Ten Years and Ten Trends of Local Economic Development Practice in South Africa: A Practitioner’s Perspective

Abstract

This article offers a perspective from a practitioner on the experience of involvement in the first decade of initiatives for promoting local economic development in South Africa. The reflection on the first decade identifies ten key trends in the practice of LED in South Africa. It is argued that whilst debates on LED in South Africa have made considerable progress, it is necessary to reflect on the knowledge created in the first decade of LED practice and design.