First published in 1999, this volume responds to the recent application of Local Economic Development around the world and examines its impact in South Africa in the wake of the nation’s recent political transition.

1. Introduction. 2. Literature Review. 3. Evaluating Local Economic Development Initiatives. 4. South Africa’s Space Economy and the Eastern Cape’s Key Historical, Economic and Spatial Features. 5 Incipient Local Economic Development in the Eastern Cape: 1909-1955. 6. Regional Development Planning in the Eastern Cape, 1940-1993. 7. Evolving Local Economic Development Policy and Practice in South Africa. 8. Community Initiated and Driven Local Economic Development in a Small Town: the Case of Stutterheim, 1990-1996. 9. External Facilitation and Support of a Locally Initiated Local Economic Development Strategy: the Case of Seymour. 10. Community Initiated Local Economic Development in the Rural District of Hertzog. 11. Externally Supported and Initiated Local Economic Development in Kei Road. 12. External Attempts to Induce Local Economic Development and Job Creation Programmes in Rural Communities in the Border Corridor. 13. Local Economic Development in the City of East London: 1992-1996. 14. Assessment, Findings and Comparison with International Experience. 15. Conclusion and Policy Recommendations.