The implementation and sustainability of pro‐poor local economic development initiatives in King Cetshwayo District municipality.

The implementation of economic development policies seems to be a persistent problem hindering local economic development (LED) in South Africa. The main aim of this article was to assess the implementation and sustainability of pro‐poor LED in the King Cetshwayo District municipality. The need to address poverty and unemployment is one of the most critical issues in this municipality. A qualitative approach was adopted in this article whereby eight in‐depth interviews were conducted among municipal officials in uMhlathuze and uMfolozi local municipalities. The researchers further conducted 14 focus group discussions with community members, which included cooperatives. The findings show that LED in the King Cetshwayo District municipality was conceptualised generally as a form of partnership or coalition undertaken between the key players in a local municipality and involves the development of partnerships between the private sector, government and civil society. Moreover, the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ) together with other stakeholders, including the municipality, has put measures in place to assist small and medium business enterprises (SMMEs) to benefit from the RBIDZ activities. The article recommends that partnership with young people, businesses and community organisations must be strengthened in order to address the problem of unemployment. This will open a space for more stable job opportunities for the residents. A certain percentage of outsourced work must be given to the youth who are qualified to do the job, and youth must be able to access funding when they try to establish cooperatives, SMEs and non‐profitable organisations (NPOs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]