The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Stellenbosch University (SU) proudly congratulates Shaka Keny Bob on being awarded the Best Essay Prize in the doctoral category at the 28th South African Sociological Association’s (SASA) Conference. The Conference was held at the University of Zululand from 5 to 7 July 2023.
Bob, a dedicated doctoral student from SU’s Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology, presented a research paper titled “Public space and informal employment: The contribution of women-led solidarity movements in promoting social dialogue and decent work in South Africa”. His research delves into the new methods of organisation that female traders are currently advancing at the transport interchange in Bellville, Cape Town, shedding light on their crucial role in the informal economy.
Speaking about his paper, Bob expressed that there is not much literature surrounding the contribution of informal traders’ organisations in the South African context. The research aims to highlight some of the achievements that grassroots organisations are making to ensure that the rights of informal workers are respected. His research draws inspiration from the Self-Employed Women’s Association, a pivotal social movement established in India. In 1972, Gandhian and civil rights leader Ela Bhatt set it up to empower poor women working in the informal sector. Bob’s work provides a platform to celebrate influential advocates of informal work in South Africa, including figures like the late Simon Mbata, Pat Horn, Rosheda Muller, and Maggy Frederick, along with their respective organisations.
The SASA conference has been instrumental in recognising and celebrating the brightest minds in sociology. Bob’s academic dedication has contributed to advancing a sociological understanding of how legislation affects the growth and sustainability of informal enterprises in South Africa. The paper will be published in the renowned South African Review of Sociology (SARS) Journal.
About the recognition, Bob said, “I am happy that my work has been recognised as I have spent many years of my career promoting the importance of informal work in the global south. I would also like to thank my supervisors Prof Bernard Dubbeld and Prof Lindy Heinecken for their dedication to this research project.”
Bob’s research has already made an impact, with informal workers holding meetings with the City of Cape Town to advocate for better working conditions. He emphasised the need for an Informal Workers Act in South Africa to protect the rights of workers who do fit the traditional employer-employee relationship.
In another remarkable achievement, Dr Jantjie Xaba, a lecturer in the Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology was elected to the Executive Council as the President of SASA, a testament to his dedication and expertise in the field of sociology. Joining him will be Nomzamo Portia Ntombela, a PhD Candidate in Sociology at SU, who was elected as the Secretary, and Dr Claire-Anne Louise Lester, from the same department, was also elected to the Council.
Dr Xaba was pleased to note that “SU was well represented at the Conference, with four staff members, four post-doctoral students, four PhD students, and nine masters’ students. It feels great to be recognised by the members of the discipline for the enthusiasm and contribution I have made since my Honours years. The good news is that the 29th SASA Conference will be held next at SU”.