Abstract:
This research report covers the progress of local economic development in Alexandra
under the Alexandra Renewal Project and what the government has done (or is doing)
to assist women street traders. It begins by looking back at the history of development
in Alexandra, followed by an overview of Urban Renewal Programme which guides
the Alexandra Renewal Project whose LED components forms a crucial part of this
report.
The report reviews the literature on the informal sector and the policy that guides the
development and promotion of the sector in South Africa. After reviewing literature
on the informal sector, the report turns to local economic development literature,
arguing for a more ‘developmental” role that the government should take towards
LED initiatives in the country.
The research findings that follow provide my opinions and those of different
stakeholders involved in the LED initiatives and those that are affected by the
initiatives, mainly women street traders in Alexandra.
