GCRO_Vignette_Informal cross border trade spending in Gauteng_FA

Informal sector cross border trade spending in Gauteng

GCR VIGNETTES #26

Source GCRO 2014 survey of informal cross border traders, SATourism 2014 Annual Tourism Performance Report.

In 2014 GCRO conducted an in-depth survey with 1,270 informal sector cross border traders who travel to Gauteng to buy goods for their businesses in their home countries. They were mainly interviewed at public transport nodes. SATourism counted nearly 7 million arrivals from Africa through South Africa’s land-borders in 2014. Over 520,000 (7.5%) were for shopping for businesses in their home countries. At least 40% of these visitors came to Gauteng.

September Map of the Month: Where informal sector cross border traders sell their goods. goo.gl/wGHl4S

Average direct spend per trip per trader

Accommodation

Transport

Contact [email protected]

Types of goods usually bought

R1,060

R490

The average value of goods bought in Gauteng per trip was R11,679 per trader.

46%

Bedding, household products, plastic goods & furniture

On this one trip the 1,270 traders interviewed spent over R14.5 million on goods in Gauteng. R11,679

In total this cohort of 1,270 traders spend over R160 million per year in Gauteng on goods.

Goods

29%

Travel frequency of traders

2-4 times per year

5%

Over 4 times per year

16%

41% New clothing, footwear & fabric

Where cross border traders buy goods in Gauteng

At least once a week

7%

72%

25%

Food

Wholesalers 58%

Chinese mall

At least once a month

Accessories (bags, sunglasses etc.)

22%

Other 50%

Manufacturer/factory

19% Cellphones, phone accessories & electronics

44%

Retailers/supermarkets 34%

Oriental Plaza 31%

19% Toiletries and cosmetics

16%

Pre-owned clothing & footwear

Other 8% Credits Dr Sally Peberdy. The research in Johannesburg was co-funded by the GCRO and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) through the Southern African Migration Programme (SAMP) and the African Centre for Cities (ACC).