APPROVED IDP DOC 2011-16.BA PHALABORWA.pdf

Needs identified by informal economy businesses.
• The greatest need identified is the issue of decent trading structures and storage facilities at
the places where they are currently trading.
• Most traders in the Checkers Car Park indicated that they need access to micro-finance in
order to increase their stock levels and variety.
• Some Spaza owners mentioned the need for advertising materials (boards), to attract/ alert
potential buyers
• Electricity connections were requested by some traders.
Employment
The labour force in Phalaborwa was 51,510 persons in 2001 according to the strict definition. This
indicates a participation rate of more than 39% (on a total population of 131,091), which is very high
by South African standards. The average labour force participation rate in Limpopo was 24.6% in
2001. This is an indication that Ba-Phalaborwa is a destination for labour migration.
There was a modest increase in the number of employed persons between 1996 and 2001, but a
considerable increase in the number of unemployed persons. The strict unemployment rate
therefore increased from 29.2% in 1996 to 40.4% in 2001. The labour force participation rate in
Phalaborwa was 34.6% in 1996, but increased to 39% as indicated above. More than half of the
increase in the number of unemployed persons therefore originates as labour seekers from outside
the municipal area.
The following table presents employment of individuals per economic sector. Employment per
sector:
Table B2.27: Employment for individuals per employment sector
Economic Sector Population %
Primary 6 685 5.1%
Secondary 12 424 9.4%
87