This project was embarked upon to understand the everyday stories of street traders in Yeoville, as the theme of public space – and trading in particular – had become one of the key threads in the Studio, and the voices of street traders seemed to struggle to be heard in the public realm, in spite of their defining presence in the main street. Eleven street traders chose to generously share their lives and their vision of their environment through photographs. Each participant was given a disposable camera and one week to capture some of their own stories. ‘Photovoice’ workshops were held at the Yeoville Recreation Centre in October and November 2011. The street traders were guided as to the types of photos to take exploring different aspects of their lives, with the primary focus on everyday life as a trader. Some of the key questions explored included why they started trading, why in Yeoville, why on this spot, what made trading interesting for them and what made it difficult in Yeoville.

Street traders are present across the developing world. Traders provide much-needed goods and services, whilst also creating their own livelihoods. A great deal of the vibrancy attributed to Yeoville's primary commercial street, Rockey-Raleigh, is due to the street traders that have operated there from as far back as 1992. What follows are some statements that Yeoville traders made through their photographs and narratives.

TRADING AS EMPOWERING

Many of the participants indicated that trading is a choice. Some enjoy the fact that they don't need to answer to a boss; others enjoy time flexibility; and many said they earn more money than in their previous (formal) employment. Trading is for many an empowering step. Trading allows Memory Ndlovu to fetch her two young daughters from school each day, without time constraints. Trading has led Siphosezwe Moyo to gain more knowledge in the field of commerce and to attend a ‘grow your business’ course offered at Wits University. Trading, although challenging and often the only alternative in dire circumstances, can move beyond the fulfilment of only basic needs, and also respond to higher-order needs.