A critical analysis of effectiveness of pro-poor local economic development strategies in the big 5 Hlabisa Local Municipality, South Africa

The aim of this study was to critically analyse the effectiveness of pro-poor Local Economic Development (LED) strategies in the Big 5 Hlabisa Local Municipality in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. This study was guided by six (6) research objectives, which are namely to explore the effectiveness of LED as a tool for alleviating poverty in the Big 5 Hlabisa Local Municipality; determine an existing relationship between LED and poverty alleviation in the Big 5 Hlabisa Local municipality; identify the benefits of LED as a tool towards improving the quality of life of local citizens; examine LED plans and strategies that have been put in place in the Big 5 Hlabisa Local Municipality; determine if there are challenges encountered during the implementation of LED strategies; and recommend proper strategies for effective implementation of LED as a tool to address poverty reduction in the Big 5 Hlabisa Local Municipality. This study was underpinned by two models which were the Participatory Theory and the Arnstein`s Theory of Public Participation. This study adopted a mixed method and data was collected using triangulation whereby both questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were utilised. Interviews were conducted among 15 community members, while questionnaires were distributed to 45 municipal officials and 13 ward councillors. The data collected through the distribution of questionnaires was analysed using SPSS, while data collected from community members was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings of the study demonstrated that all community members had a clear understanding of what the concept of LED means. Additionally, the findings of the study also indicated that participants and respondents agreed that LED is an effective tool for alleviating poverty.The study concluded that there were very few community members, municipal officials and ward councillors who were of the opion that LED is not effective in poverty alleviation. Despite LED being recommended and applauded, challenges had been experienced during the implementation, which included but were not limited to insufficient funds for LED projects; not all LED plans were executed; some departments delayed responding to the applications of local citizens; a lack of working materials, such as computers and printers and making it hard for the office to function. It is recommended that the government needs to revise the current budget given to the local municipality with an aim of improving it. Currently, the budget is not meeting all the needs of rural people as the findings of the study proved that rural communities are in deep poverty and local municipalities are dealing with real problems which require enough money to overcome them.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Zululand

Year dc:date.issued

2022

Author dc:creator

• Myeni, Jabulani Mhlabuthini

Licence

• https://uzspace.unizulu.ac.za/bitstreams/c3a61f8d-1e1d-4f78-963a-631da42bcc88/download