Informal sector providing income for countless families

From the township granny selling snacks to school children, to the astute trader in downtown Johannesburg; the informal sector is a lifeline for many. With spiralling unemployment figures, it provides an income for countless families.

The sector was recently thrust into the spotlight when Johannesburg police came under attack during a raid targeting counterfeit goods.

Location is key for any business. Jo’burg’s populous inner-city is a happy hunting ground for informal traders where a significant slice of SA’s unrecorded GDP is at play.

With a lot of bargains, passer-bys are targeted and tempted. But for many vendors it’s a battle for survival.

Watch Video | Joburg CBD informal traders trying to earn an honest living