Abstract
A growth service center has the potential for further development. Consequently, such a center needs to be supported by both public and private sector investment because it provides goods and services to the people thus creating a balanced socio-economic development of an area. Governments have long been trying to promote the approach of rural growth center strategies in an attempt to attract investment and sustainable local economic development. There have been growth centers world over, and while some have been developing, others have not been performing well. Most centers designated for growth do not have the requisite potential or strong human resource base from which to ignite the processes of increasing action and subsequent growth. Limpopo and other rural provinces in South Africa have engaged in Rural growth centers and Local Economic Development initiatives for nearly a decade. Very few however have assessed the impact of Rural Growth Centers and Local Economic Development (LED) on improving the livelihoods of citizens. Consequently, this study examines the potential of Rural growth centers in fostering sustainable Local Economic Development in Makhado Biaba, and the extent to which it has contributed towards improving the livelihoods of communities. This work adopted a case study research design and a qualitative and quantitative research approach. Data were collected through Questionnaires (completed by households from Makhado Biaba, Tshirolwe and Tshituni, and business owners). Structured in-depth interviews were conducted with key informants from Makhado Local Municipality (town planners and LED officials). Data was also obtained from observations, map surveys and photographic surveys of the growth center. The results reveal that policy doesn’t automatically lead to successful implementation, but amended skills levels are needed, and funding shortages need to be resolved. Makhado Local Municipality furthermore does not have adequate economic strategies in place to address the issues of poverty and unemployment. The study concludes by recommending that rural municipalities (Makhado Local Municipality) have to generate their own policies and frameworks that are different from those used in metropolitan municipalities. That is because a single strategy does not work when it comes to creating and implementing growth centers. Lastly a conceptual growth center development framework is proposed for Makhado Biaba growth center.
M.A. (Sustainable Urban Planning and Development)