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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Local economic development in South Africa: a useful tool for sustainable development
Author:Abrahams, DianeISNI
Year:2003
Periodical:Urban Forum
Volume:14
Issue:2-3
Pages:185-200
Language:English
Geographic term:South Africa
Subjects:local politics
popular participation
urban development
municipal government
External link:https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12132-003-0010-0
Abstract:In the light of the ongoing debate about local economic development (LED) in South Africa and whether it should be pro-growth or pro-poor in focus, this paper examines current thinking regarding the nature of LED and its potential as a tool to enable local municipalities in South Africa to achieve sustainable development. The first section looks at the definition and understanding of LED in general and in the South African context in particular. There is a brief discussion on LED applications in urban and rural contexts and its role as a poverty alleviation tool. The second section describes the importance of partnerships, particularly those between local government and local communities, and the principle of community participation in LED with reference to the experience of Mangaung Local Municipality (Greater Bloemfontein), which successfully used a community-based planning approach to produce its IDP (Integrated Development Plan). In Mangaung the benefits are now being reaped. The importance of partnerships and participation in LED needs to be underscored in the LED plans of local governments, since greater ownership leads to greater sustainability. However, the unevenness of power within these partnerships needs to be addressed if communities are to contribute meaningfully to the development process. Bibliogr. [ASC Leiden abstract]
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