The experience of South African gig workers in acquiring and transferring skills

Abstract

Scholarly investigation into the gig economy has multiplied since the era of COVID 19. Digital labour has provided a key source of income for people globally and in South Africa. However, narratives surrounding gig work has thus far, been primarily centred on worker protection, and worker rights’. This study shifts this narrative towards a developmental perspective of gig work. The study explores the potential for the gig economy to be a conduit for skills acquisition, expansion and transfer. In doing so, some key questions around attaining developmental value via the gig economy is reflected on. The study is primarily exploratory in nature and employs a qualitative methodology to inductively analyse the cases of selected South African freelancers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 South African freelancers (gig workers) to understand how their experiences in terms of skill acquisition, expansion, transfer, career pathways and upskilling can better frame their developmental value. The data was recorded and transcribed to ensure credibility. The results were interpreted and analysed against existing literature using thematic content analysis. The overarching finding was skills acquisition, expansion and transfer and other developmental gains can be attained from gig work. However, these gains are highly dependent upon the type of work being conducted. Significantly, the intrinsic and extrinsic motivations behind the uptake of such work is also a determining factor in whether developmental value is achieved through gig work. More so, this study contests the dominant discourses around gig work, by exploring subjective experiences of South African freelancers who highlight both the pros and cons of such work. Thus, the complexity of gig work is acknowledged in this study. Whilst the gig economy has opened up doors of opportunity, especially for those who have been at the periphery in terms of employment opportunities, underemployment, and a lack of opportunities for upskilling are serious skills-related challenges that gig workers must confront. Finally, this study recommends a conceptual framework that enables a collaborative approach for the upskilling of gig workers.