LED Programme: Gijima KZN

The Gijima KZN Programme is a six-year programme designed to support the Provincial Department of Economic Development (DED) of KwaZulu Natal and a broad range of stakeholders to more effectively implement LED to achieve equitable economic growth in the province. Gijima KZN particularly focuses on harnessing creativity at a local level through a demand-led approach with the centrality of a partnership approach.

The programme is designed around a number of funds under which applicants can apply for financial assistance.

• The first fund is the Business Enabling Fund (BEF) which assists provincial and local government to create an enabling environment for local economic development by clarifying the legislative and regulatory requirements and strengthening the enabling role and performance of provincial and local government.
• The primary emphasis of the second fund, the Local Competitiveness Fund (LCF), is to encourage partnerships which facilitate private sector investment in sustainable local economic development projects. The LCF provides partnership groups with support to establish integrated projects to encourage a base of infrastructure and services to provide a platform for increased competitiveness.
• The objectives of the third Fund, the Networking & Co-operation Fund, is primarily to stablish a provincial Monitoring, Learning and Research Facility (MLRF) which is currently in place; as well as to provide LED institutional support and marketing and communications for the programme.