The Heart of South Africa’s Informal Economy

On any given day in South Africa, you’ll find women lining the streets and marketplaces — selling everything from fresh mangoes and handmade crafts to vetkoek and beadwork. These women, often working from simple roadside stalls or makeshift tables, are the beating heart of our informal economy.

They are mothers, breadwinners, and innovators who create jobs and sustain communities, often against enormous odds. Yet, despite their contributions, they face challenges like limited access to funding, lack of infrastructure, and little recognition.

Supporting them isn’t just about making a purchase — it’s about empowering women in business, strengthening local economies, and breaking cycles of poverty. Here are 10 simple yet powerful ways you can make a difference.

1. Buy Directly from Women Roadside Vendors

Nothing beats direct support. When you buy fruit from the woman on the corner instead of a supermarket chain, you ensure that your money goes straight into her hands — no middlemen, no delays.

Example: In Limpopo, a group of roadside fruit sellers reported that regular customers buying weekly kept their children in school and allowed them to reinvest in their stock.

2. Spread the Word on Social Media

Visibility equals opportunity. Many roadside vendors don’t have the resources to market themselves online. A quick photo of their stall and a post on Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp groups can bring them new customers.

Tip: Use local hashtags like #SupportLocalSA, #WomenInBusinessSA, or #BuyLocal.

3. Offer Skills Training and Mentorship

If you have skills in budgeting, social media, or business planning, consider offering a short, free workshop. Even a one-hour session can provide women entrepreneurs with the tools to grow their businesses and reach more customers.

Example: A Cape Town volunteer taught women how to price products for profit — within weeks, their earnings increased.

4. Support Women’s Cooperatives and Groups

Many women join forces to buy stock in bulk, share transport costs, and sell together. By supporting these cooperatives, you help multiple families at once.

Tip: If you’re sourcing gifts or corporate hampers, buy from a women’s cooperative — it creates a bigger ripple effect.

5. Help with Better Stalls or Equipment

Something as simple as a table, umbrella, or clear signage can transform a vendor’s business. Shade protects products (and people) from the harsh sun, while good signage attracts customers.

Example: A Durban NGO provided branded tents for a group of women vendors, doubling their customer traffic.

6. Connect Them to Local Markets or Events

Market days, food festivals, and craft fairs are prime opportunities for roadside entrepreneurs to reach new buyers. If you know event organizers, recommend these women for a stall.

Bonus: Offer to help with transport or display setup — the small gesture goes a long way.

7. Advocate for Fair Business Policies

Sometimes, vendors face harassment or eviction due to unclear municipal regulations. Join or support campaigns pushing for fair, safe, and legal trading spaces.

Example: In Johannesburg, advocacy efforts secured designated vendor zones with access to water and sanitation.

8. Buy in Bulk for Events or Offices

If you’re hosting a function, ordering from women roadside vendors can make a big impact. Whether it’s platters for a meeting or fresh flowers for an event, placing bulk orders creates a major income boost.

9. Recognize and Celebrate Their Achievements

Stories inspire action. Share success stories on social media, community radio, or newsletters to give women entrepreneurs the recognition they deserve.

Tip: Nominate them for local business awards or community acknowledgements — even small wins can motivate others.

Closing: Small Actions, Big Impact

Supporting women entrepreneurs in South Africa — especially those selling next to the road — is more than charity. It’s an investment in our shared future. Every mango bought, every workshop offered, and every social media post shared helps dismantle barriers and create opportunities.

Change starts with us. Today, commit to supporting at least one woman entrepreneur — because when women thrive, communities flourish, and nations grow stronger.

FAQs

1. Why is it important to support women entrepreneurs in South Africa?
Women entrepreneurs contribute to economic growth, create jobs, and support their communities, often reinvesting profits locally.

2. How do roadside vendors contribute to the economy?
They are part of the informal economy, providing accessible goods and services, creating jobs, and keeping money circulating locally.

3. What challenges do women roadside vendors face?
Limited access to funding, lack of infrastructure, exposure to the elements, and unstable trading regulations.

4. How can I help without spending money?
Offer skills training, market their business on social media, connect them to opportunities, or help improve their stalls.

5. Are there organizations that support women-owned small businesses?
Yes — groups like the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF), and local NGOs run programs to support women in business.