Challenges Facing Zimbabwean Cross Border Traders Trading in South Africa: A Review of Literature

Abstract

Cross border traders make a major contribution to the growth of economies in Southern Africa. Cross border trade is a source of livelihood for many poor people, especially women. However, few studies examined challenges facing cross border traders and future business prospects. The aim of this paper is to examine the challenges that face Zimbabwean cross border traders in South Africa. The paper goes further to review existing literature as well as empirical studies in order to identify the major challenges that face Zimbabwean cross border traders. Among the challenges noted are crime, harassment due to xenophobia, traders are often stigmatized as "prostitutes" or "smugglers", accommodation problems, extortion and bribery by the South African Police and municipal police officials, delays at the border post during peak periods and banks that close early and also do not operate on Sundays. The Zimbabwean Cross Border Traders Association should build office in Musina and Johannesburg so that members can easily consult with the association in times of problems and also help with marketing information like distribution of brochures showcasing Zimbabwean products sold by cross border traders and also organize fairs where Zimbabwean traders can display their products. Furthermore cases of harassment by police officials should be investigated and dealt with. Banks that do have branches at the border posts are also urged to provide 24 hour service to cross border traders.

Entrepreneurship and women’s economic empowerment in Zimbabwe: Research themes and future research perspectives

“…Similarly, in Zimbabwe, cross-border trading is a significant part of the informal sector and is central to women entrepreneurship (see Chamlee-Wright 2002;Mauchi et al 2014;Moyo & Kawewe 2002;Mutsagondo et al 2016;Muzvidziwa 2015;Osirim 2003). The topic has been extensively researched in Zimbabwe (Chiliya, Masocha & Zindiye 2012;Muzvidziwa 2005Muzvidziwa , 2010Peberdy 2000;Peberdy & Rogerson 2000). Cross-border activities provide women with opportunities to expand their microbusinesses to neighbouring countries, such as South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia (Chitsike 2000;Mutsagondo et al 2016;Muzvidziwa 2015).…”

“…Whilst cross-border trading brought many benefits for traders, it is not without challenges. Some of the challenges include crime, xenophobia, extortion, bribery by police and http://www.td-sa.net Open Access unnecessary delays at border posts (Chiliya et al 2012). In Zimbabwe, cross-border trading had an impact on people's socio-culture.…”

“…As a result, nuclear family relations were negatively affected because of new patterns of long-distance marriage relationships where women are away from the family for extended periods (Mutsagondo et al 2016;Muzvidziwa 2005Muzvidziwa , 2015. Cases of stigmatisation are also associated with cross-border trading, whereby traders are referred to as 'prostitutes' or 'smugglers' (Chiliya et al 2012). These scenarios often surface when women engage in activities, which contradict societal norms by identifying and servicing a niche market beyond the reach of men (Muzvidziwa 2010(Muzvidziwa , 2015.…”