Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between community participation in local economic development projects to alleviate poverty in the City of Ekurhuleni. To answer the overarching research question, this study is grounded in a conceptual analysis of secondary sources and is based on a case study of the City of Ekurhuleni. According to the literature, residents have become apathetic because of a lack of response and reaction from local officials to their needs and wants. However, some residents were generally apathetic in government affairs because of the lack of awareness. This resulted in futile expenditure, incomplete projects and overall poor service delivery at a local level of government. It was found that this state of affairs exacerbates poverty and inequality among the most vulnerable in society. This study revealed that one of the ways to alleviate poverty in the City of Ekurhuleni was through local economic development initiatives and projects which involved the participation of local citizens. The study concluded that the City of Ekurhuleni, needs to implement projects that will develop the local economy through public participation thus reducing poverty and inequality.
KEY TERMS: Community participation, local government, poverty, local economic development, small medium and micro enterprise, formal and informal economy.