Effectiveness and sustainability of the local economic development strategy of Emakhazeni Local Municipality

Abstract:The study under review investigated the effectiveness and sustainability of Emakhazeni Local Municipality local economic development strategy. The socioeconomic development challenges faced by ELM, such as unemployment, job creation, eradication of poverty, lack of service delivery and lack of local economic growth, are the reason why it was necessary to assess the effectiveness and sustainability of its strategic approach. To do so, a critical analysis process was identified to unpack the chronology of significant events that had occurred. The study investigated the municipality’s planning process, mission statement, short-term and long-term focus, objectives and implementation efforts. Finally, it assessed whether the municipality had the capacity to successfully execute the strategy. The research question posed was whether the ELM strategy to achieve LED intentions was effective and sustainable. To answer the research question, the researcher explored a range of approaches, strategies and methods appropriate for the study. A qualitative content analysis approach was adopted. The research focused on the analysis of legislation, policies and frameworks to understand how they impacted on the ELM strategic approach towards LED. The systems thinking approach was used to examine whether there were factors affecting ELM from achieving its strategic objectives regarding an effective and sustainable LED strategy. It was also used to examine whether the LED strategic approach was comprehensive, well-structured and integrated in contributing to the potential for local economic growth in ELM. Various recommendations were made at the end of the study which included strategic management plan and the application of a systems model to ensure that inputs are effective in achieving required outputs.M.Com. (Local Economic Development