Limpopo Programme Has Now Invested R230 million In Local Economic Development

The Limpopo Local Economic Development (LED) Programme is drawing to a close on a high note, with some R230 million having been invested in projects and initiatives throughout the province. The Programme, which is funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the Department of Local Government and Housing (DLGH), was launched some seven years ago with a key objective:
"to reduce poverty in Limpopo through pro-poor economic growth".
In order to achieve this, the Programme integrated a number of initiatives to support sustainable community economy development, strengthen local competitiveness among small and medium enterprises, enhance the environment for LED, and strengthen LED capacity.

Of the R230 million disbursed by June this year:

* Some R99 million has been dedicated to supporting the development of 79 socio-economic projects through the Programme's three grant funds: the Local Competitiveness Fund (LCF); the Marginalised Community Fund (MCF); and the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF). The total amount committed to these projects is R144 million, with the balance set to be disbursed as the Programme winds up in coming months.

* Approximately R130 million has been dedicated to:
- Implementation of a Capacity Building Programme aimed primarily at improving the ability of municipalities
  to undertake sustainable LED programmes.
  In addition, eight municipalities in key growth areas have been assisted to develop LED strategies.
- Holding conferences and commissioning studies on LED.
- Establishment of a Limpopo LED Centre. Based on the University of Limpopo Polokwane campus, the Limpopo LED Centre has been
  established to support further development and implementation of LED strategies and projects.

Knowledge and experience gained through implementation of the Limpopo LED Programme is being transferred to the Limpopo LED Centre which will in turn develop its own capacity to support on-going LED in the province.

Grant Funding:

The 79 economic development projects being supported by the Limpopo LED Programme's three grant funds are spread across the province's key sectors of agriculture (44 projects), mining (2), tourism (19), small business (10) and government (4). The projects are being undertaken throughout the province, with 14 situated in Capricorn district, 26 in Mopani, 12 in Sekhukhune, 14 in Vhembe, and 13 in Waterberg.

* The Local Competitiveness Fund (LCF) is supporting development of 22 projects that aim to make Limpopo more competitive. The LCF supports companies or groups to co-operate in partnerships that increase their competitiveness, add value to their production, and open new local, national and international markets.

For more information on LCF Projects, please refer to...

* The Marginalised Community Fund (MCF) is supporting 36 projects that aim to draw poor rural communities into the mainstream economy.

For more information on MCF Projects, please refer to...

* The Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) is supporting 16 projects that aim to assist municipalities to improve their business environments. 

For more information on LGSF Projects, please refer to...
 

Limpopo LED Programme Grant Funds: