Episode notes
Episode Title: Street Vendors & Hustlers: Does Labour Law Protect Informal Workers?
In this episode of Ubuntu & Law, we shift focus to the streets—where survival meets resilience. Across South Africa, thousands of street vendors and informal traders form the backbone of the township economy. But a critical question remains: does the law truly protect them?
Grounded in Section 23 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to fair labour practices, this episode explores whether informal workers—often excluded from traditional employment structures—can realistically claim these rights.
We unpack the legal framework surrounding labour protections and examine key legislation such as the Labour Relations Act and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act. Do these laws extend to street vendors, or do they fall through the cracks of the legal system?
This episode also confronts real challenges faced daily by informal traders:
- Harassment and displacement by authorities
- Lack of permits and regulatory barriers
- Absence of social protection and job security
Through the lens of Ubuntu, we explore whether dignity and fairness are being upheld for all workers—or only those within formal employment.
🎙️ Because in a country with high unemployment, the hustle is not a choice—it’s survival.
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