Hustle Revolution: Participation of young graduates in the informal economy of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Chipangura, Moreblessing

Hustle Revolution: Participation of young graduates in the informal economy of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Thesis / Dissertation

2024

Publisher

University of Cape town

Department

School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics

Faculty

Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment

Abstract

The main purpose of the study was to investigate the experiences of young graduates who participate in the informal economy of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. This study aimed to answer the question of whether formal education gives young graduates competing in the informal economy a competitive advantage or disadvantage. This was done through in-depth interviews, hanging out (observations) and casual conversations with young graduates who participate in the informal economy in Bulawayo and organisations that work with youth in the city. Twelve participants were selected using snowball and purposive sampling techniques. The study was grounded in the concept of 'waithood' and Bourdieu's theory of practice, with a specific focus on the component of cultural capital. The study's findings demonstrate that to address the challenge of unemployment after graduation, young graduates participate in the informal economy. Results indicated that young graduates participate in the informal economy to enhance their livelihoods, pursue their passion, gain employment, cope with waithood and delayed adulthood and for multiple streams of income. Benefits such as financial independence, the ability to support families and getting employment were also noted in this study. This study found that formal education gives young graduates a competitive advantage that manifests itself as better business strategies as they operate in the informal economy of Bulawayo. However, young graduates highlighted challenges such as less hustle mentality, competition, and capital, just to mention a few. Prospects of future work by almost all the young graduates highlighted that they preferred to participate in both the formal and informal economy. The experiences of young graduates in the informal economy were positive and negative. This study recommends a policy that prioritises young graduates, structural changes in tertiary education and the economy, and support for small businesses in the informal economy. It also raises awareness of the mismatch between tertiary education and the changing needs of the labour market in Zimbabwe

Keywords

Architecture, Planning and Geomatics

Reference:

Collections

Masters

Full item page