APPROVED IDP DOC 2011-16.BA PHALABORWA.pdf

HIV/AIDS programmes in at least all the nodal points. Attention should also be paid to local
economic development initiatives in these population concentration points.
Key Issues with regard to the population:
• Very young population (almost 70% of the population is aged below 35 years)
• Employment creation has to be a priority in order to address the economic needs of the
population
• The Municipality should focus on improving both the quantity and quality of social amenities
to meet the social needs of the young population.
• The municipal area is a high risk area for sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS
B2.3. Local Economic Development and Tourism
Global economic trends indicate fluctuations in interest rates, fuel prices, inflation, and cost of
energy. These factors are expected to negatively affect underdeveloped and developing countries
the most. Resultantly, layoffs and high unemployment rates may soon hit the local economy. The
unstable value of the rand against foreign currencies will affect, amongst other sectors the mining
industry and tourism. The economy of Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality is highly dependent on mining
and there are moves to grow the tourism sector as an alternative to mining.
Local economic development in Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality has to be founded on and guided by the
principles and objectives of the National Spatial Development Perspective (NSDP), the Provincial
Spatial Development Strategy (PGDS), the District Local Economic Development (LED) Strategy,
recommendations of the District Growth and Development Summit, and the local Spatial
Development Framework (SDF) (See Spatial Analysis above for NSDP and LEGDP).
In order for economic development to be coordinated it is suggested that development be primarily
focused on areas of high population concentration. The table below indicates population
concentration points or growth points as identified in the Limpopo Province Spatial Rationale (2002):
Table B2.15: Growth points identified in the Limpopo Province Spatial Rationale
LOCATION CLASSIFICATION OF GROWTH POINT
Phalaborwa Provincial growth point
Namakgale District growth point
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