Abstract
The growth of the gig economy has reshaped the world of work by promoting flexibility, digital intermediation and short-term engagements. However, in South Africa, gig workers, known as independent contractors, remain excluded from the protections of the Labour Relations Act (LRA 66 of 1995). This study examined how this exclusion affects gig workers’ employment relations, working conditions and overall well-being.
The study adopted a qualitative research design and an inductive approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposively selected gig workers from sectors within the gig economy, including platform-based social media personnel. The data was thematically analysed using ATLAS.ti, with institutional theory, social exchange theory and legalistic theory providing the conceptual foundation.
The findings revealed four dominant themes: (1) absence of formal employment protection, (2) economic insecurity and income volatility, (3) adverse working conditions and safety risks and (4) worker agency and coping mechanisms. Gig workers reported precarious working conditions, lack of bargaining power and exclusion from social and legal protections. Despite these challenges, many demonstrated adaptability and entrepreneurial resilience.
The study concludes that the current labour legislation inadequately accommodates the realities of gig work. It recommends policy reforms to extend core labour protections, promote fair work principles and encourage social dialogue between platforms or clients, the governments and the workers. The findings contribute to the debate on the future of work and highlight the need for an inclusive regulatory framework for South Africa’s evolving digital labour market.