Abstract
The United Nations Millennium Development Goal [MDG] (Goal 1; Poverty
reduction) in South Africa had not achieved all of its set targets. There are still
economic disparities complemented by a wide ranging pollution-tounemployment
ratio creating gender-differentiation in poverty outcomes. MDG
Goal 3 (Gender equality and women empowerment) also existed in isolation and
was not explicitly aligned with other goals. The post-MDG review led to the
establishment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (Goal 1: poverty
elimination and Goal 6: gender equality). In order to eradicate poverty and
advance economic empowerment of households, the Local Economic
Development (LED) programme has since been implemented in South African
municipalities. The aim of the article is to explore the missing element of gender
in development policies and goals. The purpose therefore is to align gender to
local economic development in municipalities. A qualitative research design was
planned to gather relevant information. A review of LED documents explores the
gender exclusion in the LED processes. Gender differences, inequality, unequal
access to resources, and unequal employment opportunities may lead to economic
collapse. The article offers recommendations for improvement.