Operational Characteristics of Women Street Food Vendors in Rural South Africa

• DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.849059
• Publication Date: 2022-07-13T08:08:40Z
• Authors: Tjale Cloupas Mahopo; Cebisa Noxolo Nes...; Azwihangwisi Edwa...; Melanie de Bryun; Johan van Niekerk; Ramya Ambikapathi
• Keywords: Profit margin; Marital status

Objective To characterize the operations of street food enterprise in Vhembe district, focusing on business profile, sold foods, inputs, pricing, record-keeping practices and total running cost. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional face-to-face study 511 vendors was done using a structured researcher-administered questionnaire comprising demographic operational characteristics. Convenience sampling used to choose vending sites. Chi-square tests were conducted between four categorical variables (gender, age, marital status citizenship) P -values considered significant at p < 0.05. However, Bonferroni adjustment decreased value 0.013. Results The findings highlight dominance single middle-aged (35–44) women (63.1%) with some high school education. About 14% migrated from Zimbabwe. Most owners (86.1%), 70.0% for least 1–10 years. Food included mielie pap (stiff porridge) served beef or chicken, sometimes vegetables. Plate prices R40.00 (2.6 USD) full plate R30.00 (2 half plate. typical consumers government officials, middlemen, schoolchildren. Social media such as Whatsapp communicate customers. results poor managerial skills only 15.5% kept records, most which sales records (59.5%). On average, made monthly profit R3200.00 (213 while spending R1800.00 (120 daily expenses. There statistically variations characteristics vendor gender, status, citizenship. Conclusions is need capital management small businesses training rural vendors. Therefore, policymakers, NGOs could target offer microfinance improve their promoting safety consumption nutritious foods.