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The COVID-19 crisis and the South African informal economy: A stalled recovery

Author

Listed:
  • Michael Rogan
  • Caroline Skinner

Abstract

This paper seeks to identify the differentiated impacts of the crisis on specific groups of informal workers. The analysis draws on official nationally representative labour force surveys collected quarterly by South Africa's national statistical agency (Statistics South Africa).

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Rogan & Caroline Skinner, 2022. "The COVID-19 crisis and the South African informal economy: A stalled recovery," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2022-40, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    • Handle: RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2022-40
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    File URL: https://www.wider.unu.edu/sites/default/files/Publications/Working-paper/PDF/wp2022-40-COVID-19-crisis-South-African-informal-economy.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Verick, Sher., 2010. "Unravelling the impact of the global financial crisis on the South African labour market," ILO Working Papers 994541013402676, International Labour Organization.
    2. repec:ilo:ilowps:454101 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. Helen Barnes & Gabriel Espi-Sanchis & Murray Leibbrandt & David McLennan & Michael Noble & Jukka Olavi Pirttilä & Wynnona Steyn & Brenton Van Vrede & Gemma Wright, 2021. "Analysis of the Distributional Effects of COVID-19 and State-led Remedial Measures in South Africa," International Journal of Microsimulation, International Microsimulation Association, vol. 14(2), pages 2-31.
    4. Fisher, Eleanor & Attah, Ramlatu & Barca, Valentina & O'Brien, Clare & Brook, Simon & Holland, Jeremy & Kardan, Andrew & Pavanello, Sara & Pozarny, Pamela, 2017. "The Livelihood Impacts of Cash Transfers in Sub-Saharan Africa: Beneficiary Perspectives from Six Countries," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 99(C), pages 299-319.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Bhorat, Haroon & Köhler, Timothy, 2025. "The labour market effects of cash transfers to the unemployed: Evidence from South Africa," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 188(C).
    2. Martha Alter Chen & Joann Vanek, 2023. "Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on employment: Findings from national labour surveys in five Latin American countries," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2023-94, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    3. Sophie PLAGERSON & Senzelwe MTHEMBU & Thandi SIMELANE & Khuliso MATIDZA & Anita MWANDA, 2023. "The local economic development effects of income transfers in South Africa. The Social Relief of Distress grant," Working Paper 32d74b80-0ef5-416c-aa00-d, Agence française de développement.
    4. Michael Danquah & Amina Ebrahim & Maureen Were, 2023. "The uneven path to recovery: The sub-Saharan experience," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2023-80, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    5. Bhorat, Haroon & Köhler, Timothy, 2025. "Watts happening to work? The labour market effects of South Africa’s electricity crisis," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 142(C).

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