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Despite the stigma surrounding cannabis, discourse has evolved, and it is now recognised as a viable economic commodity, reflecting a substantial transformation in societal attitudes. Several African countries have been exploring the industrial possibilities of medicinal hemp as a facet of economic development. This study aimed to examine the potential advantages of cannabis commercialisation in Limpopo province, South Africa. The study utilised a descriptive design and qualitative technique, focussing on cannabis enterprises. Snowball sampling was utilised to acquire a sample of 20 individuals. The sample size was determined by data saturation. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews and thematically analysed using ATLAS.ti 23 software. The results indicate that the creation of cannabis cultivation and processing businesses may produce job opportunities, stimulate economic expansion, and promote community development. Furthermore, the cannabis industry presents substantial income generation prospects, especially for rural agriculturists, and has the capacity to augment tax revenue for local authorities. The research indicates that cannabis commercialisation could yield advantageous socio-economic results, such as poverty reduction, provided that stringent regulations and extensive community engagement are established. The research emphasises the importance of addressing legal and social equity challenges to ensure the sustainability of these benefits.  

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 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.

Despite the stigma surrounding cannabis, discourse has evolved, and it is now recognised as a viable economic commodity, reflecting a substantial transformation in societal attitudes. Several African countries have been exploring the industrial possibilities of medicinal hemp as a facet of economic development. This study aimed to examine the potential advantages of cannabis commercialisation in Limpopo province, South Africa. The study utilised a descriptive design and qualitative technique, focussing on cannabis enterprises. Snowball sampling was utilised to acquire a sample of 20 individuals. The sample size was determined by data saturation. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews and thematically analysed using ATLAS.ti 23 software. The results indicate that the creation of cannabis cultivation and processing businesses may produce job opportunities, stimulate economic expansion, and promote community development. Furthermore, the cannabis industry presents substantial income generation prospects, especially for rural agriculturists, and has the capacity to augment tax revenue for local authorities. The research indicates that cannabis commercialisation could yield advantageous socio-economic results, such as poverty reduction, provided that stringent regulations and extensive community engagement are established. The research emphasises the importance of addressing legal and social equity challenges to ensure the sustainability of these benefits.