of informal street traders in South Africa's tourism sector: a focus on migrant entrepreneurship. 17 November. Accessed 03 07, 2025. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13683500.2024.2428766#d1e152.

Alicia Fourie, Andrea Saayman and Derick Blaauw, The Conversation. 2025. Migrant traders play a key role in South African tourism: It's time policymakers protected them. 10 February. Accessed 03 07, 2025. https://phys.org/news/2025-02-migrant-traders-play-key-role.html.

Alicia Fourie, Andrea Saayman, Derick Blaauw. 2024. Investigating the resilience and challenges of informal street traders in South Africa's tourism sector: a focus on migrant entrepreneurship. 17 November. Accessed March 07, 2025. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13683500.2024.2428766#abstract.

The Conversation. 2025. Migrant traders play a key role in South African tourism: it’s time policymakers protected them. 9 February. Accessed 03 07, 2025. https://theconversation.com/migrant-traders-play-a-key-role-in-south-african-tourism-its-time-policy-makers-protected-them-247244 .

Zungu, Lindani. 2025. Reform property laws and bureaucratic systems so that South Africa’s informal sector can thrive. 22 January. Accessed March 15, 2025. https://mg.co.za/thought-leader/opinion/2025-01-22-reform-property-laws-and-bureaucratic-system-so-that-south-africas-informal-sector-can-thrive/.

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