At a time where the international system is largely affected by a global economic crisis, cellular/mobile
technology offers those previously disempowered by lack of access to previously computer-based communication
technologies, capitalist neoliberal market forces, and limited education opportunities, a potentially enhanced
means of entering and operating in the marketplace. Several studies have shown mobile technology to have the
most rapid deployment in international society of all available communication technologies and this is certainly
supported by statistics that show that in 2011, more than two thirds of South African households had access to a
mobile phone (Statistics South Africa, 2012) making it the most used Information Communication Technology
(ICT) in the country. Through its use in a business setting, individuals are able to benefit financially, including
those who operate on a self-sustainability basis. Mobile technology therefore offers an exciting field of
investigation for communication researchers and economists. This research project explores mobile phone
practices amongst ‘survivalists’ in the informal business sector in Johannesburg, South Africa. It relies on indepth
interviews with select individuals (such as street vendors, casual labourers and self-employed sole traders)
in order to identify and examine emerging trends. From this research, it is evident that mobile phones have
become a vital component of everyday economic welfare amongst those operating small market enterprises in the
city centre of Johannesburg