Social justice vulnerabilities and marginalised communities: A case study of day labourers in Mbekweni

Abstract

Poverty remains one of the greatest challenges that Southern African countries face. The state of poverty in a region is reflected in low levels of income, as well as high levels of unemployment and human deprivation. Day labouring has become evidence of the high unemployment rate in South Africa. In South Africa, the day labour market serves as a catchment area for the fallout from a formal economy, unable to provide employment to those who need it. Often, day labourers are socially excluded from the benefits of modern society, such as, access to appropriate social services, work opportunities, and a decent income. This could be perceived as social justice vulnerabilities.