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Examining car guarding as a livelihood in the informal sector

Author

Listed:
  • John Foster

    (Varsity College, South Africa; Graduate School of Business and Leadership, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa)

  • Mihalis Chasomeris

Abstract

Car guarding is a distinctly South African informal sector employment activity. A car guard offers to guard vehicles in a public or private parking area for a donation. Car guarding enables an unemployed person to earn some income. The purpose of this study is to examine car guarding as a livelihood in the informal sector. This study interviews 30 car guards at six different locations in Durban, South Africa. It examines their demographic characteristics, income, education and skills, risks and challenges faced, and the opinion of car guards regarding their livelihood. The average car guard worked six days per week and an average of nine hours per day. The average income per hour ranged from ZAR4.64 to ZAR30. Average daily incomes ranged from ZAR50 to ZAR350. Car guarding is a high risk activity that includes health risks, and risks of verbal abuse and violence.

Suggested Citation

  • John Foster & Mihalis Chasomeris, 2017. "Examining car guarding as a livelihood in the informal sector," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 32(6), pages 525-538, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:loceco:v:32:y:2017:i:6:p:525-538
    DOI: 10.1177/0269094217727990
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Saunders, Stephen G. & Lynn, Michael, 2010. "Why tip? An empirical test of motivations for tipping car guards," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 31(1), pages 106-113, February.
    2. Hayley McEwen & Anthony Leiman, 2008. "The Car Guards of Cape Town: A Public Good Analysis," SALDRU Working Papers 25, Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit, University of Cape Town.
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. John RW Foster & Mihalis Chasomeris & Derick Blaauw, 2022. "‘This job is not part of my dreams, what do I leave my children? Nothing’. Livelihoods of Durban car guards at ticketed pay to park sites," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 37(5), pages 331-347, August.

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