Analysis of Local Economic Development Initiatives towards poverty mitigation within Big 5 Hlabisa local municipality: perspective of youth and municipal official

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996) were considered in advancing the LED initiatives. The national order set an obligation on the local government circle to promote economic movement from a grassroots level and expand formative economic activities. The LED initiatives were planned to magnify economic development, share the alleviation objectives, and incorporate previously excluded groups in social and economic life. Section 152 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996) outlines the primary objectives of the local government (municipalities); Subsection (1) stipulates that (a) municipalities have to provide a democratic and accountable government for local communities; (b) ensure to provide services to local communities sustainably; (c) promote social and economic development. This study focused on youth community members’ perceptions of LED in the Mpembeni and Bazaneni local areas. The sample also included municipal officials within the Big 5 Hlabisa Local Municipality. The study's primary aim was to analyse LED initiatives towards poverty mitigation within the Big 5 Hlabisa Local Municipality. Qualitative methods were employed to collect and analyse data obtained from the youth community members and municipal officials with the LED department. Qualitative data were collected from the youth community members through questionnaires and from the municipality staff through interviews. The analysis of qualitative data was conducted through thematic analysis. This study and the identified problem were developed to analyse the possibility of LED initiatives to mitigate the poverty level and unemployment rate. For over two decades of democracy, “South Africa is still battling with the issues of poverty, inequality, unemployment, and hunger” (StatsSA, 2017). The study findings confirm South Africa’s remaining battle with the elevated level of poverty in rural areas and the high youth unemployment rate. The recommendations and innovative ideas may assist the municipality in facilitating the LED initiatives effectively through local community development.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Zululand

Year dc:date.issued

2021

Author dc:creator

• Xaba, Mzwandile R

• Local economic development
• Poverty
• Constitution
• Municipal officials

Licence

• https://devspace.unizulu.ac.za/bitstreams/35be1470-adc7-4157-aa0c-68aec12184bf/download