The Path to Legitimacy and the
Date
2011-04-12
Authors
Gallagher, Christina
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Abstract
For almost a century, informal traders and the local government in Johannesburg
have debated policies regulating the informal sector. Initial policies severely
restricted the sector by imposing strict criteria for operating businesses, but after
1994 special development programmes were created by a new, democratic local
government. However, the informal sector claims these programmes do not create
economically viable opportunities. A major finding of this research is that the
informal sector has the potential to operate efficient businesses, but is constrained by
overly restrictive by-laws; lack of business skills; and access to financial assistance.
It is recommended that the city develops a comprehensive management plan that
provides skills training; access to capital; and restructuring of the by-laws. In
addition, an independent monitoring body should be appointed to oversee the plan
Description
MM - P&DM
Keywords
Informal traders, Local government