In ailing SA economy, Soweto resident capitalises on tourism market to make ends meet

JOHANNESBURG - The country’s ever-rising unemployment rate has forced some aspirant Soweto residents to utilise the township’s tourism attractions to make ends meet.
 
Thirty-seven-year-old Makhanda Mahlangu is among residents who make a living from selling various items to tourists on the famous Vilakazi Street and outside the Hector Pieterson museum.
 
Ahead of 702’s final election town hall on Tuesday, Eyewitness News spent some time engaging Soweto residents on issues facing the community.
 
Mahlangu said he decided to sell artwork to travellers to cushion the impact of joblessness.
 
The father of two says this is how he has managed to feed his family in the last 15 years. 
 
“I think you can see what’s happening in South Africa when it comes to unemployment. If you get a job, they’ll exploit you and the money is small. It’s better to go and work and then you start something for yourself.”
 
He said he gave up on finding formal employment many years ago and decided to capitalise on Soweto’s tourist attractions.
 
“There is a market here. But you know business goes up and down but there's business is there. I don’t have only one business. I have about three or four.”