COVID-19 Crisis and the Informal Economy: Informal Workers in Durban, South Africa

Abstract

COVID-19 Crisis and the Informal Economy is a WIEGO-led 12-city longitudinal study that assesses the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on specific groups of informal workers and their households. Using a survey questionnaire and in-depth interviews, Round 1 assessed the impact of the crisis in April 2020 (the period of peak restrictions in most cities) and in June/July 2020 (when restrictions had been eased in most cities) in comparison to February 2020 (pre-COVID-19). Round 2 will assess continuing impacts versus signs of recovery in the first half of 2021, compared to the pre-COVID-19 period and Round 1.

This report presents the summary findings of Round 1 of the study in Durban, South Africa. Researchers in Durban surveyed 185 informal workers in three sectors who work with Asiye eTafuleni, the local partner organization of informal workers. They also interviewed nine informal worker leaders to gather qualitative insights.