Survival or strategy? SA’s informal economy

Democracy Unplugged · May 28, 2026 · 1h 11m

South Africa's informal economy is everywhere - from taxi ranks and

pavement stalls to township salons and spaza shops. But is it simply a

response to unemployment and inequality, or is it becoming the country's

real engine of growth and innovation?

Justice Malala leads an expert panel for a provocative conversation

exploring who South Africa's economy is really built for - and what the

rise of informal trade says about the future of work, opportunity, and

survival in South Africa.

Panel:

Kefilwe Ndaba - National Informal Traders Alliance of South Africa

(NITASA)

Botsang Moiloa - Action SA…