Rural women as place-makers through informal waste collection in QwaQwa, South Africa

Purpose This study aims to investigate the livelihood approaches, socio-economic effects and challenges related to informal waste collection, focusing on informal women waste collectors in rural QwaQwa, South Africa. It addresses gaps in gender and rural–urban divides by positioning these women as active place-makers who, through their daily practices, transform marginalised rural spaces into cleaner, more functional and resilient environments. This spatial agency supports household survival, inclusive rural development, and reduced vulnerability while advancing circular economy principles. Design/methodology/approach Grounded in the sustainable livelihood framework (SLF) and place-making theory, the study adopted a qualitative case study design. Data were collected through focus group discussions, interviews, field observations and secondary sources and analysed thematically. Findings Informal waste collection serves as a vital livelihood strategy for women in rural QwaQwa, driven by poverty and unemployment. Leveraging social networks, local knowledge and child collaboration, these women generate income and contribute to sustainable waste management. Critically, their everyday practices of waste recovery actively reshape rural landscapes, reducing illegal dumping, improving public spaces and fostering environmental stewardship, positioning them as unrecognised place-makers. However, earnings remain insufficient for resilient livelihoods, and they face significant challenges including resource scarcity, institutional neglect, social stigma, child labour concerns and exposure to violence. Research limitations/implications This research examines rural QwaQwa as a case study, limiting the generalisability of its findings to other rural areas in South Africa and beyond. Nonetheless, it provides insights into women’s roles in informal waste collection, its impact on livelihoods and the relevance of the SLF in analysing gendered livelihood systems. The integration of SLF and place-making theory provides a novel lens for understanding how marginalised women exercise spatial agency to build more sustainable rural places. Practical implications The study highlights the need for policy changes to integrate women who collect waste informally into formal waste management systems. Providing equipment, infrastructure and capacity-building programmes enhances their income, productivity and safety while reducing exploitation. Empowering these women supports rural livelihoods and promotes poverty alleviation, gender equity and environmental stewardship through initiatives like formal registration and participatory policy forums. Social implications The results highlight significant societal issues like stigma, gender inequality and child labour. Addressing these through awareness campaigns, social protection programmes and inclusive governance can enhance the dignity and well-being of women in the informal sector. Originality/value This study makes a novel contribution by foregrounding rural contexts and demonstrating the interconnectedness of informal waste collection, gender, livelihoods and place-making in QwaQwa. Guided by the SLF and place-making theory, it reveals how women transform passive survival strategies into active processes of spatial transformation, generating income alongside broader social and environmental value. This nexus offers a framework for reducing vulnerability and promoting inclusive rural development.