2013_14 IDP Review.pdf - KZN Development Planning

8. LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT8.1 LED STRATEGYDuring 2008/09 financial year, the municipality successfully prepared the LED strategywhich served as a vehicle to stimulate the economic development within the districtmunicipality; the primary aims and objectives of the LED strategy are as follows: rovide facilitation for partnership initiatives that exploit the district’s competitiveadvantage; To develop a practical and implementable LED Strategy and Programme forthe District; and To provide institutional support to the District and local LED units within themunicipalities and to strengthen networking and co-ordination between localgovernment, business chambers and sector business networks through aprocess of mentorship and support for institutional development.The LED Strategy is currently under review for implementation during 2013/14financial year, to ensure that its application is relevant and applicable therebypromoting economic development8.2 ECONOMIC ANALYSIS8.2.1 Economically Active PopulationThe Global Insight data indicates that in 2009 the economically active population(EAP) for the district represented 12.5% which was an improvement on the 10% in1996. However, the current data suggest that the EAP in 2011 was again down to10%. The EAP rate peaked in 2007 at 13.4%. The failure of the economy to absorbcurrent labour force has to a greater extent discouraged potential labour participantsfrom seeking employment.8.2.2 EmploymentAs can be seen from the graph below, in 2011 the Community Services sectoremployed the highest percentage of residents followed by Agriculture (30.3% or 4,052people), Households (16.2% or 2,795 people), Manufacturing (5.7% or 990 people)and Trade (4.3% or 751 people).Draft 2013/14 IDP Review Page 116Prepared by Umzinyathi District Municipality22 March 2013