Inclusive Economic Growth Through Community Empowerment and Transformation: The Case of the Johannesburg Development Agency on Rea Vaya Project Implementation

Abstract

Orthodox logic proposes that small, medium, and micro enterprises are critical for growth, development and the transformation of society towards an inclusive economy, particularly in developing countries. The article provides input to the South African context in terms of addressing pertinent problems of multi-dimensions of poverty that encompass inequality, income, and unemployment at the municipal level. The case of the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), which deals with a broad spectrum of construction projects, is used for sharing lessons of good practice that could be replicated in other implementing bodies. The article uses document analysis to cross-correlate compliance and observation as research method. The findings are that the operating model of JDA's project approach ensures prevention of the ill effects of the past, ensuring that there are economic opportunities for the previously marginalised groups. This approach is consistent with the objectives of the National Development Plan, which seeks to ensure an inclusive economy is attained thereby combatting socio-economic exclusion. It is concluded that the JDA's approach towards an inclusive growth principle has been a successful one in terms of compliance with the legislation and this much is corroborated through observations made by the researcher. The unique contribution of the study is deemed important in the sense that it benefits society with regard to unemployment, inequality and income for an inclusive economy, which in turn ensures social inclusion. A case study of one entity is regarded as a limitation to the study since there has not been a comparison with others. Future studies will focus on comparative analyses of other operational modalities by other implementing agencies.