Perceived Workplace Harassment of Informal Public Transport Operators in Two African Cities

Abstract

Informal public transport (IPT) or paratransit, such as traditional taxis, tricycles (keke), minivans (danfo) and motorcycles (okada) are the preferred means of transportation for many people in cities of developing countries. Despite their importance in the movement of people within African cities, the operators of these urban transport modes are exposed to some occupational risks, such as workplace harassment. It is a factor that puts the sustainability of public urban mobility at risk. This study presents the results of the pilot study of larger research on police harassment and the well-being of informal transport operators in two African cities. The study is based on a sample of IPT operators and stakeholders in Durban, South Africa and Ibadan, Nigeria. The sample for this study was drawn conveniently across various motor parks and taxi ranks in the areas. The interest of the study was to understand the workplace experiences of the sampled operators and contribute to the debate about the well-being of informal operators. The study revealed that harassment exists among IPT operators and is multidimensional. It also explained the shared experiences of harassment by both groups of transport operators. This study further contributes to the debate on the effect of harassment on sustainable well-being of IPT operators.