By Selloane Ntshonyane
- Kevin Sibiya sells snacks six days a week and made about R1,500 after buying stock last month.
- He supports his girlfriend, daughter and brother, but slow sales and irregular fibre work make money uncertain.
Kevin Sibiya walks around Daveyton six days a week selling snacks and ice cream to support his family.
The 28-year-old started selling in September 2024 after struggling to find a steady job.
He works near Daveyton Mall and Skwereni taxi rank. He also installs fibre when work is available, but sometimes goes a full month without a job.
Sibiya lives with his girlfriend, daughter and younger brother.
He said he made about R1,500 from snack sales last month after paying for stock.
On good days, he makes between R250 and R400. On slow days, he earns about R100 to R200.
Sales are usually strongest around month-end.
When money runs low, Sibiya cuts back on clothes, treats for his daughter and getting his girlfriend’s hair done.
He spends about R700 on groceries, R350 on his daughter’s daycare and R100 on other costs.
He saves money by walking to sell his goods. He also lives at a family home where he does not pay rent or water.
Sibiya said his R350 Social Relief of Distress grant stopped because of income from his fibre work.
Stats SA says about 3.5-million people work in South Africa’s informal sector.
Wits University researchers wrote in The Conversation that many families rely on street trading and small jobs to survive.
The Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group found that a family of four needed R3,836.78 for basic food in June 2026.
Labour economist Professor Derick Blaauw told Scrolla.Africa that informal work does not always protect families because earnings can change from month to month.
Pictured above: Kevin Sibiya sells snacks and ice cream around Daveyton Mall and Skwereni taxi rank to support his family.
Image source: Supplied
