Abstract
The persistently high unemployment rate in South Africa remains a significant socioeconomic
concern, particularly among young people. In the second quarter of 2025, the
youth unemployment rate was estimated at 46.1%, underscoring the structural challenges
young people face in accessing stable employment in the formal labour market.
Consequently, many turn to the informal economy for alternative livelihood opportunities.
The informal sector accounted for 19.5% of total employment in the last quarter of 2024,
with approximately 1.9 million informal businesses operating nationwide. Among these,
waste picking has become an increasingly prominent livelihood strategy. Although often
overlooked in policy and academic discourse, waste picking provides an important source
of income and contributes to environmental sustainability.
Internationally, street waste picking has been recognised for its contribution to waste
management and the recycling economy. Similarly, in South Africa, waste picking has
supported local economies and urban waste management. Given the growing
prominence of waste picking in densely populated cities, this study assesses the
economic viability of waste picking, focusing on the City of Tshwane Metropolitan
Municipality. Specifically, the study investigates the registration status of waste pickers,
their alternative sources of income and their interest in forming cooperatives. Using
structured and semi-structured questionnaires from 50 street waste pickers in Pretoria
East, the study applied the six-step thematic analysis framework.
Findings reveal that waste picking is a frequent and vital livelihood activity that caters
primarily to those excluded from the formal labour market. However, waste pickers
receive minimal government support. The study recommends that waste pickers form
registered cooperatives to enhance their income, collective bargaining power, and
integration into local waste management systems. Strengthening collaboration among
formal, informal, and government stakeholders is essential to creating inclusive and
sustainable solutions to South Africa’s persistent unemployment rate.