<p>This is report is the most comprehensive study yet of the contribution of migrant and refugee entrepreneurs to Cape Town_s local economy. The survey of over 500 entrepreneurs engaged in trade, services and manufacturing in different areas of the city dispels some of the more prevalent myths that o#en attach to the activities of migrants. The vast majority are not _illegal foreigners_, but have a legal right to be in South Africa and to run a business. Most are highly motivated individuals who enter the informal economy to earn revenue to support themselves, their families, and because they have a strong entrepreneurial motivation. Contrary to the claims of South African competitors, the vast majority are not successful because they are engaged in shadowy business practices. What emerges from the survey is that while migrant entrepreneurs undoubtedly have strong social networks, their businesses are highly individualistic in terms of organization, ownership and activity in a competitive business environment. This report demonstrates their positive economic contributions to Cape Town and examines the challenges they face in running a successful business operation in the city. It goes beyond the rhetoric of inclusion to demonstrate with hard evidence exactly why migrant and refugee entrepreneurs should be accepted as an integral and valuable part of the local economy.</p>

International Migrants and Refugees in Cape Townís Informal Economy

Politics & Social Sciences

Tawodzera, Godfrey

Chikanda, Abel

Social Sciences

Southern African Migration Programme

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Tawodzera, Godfrey. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Tawodzera, Godfrey

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Tawodzera, Godfrey. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

International Migrants and Refugees in Cape Townís Informal Economy