Multi-stakeholder driven local economic development: reflections on the experience of Richards Bay and the uMhlathuze municipality

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Periodical article

Title:	Multi-stakeholder driven local economic development: reflections on the experience of Richards Bay and the uMhlathuze municipality
Authors:	Nel, E.L. Hill, T.R. Goodenough, C.
Year:	2007
Periodical:	Urban Forum
Volume:	18
Issue:	2
Pages:	31-47
Language:	English
Geographic term:	South Africa
Subjects:	urban development economic policy
External link:	https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12132-007-9004-7
Abstract:	The city of Richards Bay, which is incorporated within the uMhlathuze municipality, and is situated on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal, is one of South Africa's key industrial centres and transport nodes. Despite the presence of several of the country's key industries in the city, poverty and unemployment in the city and its hinterland are significant. This paper examines the local economic development (LED) initiatives of the local and district municipalities and the private sector, individually and collectively. The relative importance and impact of pro-poor versus pro-growth LED are examined and the role of the private sector in development is outlined and assessed. Overall, despite impressive economic growth levels, not all have benefited. Despite this, the individual and joint actions of the two municipalities and the corporate sectors do yield interesting insights into the needs and value of both pro-poor and pro-growth LED and of collective action. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract]