Sustainable development : local economic growth strategy post- Covid-19 in South Africa

Abstract

The 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.