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This study aims to provide compelling evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of local economic development (LED) in advancing economic and social development. The research undertook a systematic review of existing literature to assess whether LED strategies have effectively addressed the racially and gender-based socio-economic disparities between affluent and impoverished communities. The analysis revealed that municipal LED efforts have predominantly concentrated on community economic development projects, many of which have turned out to be economically unfeasible with minimal enduring impact on poverty alleviation. Moreover, the collaboration among government entities, local businesses, and the voluntary sector was frequently found to be weak or altogether absent. For significant socio-economic transformation in South Africa, LED policies must emphasize not only an increase in the number of job opportunities but also a diversification of economic activities. Local governments are called upon to play a proactive role in this transformative process. Furthermore, the LED strategy should be comprehensive and not reliant on a limited number of projects. This study This research is characterised by originality and great scientific value, as it underscores the necessity for the national government to take on a leadership position and devise LED guidelines that empower local authorities with the capacity to effectively foster LED activities.

South Africa is a developing country characterised by a high rate of unemployment. Unemployment is more prevalent among women and the youth, as they comprise a larger population in South Africa. This has created a higher demand for public services, burdening the government’s ability to provide services. Promotion and funding of community entrepreneurship can ensure that local communities are given the required skills and support to start their businesses to support their families while creating an impact in society. South Africa has many informal businesses in which community members operate, and street vendors are the noted portion that constitutes this informal trading in South Africa. This paper seeks to analyse how the government can implement local economic development (LED) initiatives in a way that promotes and encourages community entrepreneurship. The local government is a sphere closer to the people and is entrusted with implementing LED initiatives in South Africa. The local government has a vital role to play, but it has not done enough to enhance community entrepreneurship in local communities. Based on this premise, this paper will also analyse the key challenges the local government faces in ensuring that community entrepreneurship is encouraged and promoted. This paper is timely. Therefore, the country is currently faced with a higher unemployment rate, which is mostly prevalent among women and the youth, and effective LED initiatives can promote community entrepreneurship in local communities for the betterment of citizens’ lives.

Productive asset creation has been proposed as a potential solution for local economic development. The research study explores the concept of productive asset creation and its impact on local economies. The main objective of the study was to establish the impact of Productive Assets Creation (PAC) in stimulating Local Economic Development in Botswana The research study discusses value creation and value appropriation, highlighting the role of innovation and competition in capturing societal value through productive assets. Local Economic Development provides a multilevel perspective on value creation and capture, emphasizing the role of favourable economic environments within communities. The research study referred to various kinds of literature discussing the importance of productive asset creation as a solution to Local Economic Development. The literature that was used also argued that policy consideration should be made on productive assets to promote business development and improve overall returns to communities. The research utilised qualitative methods of data collection and analysis. Interviews and document analysis were used to interact with relevant participants and gathering relevant data. The findings and recommendations derived from this paper aids in developing productive assets that feeds into local economic development initiatives. By considering the theories and perspectives discussed in the selected references, future researchers, policymakers and practitioners may gain insights into the factors and strategies that contribute to successful economic development at the local level.

From the 1930s, the South African minibus-taxi industry has been playing a fundamental role in supporting the growth and development of minibus-taxi entrepreneurs. The minibus-taxi industry in South Africa is often misunderstood due to its informal nature. However, it is worth noting that the South African minibus-taxi industry has created economic opportunities for taxi entrepreneurs, and today it has an annual turnover of R38-billion to R50-billion. This study investigated the role of the South African minibus-taxi industry in promoting the development of taxi entrepreneurship in Mankweng taxi ranks, within the Limpopo Province and its limited within this area. The mixed-method research approach was used with a stratified-random sampling using a semi-structured questionnaire administered to 110 taxi entrepreneurs. In addition, the study conducted group focus interviews purposively with 12 minibus-taxi bosses. Qualitative data was analysed using descriptive analysis and quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software and then transported to the Microsoft Excel for further analysis where necessary. The findings reveals poor business planning; weak support from both the Mankweng Taxi Association and government; and high fuel prices affects the day-to-day business activities and causing majority of minibus-taxi entrepreneurs running their businesses at loss without realisation. The study recommend an urgency for the Mankweng minibus-taxi group and their key stakeholders to design an entrepreneurship model suitable for the industry’s development to boost the local economy. This study sought to demonstrate the importance of unlocking the full potential of minibus-taxi entrepreneurship through sufficient support from both the government and minibus-taxi associations to address structural challenges, limited access to resources and finance, and regulatory complexities to lessen the burden of running the minibus-taxi business. The study challenges policy-makers intentionally to design programs aimed at incorporating the minibus-taxi business into boosting the overall economy in a formal manner.

The study focused on the insights of municipal officials and community members concerning the significance of public participation in promoting local economic development at Jozini Local Municipality. The study aimed to determine the challenges hindering the function of public participation in the uplifting of the local community and how these challenges influence community development. This study adopted a mixed-method (qualitative and quantitative) research method to collect and analyze the data. Both methods ensured various data collection techniques, including questionnaires and interviews. Questionnaires were presented to community members because several people could be reached in a brief time as numerous community members were targeted. Interviews also served to collect data from the municipality staff, since they were not that many. The study identified the challenges hindering public participation in community development; it also revealed politics as the bearer of public participation between the municipality and the community. The findings also revealed municipal officials struggle with financial resources during their course of work. Corruption and maladministration among municipalities were identified, hampering community development through public participation. The study suggests that the municipality should improve communication between the officials and the residents, enabling them to raise their opinions. The study also suggests providing adequate funding to be effective in development that will satisfy the community.

The study examined the critical approach adopted by entrepreneurship and policy development in promoting socio-economic development. In this review. It also looked at the difficulties small, micro, and medium-sized businesses in South Africa face. The conceptual research looked at the influence of small, micro, and medium-sized companies (SMMEs) on South African development. The study's objective was to evaluate how small, medium-sized businesses (SMMEs) are now driving economic growth and solving social issues in a setting where big businesses and governments appear to be doing very little. As a result, the study examines how SMMEs might help the nation solve persistent societal evils, including poverty, inequality, and social isolation. A desktop literature review research design was adopted to collect data on the role of entrepreneurship in South Africa. The study further looks at policies and practices of big business and government that exacerbate social issues in communities and impede socio-economic development, as well as the specific roles that SMMEs play in achieving socio-economic development goals. The findings reveal that, among various developmental outcomes, SMMEs are at the forefront of generating employment and promoting social and political justice within the nation. Future empirical studies should account for and evaluate the importance of SMME contributions to constructing economic, social, and political justice in the nation.

Sustainable development aims to create a societal framework in which economic advancement transpires without undermining environmental integrity. Despite advancements in developed countries, an estimated 1.3 billion individuals worldwide continue to experience a lack of access to electricity, significantly impeding their socio-economic development. This study examined the potential strategies for Thulamela Local Municipality to augment its initiatives related to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7, with a particular emphasis on the empowerment of small businesses to address energy requirements and advance sustainable development objectives. Therefore, the mixed-methods approach was employed, distributing 42 questionnaires to small enterprises at Tshilamba Rural Township and conducting semi-structured interviews with 5 key officials from the Thulamela Local Municipality. A comprehensive review of relevant literature was also conducted to guide the research process before fieldwork. The findings of this study elucidated several barriers to energy access, which included an unreliable power supply, elevated electricity costs, insufficient infrastructure, and the substantial investment necessary for the implementation of sustainable energy solutions. The literature has further underscored the inadequacies in energy production and supply infrastructure, which constrain the operational efficiency of small businesses. The results clearly indicate that although these businesses are robust and profit-generating, they do not have the necessary infrastructure and assistance to implement sustainable energy solutions. Thus, it recommended establishment of collaborations with renewable energy suppliers to provide cost-effective solar options or different energy sources ideal for small-scale businesses.

Three decades after the advent of democracy in South Africa, and with only five years remaining towards 2030 of attaining sustainable development, youth unemployment remains alarmingly high. The national unemployment rate currently stands at approximately 34%, with youth unemployment exceeding 60%. This persists despite the United Nations’ Agenda 2030, which outlines 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at eradicating poverty, fostering development, and stimulating inclusive economic growth. Specifically, SDG 8 seeks to “promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all”. Yet South Africa continues to grapple with entrenched unemployment, particularly among its youth, aggravating related social and economic challenges such as poverty, inequality, and crime. Achieving SDG 8 appears increasingly elusive for developing economies like South Africa, where political, social and economic realities often misalign with global development aspirations. This paper critically examines the embedded intricacies towards achieving SDG 8, focusing on the structural drivers of youth unemployment in South Africa. Guided by the Broken Window Theory, the study employs a qualitative, desktop-based research approach with systematic data analysis. Findings reveal that weak policy implementation, especially of pro-poor policies, remains a critical barrier, compounded by stagnant economic growth, high poverty rates, limited state capacity, corruption, policy uncertainty, and overreliance on the private sector for job creation. The paper concludes with recommendations for strengthening policy execution, expanding government capacity, and creating pathways for meaningful youth participation in the economy to realise the aspirations of SDG 8.

This study focuses on the governance challenges in enhancing Local Economic Development (LED) in Vhembe District Municipality (VDM). Good governance is a critical factor in enhancing LED, as it ensures transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and efficient resource management. However, the municipality faces a multiplicity of local economic challenges, including poorly maintained infrastructure, a lack of an LED strategy, limited capacity, and low community participation. The article employed a mixed-method approach that comprised quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Data were collected through a closed-ended questionnaire and structured interviews. For data analysis, the article adopted statistical methods for quantitative data and thematic content analysis for qualitative data. The article found that a lack of accountability, ineffective policy implementation, poor communication, and insufficient financial management practices are challenges VDM faces in enhancing LED. To address these challenges, the municipality should implement stronger accountability measures for officials to ensure transparency and improve the effectiveness of LED efforts. Community engagement should be enhanced by creating more inclusive platforms for participation. The municipality must implement regular, targeted training initiatives to enhance officials’ skills, knowledge, and capacity to drive effective governance and sustainable economic growth. Training programs for municipal officials will improve governance and support economic development.

This study explores the effectiveness of government support structures and programs (GSSPs) for some Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) of Gauteng Province in South Africa through the lived experiences of seven respondents representing the SMMEs that received support. With thematic content analysis (TCA), the research exposes recurrent themes in the perceived effectiveness of the assistance provided by the GSSPs. The study highlights both successes and critical gaps. The findings suggest that the SMMEs appreciate the material support from the GSSPs. However, they indicate that the one-approach-fits-all used was deficient. The approach generally lacks holistic, customized intervention and limits the overall impact. They particularly would have preferred additional support in business management skills and funding. The study recommends a comprehensive and customized approach that represents responsive government support frameworks.