The employment history of day labourers in South Africa and the income they earn - a case study of day labourers in Pretoria

Abstract

Introduction: With the opening up of the South African economy, following its successful democratisation and adherence to a strict programme of trade liberalisation, the number of highly-skilled (professionals, managers and technicians) persons employed showed strong growth, while the number of less skilled persons in employment declined (Whiteford & van Seventer, 1999: 3). Unemployment remains one of the major macroeconomic problems facing this country. The official unemployment rate in September 2005 was 26,7 per cent (Statistics South Africa, 2006a: iv). In spite of the recent positive news on the unemployment front, the foreseeable future is evidenced by large numbers of unemployed people.