Understanding the survivalist entrepreneurship behaviour of waste pickers: A classical theory of income and employment perspective

Abstract

The employment growth in South Africa has stagnated, resulting in the rise of unemployment and poverty. Various government interventions have tried to assist by creating employment opportunities. However, these interventions have remained inadequate, failing to reduce unemployment. As a result, people have resorted to survivalist entrepreneurial means to make an income for themselves. Waste reclaiming or waste picking is one of these means. This is a form of survivalist entrepreneurship and has provided individuals access to income. However, reclaimers face various challenges that prevent them from attaining a sustainable income. This study aims to explore and understand survivalist entrepreneurship within waste reclaiming as a means of making a livelihood for themselves and how they are generating a sustainable income.