Metro is called ‘Africa’s Workshop’ but it is full of poor communities and handicapped by a low education rate
Local economic development is a grassroots-based approach that encourages people to work together towards improved quality of life for all. At the heart of a successful LED policy is a partnership between the business sector, community interests and local government.
The mammoth task to promote LED and provide basic services as required by the constitution has not only put local governments under severe pressure, but also under scrutiny by the communities they are meant to serve. And few more so than the Ekurhuleni metro. The above would lead one to think that the municipality is a thriving economic hub. Unfortunately, the reality is that Ekurhuleni is filled with poverty-stricken communities and a low education rate has led to a skills shortage. The IDP of the municipality demonstrates that the unemployment rate in Ekurhuleni increased from 26.6% in 2006 to 29.7% by 2015, consistently higher than the provincial and national figures.
Despite the challenges, strategic thinking and a co-ordinated response might see a new dawn in the region. The city needs to engage big industrial players to obtain an understanding of how they have been able to navigate challenges such as the pandemic. Such interaction would help Ekurhuleni ascertain how to assist them, thus ensuring their continued existence in the LED region and secure existing jobs.
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