Strengthening Local Economic Development in Thabazimbi (2023 – 2024)
Published by MCP-Programme in Strategic Development Planning · Sunday 08 Jun 2025 · 1:45
Tags: Thabazimbi, local, economic, development, inclusive, economy, water, management, municipality, 2023, 2024, community, development, sustainability, economic, growth
Tags: Thabazimbi, local, economic, development, inclusive, economy, water, management, municipality, 2023, 2024, community, development, sustainability, economic, growth
The Thabazimbi Local Municipality is working towards a stronger, more inclusive economy while addressing critical water management challenges. With support from the Municipal Capability & Partnerships Programme (MCPP), key interventions have been made to improve local economic development (LED) and wastewater treatment.
Advancing Local Economic Development
A significant milestone was the re-engagement of the LED Forum, bringing together stakeholders to collaboratively develop an LED strategy. The process has built trust between the municipality, businesses, and the wider community, ensuring a bottom-up approach to economic planning. Looking ahead, further stakeholder engagements will refine this strategy, integrating external perspectives to enhance regional economic resilience.
Main Challenges:
- Disconnected Stakeholders: Stakeholders lack a shared understanding of the region's challenges and opportunities.
- Outdated LED Strategy: The municipality lacks an updated and implementable LED strategy.
- Stalled LED Forum: The Thabazimbi Local Municipality LED Forum, launched in July 2022, has made little progress due to political contestations.
MCPP Interventions:
- Inception Engagement: In November 2023, the MCPP team engaged with municipal development planning and LED teams to agree on a process and establish a project management committee.
- Roadmap for LED Strategy: A collaborative, data-driven approach to develop a co-created LED strategy.
Results:
- Desktop assessment for LED strategy development.
- Re-engagement of the LED Forum and agreement on a roadmap.
- Conducted stakeholder engagements in early 2024.
- Involved external stakeholders to ensure the LED strategy benefits the broader region.
- Co-create an LED strategy to foster unity, inclusivity, and a shared vision for Thabazimbi's future.
This initiative aims to bring positive change and transformation, guiding businesses and mines in their social and labour plans for the area.
Acknowledgements: Anglo Platinum, Amandelbult Mine, Thabazimbi Local Municipality LED Team, MCPP Implementation Team
For more information, please see 2023 MCPP Annual Report.
