Grassroot Engagement in Local Economic Development: A Case Study of eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality

Abstract

This paper explores the best mechanisms that should be adopted and implemented to ensure successful implementation of Local Economic Development (LED) through a multi stakeholder engagement process. The municipalities should not only provide services and encouragement of socio-economic growth but they should also enhance the multi-stakeholder engagement in society to improve the livelihoods of communities. Local Economic Development (LED) as a global phenomenon seeks to create employment, reduce poverty and promote inclusive and equitable distribution of wealth for local communities. However, LED initiatives are characterised as a failure when they do nothing to alleviate the high rate of poverty, unemployment, and illiteracy. This study sought to explore the nature of multiple stakeholders engagement in the implementation of LED projects in eThekwini Municipality. Using a sequential mixed method research, the study mixed both quantitative and qualitative techniques. Findings revealed a high level of multi-engagement among those politically affiliated or the elite while people at the grass-root are not well engaged. Another reported problem was the top-down approach and pseudo-participation of other stakeholders, particularly, the "have nots" in the society. These findings should be useful to local government stakeholders as well as to policymakers by involving all sectors of the society in order to encourage the sustainable provision of services to communities and to stimulate socio-economic growth. This study revealed the need to enhance public participation and the need to move away from 'tokenist' approaches reported in the study. These findings also suggest the need for future scholarly investigation.