Faculty of Management Sciences
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Item Cluster methodology : the strategy for sustainable local development in the rural communities of South Africa(2023-05-16) Zondo, Robert Walter DumisaniRural communities are making efforts to implement sustainable development initiatives in their regions. However, there is a lack of capacity, specific development strategies, expertise, infrastructure and finance to achieve their developmental goals. These deficiencies disadvantage self-reliant initiatives in rural areas as the development interventions and investments are directed to better-off urban communities. Hence, this paper proposes the cluster approach as a sustainable local development in rural areas of South Africa. Clusters are referred to as the agglomeration of inter-related firms and related institutions. They are employed to show a geographical and a sectoral focus of firms that produce and sell a range of related or complementary goods and services. These firms normally experience the same challenges and opportunities. The clusters are assisted by a spectrum of supportive institutions situated within spatial proximity, including business-related associations, technical or training service providers. Cluster development initiatives that improve access for local firms to local and global markets can have positive poverty impacts that enhance income, employment and the well-being of workers and entrepreneurs within a cluster. This study assesses the influence of the cluster approach on sustainable local development in rural areas of South Africa. It establishes the suitability of clusters as strategic methods for local economic growth for South Africa.Item Sustainable development : local economic growth strategy post- Covid-19 in South Africa(Institute of Research Engineers and Doctors, 2020) Zondo, Robert Walter DumisaniThe local economic challenges facing South Africa, so far, have been addressed by the introduction of policies. Hence, there are major policy reforms that have taken place pre- Covid-19 era, including the protection of rural producers, consumers and the markets. However, the spread of COVID-19 novel coronavirus around in 2020 was fast and dramatic. With the death toll experienced by various countries around the world, the effect had tremendous impact on the general economy and local communities in rural areas (in specific). The economic effects were also exacerbated by emergency strategies (like lockdowns) by different countries around the world. Nonetheless, it has been established that rural institutions are viewed as having a potential role in rural poverty alleviation and sustainable development. Hence, the enforcement of local institutions in rural areas and capacity building as fundamental elements of strategies for rural poverty alleviation are necessary. Local economic growth, as a poverty alleviation strategy, is a people-centred process and circumstance specific. Common parameters for such growth include improved health facilities, infrastructure services, sanitation facilities, and educational services. Other than the above parameters for local and sustainable development, local communities have vast indigenous knowledge that can be used to facilitate sustainable development. This knowledge is not fully utilised due to a lack of complementary institutions and facilities that enable people to improve productivity and sustainability. It is essential for development practitioners and policy makers to facilitate the dissemination of this local knowledge to enable sharing amongst community members, rather than spend scarce resources in bringing in more new knowledge and information that will not benefit the local community for sustainable development. This study assesses the influence of sustainable development on local economic growth in South Africa. It establishes the suitability of sustainable development as a strategy for local economic growth for South Africa.