Re-visiting car guarding as a livelihood in the informal sector

ABSTRACT

This study aims to examine how car guarding remains a sustainable means of livelihood in the informal sector. The study interviewed 30 car guards at six different locations in Durban, South Africa. It examined their demographic characteristics, income, education and skills, among other factors. Furthermore, it compares the findings from 2019 with the 2015 findings from Foster and Chasomeris (2017, Examining car guarding as a livelihood in the informal sector. Local Economy 32(6), 525–538. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269094217727990). The findings show deterioration in the real income levels and livelihoods. In 2015, 22 car guards earned above a domestic worker’s minimum hourly wage of ZAR15, compared to 16 car guards in 2019 and, only eight above the national minimum wage of ZAR20 per hour. There is a notable decline in expenditure on accommodation and reduced optimism about their future. Car guards still display a level of entrepreneurship, especially where daily bay fees are not paid to car guarding agents.

KEYWORDS:

• Car guards
• employment
• informal sector
• livelihood

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank the 30 car guards who agreed to be interviewed, for the giving of their time and for so openly sharing their life stories with us. Most of all, we greatly respect that these men and women who have faced much hardship and still do, refuse to revert to the easier cowardly option of crime. We salute your perseverance. We also thank the reviewers and editor for valuable comments and suggestions on earlier drafts. The usual disclaimer applies. Above all, we acknowledge and give honour to Jesus Christ without His undertaking, no change will occur.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).