International Migrants in the Informal Economy
The participation of international migrants in local economies is a significant policy concern globally and in South Africa, particularly within metropolitan areas. This study undertakes an in-depth examination of on-the-ground dynamics, including how migrants engage with the state, navigate legislation and administrative practices, and negotiate their participation in the township economy. A recent outbreak of foodborne illnesses provides a useful entry point for understanding these dynamics. This component of the project focuses on investigating the prevalence and impacts of foodborne illnesses linked to spaza shops in Gauteng, with particular attention to the Ekurhuleni municipality, specifically Tsakani and Katlehong townships. The aim of this component of the project is to investigate the prevalence and impact of foodborne illnesses associated with spaza shops in Gauteng, focusing on Ekurhuleni municipality. The project is in collaboration with the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE), to support efforts aimed at understanding and responding to the foodborne illness outbreak associated with spaza shops.
To support primary data collection, fieldworkers were appointed and trained to conduct surveys of spaza shops in Tsakane and Katlehong from April to November 2025. The project also expanded its qualitative research component through key informant interviews with stakeholders from Local Economic Development (LED), City Planning, and the Gauteng provincial spaza shop programme. Emerging findings from the study were disseminated through a GCRO brownbag seminar titled The Impacts of Foodborne Illnesses on the Township Economy: Findings from Tsakane and Katlehong Spaza Shop Surveys. The seminar provided an opportunity to share preliminary insights into the operational realities of spaza shops and the regulatory and governance challenges shaping food safety practices. The team organised a dedicated writing retreat in April 2026 to support the consolidation, refinement, and completion of a data brief titled "The risks and impacts of foodborne illnesses on the township economy: Evidence from Ekurhuleni spaza shops." The databrief has since been submitted for internal review at the end of May 2026.
Outputs
Presentations
Mamokete Modiba, Mpho Matsolo and Samiksha Singh (November 2025). ‘The impacts of foodborne illnesses on the township economy: Findings from Tsakani and Katlehong townships spaza shop survey’, GCRO Brownbag Seminar, GCRO, 26 November 2025.
Last updated: 03 June 2026.