African Tech Round-Up

In the third and final episode of the Future in the Humanities podcast mini-series, titled "The Gig Economy's Hidden Costs", Wits social scientist and researcher Fikile Masikane guides an exploration of the complex realities facing gig workers in the Global South, particularly food courier riders in Africa. Featuring insights from a study conducted with Edward Webster, Andile Masuku delves into the challenges and contradictions of the gig economy, examining how promises of entrepreneurship and freedom often lead to harsher working conditions and increased precarity. Key themes: - Expansion of e-hailing and e-delivery platforms in the Global South - Promises vs. realities of gig work entrepreneurship - Impact of profit-driven policies on driver conditions - Vulnerability of migrant and economically disadvantaged populations - Contrast between company narratives and worker experiences - Long-term implications of gig economy practices on labor rights and social equity Learn more: Click here to discover the on