SA gig workers among hardest hit by pandemic, research finds

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gig workers has been profound, with a recent report from the Fair Work Research Agency shedding light on the challenges faced by workers in the e-hailing and food delivery sectors. Dr. Pitso Tsibolane, a researcher at the agency, discussed the findings of the report in an interview with CNBC Africa, highlighting the precarious working conditions and lack of protections for gig workers. The report, which is the third iteration of a series that began in 2018, examines the effects of the pandemic on gig workers and the changes in consumer behavior that have accompanied the crisis. Despite some efforts by platforms to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) and allowances for gig workers, many workers continue to face significant challenges. The report also addresses the ongoing debate over the classification of gig workers as independent contractors or employees, with calls for greater protections and rights for workers in the gig economy. While there have been some legal developments in other countries, such as the UK, the situation in South Africa remains largely unchanged, with organizations advocating for better treatment of gig workers. The fight for fair working conditions and recognition of gig workers' rights continues, with the hope that these workers will receive the protections they deserve.