The spatial distribution of spaza shops in rural versus urban low-income settlements

Abstract

Located in low-income settlements, spaza shops significantly contribute to the South African economy yearly, ensuring an estimated 300 000 employment opportunities. Due to the informal nature of spaza shops, the emphasis in formal Planning is rather placed on formal economic activities, resulting in limited knowledge on the spatial distribution of spaza shops. This study aims to investigate the current spatial distribution of spaza shops in urban versus rural low-income settlements as well as the significance of this for Urban Planning. The study employs a sequential exploratory mixed method approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative data in the research process. During the empirical investigation, various urban and rural case study areas are used to provide a practical perspective on the selected themes from the literature, that may occur in a specific rural versus urban setting. An illustrative comparative analysis of these case studies is subsequently employed, comparing the research results between urban and rural low-income settlements. Findings from these comparisons are then contextualised within the current directives for the spatial distribution of economic activities in South-Africa. The deficiencies, disregard and generalisation of the integration of spaza shops in the South African Planning directives and the national economy are established. These identified challenges may well encourage an acknowledgement and integration of the role and importance of spaza shops in the economy as well as Planning practice.