Investigating the Impact of the Integrated Approach on Local Economic Development in South Africa in the Context of Policy Planning and Implementation: The Case of the West Rand District Municipality and its Development Agency

The West Rand Development Agency was investigated by assessing how fragmented policies impact on integrated approach to local economic development activities under the auspices of the WRDA, whether there is feasibility for an integrated approach to implementation of local economic development activities under the WRDA coordination, and establish as well as recommend intervention strategies to resolve challenges. The research methodology was based on a qualitative method approach, which includes literature review and interviewing different purposefully sampled role players in the discharging of mandate by the WRDA, namely municipal local economic development managers, West Rand Development Agency Board and Business sector representatives within the West Rand District Interpretation of results revealed lessons learnt, possibilities for an integrated approach to local economic development activities and intervention strategies recommended for the implementation of an integrated approach to the implementation of local economic development activities under the auspices of the West Rand Development Agency. West Rand District Municipality and its Development Agency could make a positive impact through an integrated approach in implementing LED in the district.