Before many Polokwane residents pour their first cup of tea, business has already started on several busy city streets. Women believed to be sex workers gather along Bok and Thabo Mbeki streets as early-morning traffic moves through the city centre.
Some women stand beside the road, while others gather outside nearby houses. As motorists pass, they wave, offer friendly greetings and try to attract potential customers.
Their presence has become a familiar part of the morning routine. However, the sight continues to raise concerns among residents who believe the trade has become too visible in a busy public area.
Umbrellas Become a Familiar Street Signal
Many of the women carry umbrellas while waiting along the pavement. Although it may initially appear unusual on a clear morning, locals say the umbrellas provide protection from Limpopo’s intense sun.
Over time, residents have also started associating the umbrellas with the women working in the area. Consequently, some local women reportedly avoid carrying umbrellas on those streets because they fear people may mistake them for sex workers.
One resident said the women had worked in the area for years. Therefore, motorists, taxi passengers and pedestrians have grown accustomed to seeing them every day.
The women often stand in groups at different points along the road. According to residents, some have established regular positions where they wait for clients.
However, tensions reportedly rise when newcomers arrive and attempt to use the same spaces. One resident claimed that disagreements sometimes break out when the women feel that competition has become too intense.
Women Say Street Work Helps Them Survive
Two women working in the area spoke about their reasons for joining the street trade. They refused to reveal their identities or allow the conversation to be recorded.
One woman said finding a job had become extremely difficult. At the same time, food, transport and other household expenses continued to rise.
“Jobs are hard to find and life is expensive. We have families to support, so we come here to make money instead of sitting at home doing nothing,” she said.
Her comments highlight the difficult choices facing many households across South Africa. The country’s official unemployment rate reached 32.7% during the first quarter of 2026.
Statistics South Africa also recorded a decrease of 345,000 employed people during the quarter. Meanwhile, the number of unemployed people increased by 301,000.
The national figures do not explain every individual decision. Nevertheless, they provide context for the financial pressure described by the women in Polokwane.
Clients Visit the Area Throughout the Day
Some men who visit the area said the street gives them several options. One man claimed both married and single men use the services offered there.
He said some married clients viewed paying for sex differently from maintaining a secret relationship. Single men, meanwhile, reportedly visited because they found the women friendly and well presented.
However, those comments reflect the views of individual visitors. They do not represent every man who travels through the area or every resident living nearby.
The trade starts before breakfast and continues until late afternoon. Throughout the day, cars slow down, conversations take place and women wait for their next customer.
As a result, the street operates alongside the city’s normal daily activity. Taxis pass, businesses open and pedestrians continue moving between shops and offices.
Residents Divided Over Visible Street Trade
Not everyone feels comfortable with the situation. Some residents worry that the open solicitation creates an uncomfortable environment for families, workers and children using the busy streets.
Others, however, say the women have become part of the city’s daily rhythm. They argue that the activity has continued for so long that residents no longer find it surprising.
The issue also reflects South Africa’s unresolved debate over sex work. Selling and purchasing adult sexual services remain criminal offences under the country’s current laws.
The government has explored proposals to decriminalise and regulate consensual adult sex work. However, the Department of Justice confirmed in November 2025 that officials were still developing a comprehensive legal framework.
Supporters of decriminalisation argue that reform could improve access to healthcare, police protection and legal services. Critics continue to raise concerns about regulation, exploitation and activity in public spaces.
Meanwhile, the women on Bok and Thabo Mbeki streets continue working under the current system. They face economic pressure, public judgement and competition while trying to support themselves and their families.
For Polokwane residents, the early-morning sight has become difficult to ignore. Before breakfast is served and offices open, another working day has already begun on the city’s pavements.
Source – Daily Sun
