Actions for International Migrants and Refugees in Cape Town?s Informal Economy

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International Migrants and Refugees in Cape Town?s Informal Economy

Author
Tawodzera, Godfrey
Published
[Place of publication not identified] : Southern African Migration Programme, 2016.
Physical Description
1 online resource (63)
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Contents
Cover; Title page; Copyright page; Contents; EXECUTIVE SUMMARY; INTRODUCTION; RESEARCH METHODOLOGY; PROFILE OF INFORMAL MIGRANT ENTREPRENEURS; MOVING TO SOUTH AFRICA; ENTREPRENEURIAL MOTIVATION; BUSINESS OWNERSHIP AND STRATEGIES; CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CAPE TOWN ECONOMY; MOBILITY AND CROSS-BORDER LINKAGES; BUSINESS CHALLENGES; CONCLUSION; ENDNOTES; MIGRATION POLICY SERIES; Back cover.
Summary
This is report is the most comprehensive study yet of the contribution of migrant and refugee entrepreneurs to Cape Town's local economy. The survey of over 500 entrepreneurs engaged in trade, services and manufacturing in different areas of the city dispels some of the more prevalent myths that often attach to the activities of migrants. The vast majority are not "illegal foreigners," but have a legal right to be in South Africa and to run a business. Most are highly motivated individuals who enter the informal economy to earn revenue to support themselves, their families, and because they have a strong entrepreneurial motivation. Contrary to the claims of South African competitors, the vast majority are not successful because they are engaged in shadowy business practices. What emerges from the survey is that while migrant entrepreneurs undoubtedly have strong social networks, their businesses are highly individualistic in terms of organization, ownership and activity in a competitive business environment. This report demonstrates their positive economic contributions to Cape Town and examines the challenges they face in running a successful business operation in the city. It goes beyond the rhetoric of inclusion to demonstrate with hard evidence exactly why migrant and refugee entrepreneurs should be accepted as an integral and valuable part of the local economy.
Subject(s)
ISBN
1920596232 (ebk)
9781920596231 (electronic bk.)
1920596151
View MARC record | catkey: 43198461