WIEGO Blog

On March 7, 2018, John Makwicana passed away at the age of 71. John fearlessly took on the challenging battle of defending the rights of street vendors in his city of Durban, South Africa -- and, against many odds, won. His victory entrenched the constitutional rights of street vendors, and was a major step forward for vendors across Durban and beyond. John's unwavering determination inspired informal workers around the world, and his legacy will be carried on in their own fight for justice. 

By Carlin Carr

Rahul Mehrotra is a practicing architect, urban designer, and educator. He is Professor of Urban Design and Planning and Chair of the Department of Urban Planning and Design at Harvard University, where he recently co-taught a course, “Livelihoods and Urban Form,” with WIEGO’s International Coordinator Martha Chen. He discussed with the WIEGO Blog how urban planning can better integrate informal livelihoods and the problems with current notions of “world-class” cities.

Myrtle Witbooi never intended to become a domestic worker. She had planned on studying nursing, but when a family asked her to help caretake for their daughter, who was recently burned, she agreed. For the next 12 years, she lovingly looked after the growing child and her siblings and, unwittingly, became a full-time domestic worker. However, it wasn't until a local newspaper published an article disparaging domestic workers that Myrtle became an activist.

Myrtle Witbooi no planeaba ser trabajadora del hogar; lo que quería era estudiar enfermería. Pero cuando una familia le pidió ayuda para cuidar a su hija, quien se había quemado recientemente, aceptó. Durante los 12 años siguientes, se dedicó con amor al cuidado de la niña y sus hermanos, y, sin quererlo, se convirtió en trabajadora del hogar de tiempo completo.

A Q&A with Elaine Jones during World Fair Trade Week