Document: National Framework for LED in South Africa

The National Framework for LED in South Africa aims to support the development of sustainable local economies through integrated government action. This government action is developmental and stimulates the heart of the economy which comprises those enterprises that operate in local municipal spaces. The framework is underpinned by an appreciation of the evolving practice of LED internationally and is based on the unique South African context and challenges. It contextualises the move towards “new institutionalism” that breaks down the distinction between economy and society, showing how economic decision-making and action is shaped by the shared values, norms, beliefs, meanings, and rules and procedures, of the formal and informal institutions of society. The normative agenda of the New Institutionalism is to develop shared meaning and values, and to strengthen the networks of social interaction. This has also been variously described as building social capital, or developing social cohesion.