Abstract
This research aims to assess local economic development as an economic support to the development of sustainable local economies through an integrated government action in the municipalities. Local economic development is government action that is developmental and a strategic attempt to stimulate the heart of the economy, which comprises enterprises that operate in local municipal spaces meant to fight poverty and stimulate economic growth. This study followed a qualitative, explanatory, descriptive, and contextual research design. This study report's theoretical framework is based on an analysis of worldwide and South African literature that mostly focuses on LED but also touches on some development-related topics. The two globally growing LED themes, the primary LED implementation areas, and the South African government's policies and LED guidelines all served as conceptual compass points for the study process. The findings of this paper are that some institutions that should serve as mechanisms for removing poverty need to be both structurally and financially strengthened since their failures have led to the continued pervasiveness of poverty in the country. The issue with LED in South Africa is that many municipalities lack proper economic growth initiatives, making it unable to combat poverty. It is recommended that economic plans be developed independently of national economic policy.