Local economic development: Policy and practice in South Africa

The policy of local economic development (LED) is currently attracting considerable attention in government and development circles in South Africa. This article seeks to critically examine and assess the key contextual considerations which influence LED, its emergence and its chances of success. In this regard, the notions of post‐Fordism and the important role of government are examined. It then outlines and assesses evolving LED policy and practice in the country in the light of current experiences in various centres. The article concludes with an examination of various practical considerations which appear to be affecting the further application of the concept in the country. These issues are deemed to be of relevance to policymakers if LED is to be successfully implemented.

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Respectively, Senior Lecturer, Department of Geography, Rhodes University, Grahamstown; and Senior Lecturer, Department of Geography, University of Wales, United Kingdom. The authors would like to express their gratitude to the British Council for its financial assistance and its support of the academic exchange between the Geography Departments of the Universities of Swansea, Rhodes and Fort Hare.