Derick Blaauw is a professor in the School of Economics at the North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus). Prior to taking up this position, he lectured Economics at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and at the Soweto and Bloemfontein Campuses of Vista University. His research interests include labour and development economics, and issues of economic well-being. His current work focuses on the socio-economic dynamics of vulnerable groups in the informal economy, such as car guards, day labourers and waste pickers.