Munzhedzi, P. H.Singo, A. T.Netshandama, Madzanga Carol2026-08-062026-08-062026-05-19Netshandama, M.C. 2026. The role of Good governance in enhancing Local Economic Development in the Vhembe District Municipality. . .https://univendspace.univen.ac.za/handle/11602/3396M. Admin.Department of Public and Development AdministrationThis study focuses on the role of good governance in enhancing Local Economic Development (LED) in Vhembe District Municipality (VDM), Limpopo Province. Good governance is a critical factor in enhancing LED, as it ensures transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and the efficient management of resources. This study examines the multifaceted role of good governance in driving economic growth at the local level, focusing on its capacity of local government institutions to create an enabling environment for sustainable development. Key governance principles such as participatory decision-making, the rule of law, and effective service delivery are highlighted as essential components for promoting local economic initiatives, attracting private sector investments, and fostering community-driven development. However, the local sphere of government faces a multiplicity of local economic challenges, such as poorly maintained infrastructure, a lack of an LED strategy, limited capacity, and a lack of community participation. This study uses a pragmatic research paradigm. In this study, the researcher adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The quantitative approach is utilised to examine associations and investigate cause-and-effect relationships between measurable variables, while the qualitative approach is employed to interact with study subjects and explore the issues in depth and complexity. The researcher employs non-probability sampling and purposive or judgmental sampling, to pick respondents for this study. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews. This study uses the data analysis methods, which are thematic analysis and statistical analysis. Data collected through a questionnaire is analysed using the computer program Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 31.0.1.0. The study revealed that the majority of the respondents, 51, constituting 46,4%, agreed that political and administrative officials are held to account in their operations. The study findings revealed that the majority of the respondents, 75 (68,2%), agreed that the lack of accountability among officials hinders LED. The findings reveal that most of the respondents, 79, who constitute 71,8% agreed that local community involvement enhances governance and supports economic development. Finally, the study revealed that training programs for municipal officials will improve governance and support economic development. The study recommends that VDM continues to strengthen accountability mechanisms by promoting transparent reporting, regular performance evaluations, and active public oversight to maintain and build on this positive perception. The study recommends that the municipality implement stronger accountability measures for officials to ensure transparency and improve the effectiveness of LED efforts. The findings showed that most of the respondents agreed that the lack of accountability among officials hinders LED. The study recommends that community engagement should be enhanced by creating more inclusive platforms for participation and ensuring that community input is meaningfully integrated into planning and decision-making processes. The study recommends that the municipality must implement regular and targeted training initiatives to enhance officials’ skills, knowledge, and capacity to drive effective governance and sustainable economic growth. The study findings indicated that training programs for municipal officials will improve governance and support economic development.1 online resource (x, 136 leaves)enUniversity of VendaGood governanceUCTDGovernanceLocal Economic DevelopmentMunicipalityDissertationNetshandama MC. The role of Good governance in enhancing Local Economic Development in the Vhembe District Municipality. []. , 2026 [cited yyyy month dd]. Available from:Netshandama, M. C. (2026). <i>The role of Good governance in enhancing Local Economic Development in the Vhembe District Municipality</i>. (). . Retrieved fromNetshandama, Madzanga Carol. <i>"The role of Good governance in enhancing Local Economic Development in the Vhembe District Municipality."</i> ., , 2026.TY - Dissertation AU - Netshandama, Madzanga Carol AB - This study focuses on the role of good governance in enhancing Local Economic Development (LED) in Vhembe District Municipality (VDM), Limpopo Province. Good governance is a critical factor in enhancing LED, as it ensures transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and the efficient management of resources. This study examines the multifaceted role of good governance in driving economic growth at the local level, focusing on its capacity of local government institutions to create an enabling environment for sustainable development. Key governance principles such as participatory decision-making, the rule of law, and effective service delivery are highlighted as essential components for promoting local economic initiatives, attracting private sector investments, and fostering community-driven development. However, the local sphere of government faces a multiplicity of local economic challenges, such as poorly maintained infrastructure, a lack of an LED strategy, limited capacity, and a lack of community participation. This study uses a pragmatic research paradigm. In this study, the researcher adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The quantitative approach is utilised to examine associations and investigate cause-and-effect relationships between measurable variables, while the qualitative approach is employed to interact with study subjects and explore the issues in depth and complexity. The researcher employs non-probability sampling and purposive or judgmental sampling, to pick respondents for this study. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews. This study uses the data analysis methods, which are thematic analysis and statistical analysis. Data collected through a questionnaire is analysed using the computer program Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 31.0.1.0. The study revealed that the majority of the respondents, 51, constituting 46,4%, agreed that political and administrative officials are held to account in their operations. The study findings revealed that the majority of the respondents, 75 (68,2%), agreed that the lack of accountability among officials hinders LED. The findings reveal that most of the respondents, 79, who constitute 71,8% agreed that local community involvement enhances governance and supports economic development. Finally, the study revealed that training programs for municipal officials will improve governance and support economic development. The study recommends that VDM continues to strengthen accountability mechanisms by promoting transparent reporting, regular performance evaluations, and active public oversight to maintain and build on this positive perception. The study recommends that the municipality implement stronger accountability measures for officials to ensure transparency and improve the effectiveness of LED efforts. The findings showed that most of the respondents agreed that the lack of accountability among officials hinders LED. The study recommends that community engagement should be enhanced by creating more inclusive platforms for participation and ensuring that community input is meaningfully integrated into planning and decision-making processes. The study recommends that the municipality must implement regular and targeted training initiatives to enhance officials’ skills, knowledge, and capacity to drive effective governance and sustainable economic growth. The study findings indicated that training programs for municipal officials will improve governance and support economic development. DA - 2026-05-19 DB - ResearchSpace DP - Univen KW - Good governance KW - Governance KW - Local Economic Development KW - Municipality LK - https://univendspace.univen.ac.za PY - 2026 T1 - The role of Good governance in enhancing Local Economic Development in the Vhembe District Municipality TI - The role of Good governance in enhancing Local Economic Development in the Vhembe District Municipality UR - ER -