Livelihoods strategies of thatching grass harvesters in the Witwatersrand goldfields

Abstract

This study, which was conducted from January 2011 to March 2013, aims to assess the livelihood strategies of thatching grass harvesters on the Witwatersrand goldfields in Gauteng and North West Provinces, South Africa. The region experiences high retrenchments, unemployment and poverty levels and the research sought to uncover the livelihoods strategies using a Sustainable Livelihood Framework as a tool. The study highlights the assets that assist harvesters survive as well as the challenges faced by the poor people in this region. It also demonstrates the value of natural resources to the poor. Unlike many rural areas in South Africa, thatching grass was harvested for commercial trade rather than subsistence use. Most harvesters were immigrants from neighbouring countries (73.7%) some of them had been employed or attempted to find employment on the gold mines. Some operated on full-time basis (44.7%) while others diversified their incomes to supplement the income obtained from harvesting (55.2%). Earnings were generally low, ranging from R255 to R5 917 per month (mean+SE=R1 980±112; n=38). However, several were able to reinvest incomes into their livelihoods by, for example, purchasing a vehicle to transport their loads and, in one instance, employing people to work for them. Access to harvesting sites was a major problem for many harvesters due to conflict with some land owners. But some were able to access land particularly belonging to mines or farmers, drawing on their social connections they have established. Additional problems included crime, xenophobia and social divisions, long distances and lack of reliable markets.