A Synoptic Version of the LED Units’ operations plans and programs.

To maximize efficiency and impeccably relate to the stipulated constitutional deliverable set for local government on local economic development, municipalities need to revamp resource and accordingly frame systems and operations in such a way that the conditions (environment) are conducive for such.

For Naledi, the wisdom is to understand that the object of promoting social and economic development intrinsically happens by addressing internal, administrative operations (such as planning, reporting, policies and strategies formulation, general office administration, interaction with public/communities, intergovernmental relations and modeling/benchmarking).

In line with the foregoing, few of the following hinters refer:

LED Information for public knowledge

Through the manifestations of respective regimes across the world, Naledi Local Municipality’s LED Unit has also seen its reorientation and alignment. Although the responsibilities have evolved, certain operational fundamentals still maintain.

Currently, the LED Unit typically handles the following:

• Requests/applications for funding
• Requests/applications for property,
• Training for SMME’s;
• Facilitation of job creation opportunities in both private and public sectors,
• Research and development (concepts, projects, knowledge, inventions/innovations and programs)
• Projects monitoring and follow-through
• Events packaging, coordination and management
• IGR programs and projects

Whereas the primary focus of the LED Unit is to create conducive conditions (environment) for social and economic growth, the LED Unit often undertakes rudimentary activities which may incorporate establishment (e.g. funding and business plan development), coordination (such as monitoring and evaluation) and sustenance models (e.g. training, benchmarking and diversification).

Business Permits, Tariffs and Application Forms

a) As a category B, Naledi Local Municipality has certain prescribed functions and authorities legislatively conferred on it. By and large, where a local municipality does not cater for a certain function, the ‘powers and functions prescription’ will clearly be stated.

One particular area where a dissection of the function is stipulated is the levying for businesses. Here, the determination could confer the responsibility and/or authority on the local municipality, district, metro or even on provincial government.

Largely, the determination of business permits permeates between traffic regulation, environmental compliance, safety and security, as well as the municipal properties unit and LED.

Depending on the nature and/or magnitude, for Naledi business permits are issued by Dr. Ruth S Mompati District Municipality or by Naledi Local Municipality.

b) On yearly bases, the Municipality considers, advertises and publishes Council approved tariffs which are generally a fraction of the previous year’s increase. Respective business segments, size, type and even location will usually matter on the average percentage from which tariffs could be determined.

c) As for business application forms, the LED Unit does and will, where possible facilitate the provisioning of application forms for businesses.

Although not all forms may originate from the Municipality, the latter is often used as central points where submission could be made at, or points where forms could be obtained from. Updates on business application forms are usually shared on various media platforms.

Policies

Although there are many policies which LED is involved with, for purposes of this brief the following are mentioned as primary:

• Investment Attraction and Retention Policy;
• Immovable Property Policy;
• SCM Policy
• EPWP Policy

The above have far reaching implications for the area’s economic growth, businesses welfare and job creation opportunities.

Holistic LED Plan

A thorough (holistic) local economic development plan is currently under construction. Further details pertaining the plan will be communicated in due course, and once Council had adopted the trajectory.