Rethinking local economic development support: prospects for Rand West City Local Municipality

The inadequacies and limitations of macroeconomic policies have largely contributed to the popularity of local economic development (LED) as an approach to stimulate development at the local level. This article explores the state of LED in South Africa in terms of policy and practice, unraveling gaps in its implementation. It utilizes the case study of West Rand City Municipality, which falls under the West Rand District Municipality in the Gauteng province of South Africa. The study proceeds from the premise that, with enhanced support, LED could yield more benefits for local communities. The study is based on participatory action research where the researchers and community members involved in LED activities worked together with government officials to identify key obstacles to the optimization of LED opportunities in the municipal area and establish a roadmap to overcome them and promote development. The study utilized key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis to arrive at its conclusions. The study presents an important window through which to explore the possibilities of growing local economies, sustainable resource management, and contributing to job creation and the improvement of standards of living. It also makes a succinct discussion of practical implications for policy, practice, and scholarship. An important outcome of this engaged scholarship is to develop an approach to LED support that will not only be implemented in the study area but can also be replicated in similar settings elsewhere in the country.