Page 180 - UKZN Proceedings of the Conference Report

and social equity, especially in developing regions (Rogerson 2020; Solis et al. 2024). In South Africa, LED strategies aim to empower communities to take charge of their economic destinies, emphasising the use of local resources, capacities, and partnerships (Turok and Visagie 2023). The Vhembe District Municipality, located in the northernmost part of Limpopo province, stands as a vibrant example of this developmental approach. However, with the rapid evolution of global markets and technology, innovation has emerged as a vital element for sustaining LED (Sibanda and Mwamakamba, 2021). This research delves into the lessons learned from integrating innovation into LED efforts in the Vhembe District, highlighting the challenges, successes, and opportunities that have arisen.
Vhembe District, bordered by Zimbabwe and Botswana, serves as a critical node for regional economic activity. Its local economy is predominantly based on agriculture, tourism, and small-scale trade, while the district is home to significant cultural and natural heritage sites such as the Mapungubwe World Heritage Site and Kruger National Park (Ramaano 2021). Despite these economic activities, Vhembe faces significant developmental challenges, in- cluding high unemployment, poverty, and underdevel- oped infrastructure (Maponya 2021). Thus, introducing in- novative strategies into LED becomes an essential lever for transforming the region’s economic landscape.
Innovation in the context of LED goes beyond technolog- ical advancements; it encompasses new ways of thinking, novel organisational approaches, and adaptive leadership models that enhance the effectiveness of LED initiatives (Hanna 2009). Vhembe’s predominantly rural and culturally diverse landscape presents both opportunities and com- plexities for LED innovation. The district’s rich cultural her- itage and strategic geographic position offer the potential for innovation-led growth in areas such as agro-process- ing, ecotourism, and small business development. How- ever, the introduction of innovation into such a setting demands careful navigation of social, cultural, and insti- tutional dynamics (Hanna 2009; Joel and Oguanobi 2024).
The challenges associated with integrating innovation into LED are multifaceted. Technological gaps, particularly in digital infrastructure, hinder the district’s ability to participate fully in the global economy. Additionally, resistance to change and limited capacity within local leadership and institutions pose further obstacles. Innovation is often perceived as disruptive, threatening established ways of doing business or managing local resources (Antonio, and Kanbach 2023; Preißner et al. 2024). This fear of the unknown can result in delays or resistance to the adoption of new ideas. Nevertheless, the potential for innovation to revolutionise LED in Vhembe
is immense. The district can overcome these barriers through creative multi-stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and leadership development. Successful LED strategies rooted in innovation can generate sustainable economic activities, build resilience, and promote local ownership of development initiatives (Juta 2023; Mensah 2024). For instance, by adopting innovative agricultural practices, the district could enhance its production capacity, diversify its economy, and improve food security. Furthermore, innovation in governance and strategic planning could help local authorities manage resources more efficiently and foster an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
This study sought to explore the lessons learned from infusing innovation into LED in the Vhembe District. The study further sought to uncover the key factors that have facilitated or hindered innovation, drawing insights from key stakeholders involved in local government, academia, and civil society. By examining these experiences, the research would contribute to a deeper understanding of how innovation can be effectively integrated into LED strategies in rural, resource-constrained settings like Vhembe. The findings of this study would offer valuable recommendations for enhancing the role of innovation in fostering inclusive and sustainable local development, not only in Vhembe but also in similar regions across South Africa and beyond. The invaluable lessons to be learned would not only guide future interventions but also serve as a model for other regions seeking to harness the power of innovation to drive LED.
Materials and methods
Description of the study area
The study was conducted in Vhembe District Local Municipality, South Africa. The district is bordered by Zimbabwe to the north and Botswana to the west, encompassing a strategic cross-border location. It consists of four local municipalities: Thulamela, Makhado, Musina, and Collins Chabane. Its capital is Thohoyandou, a key urban centre that serves as an administrative, economic, and educational hub, particularly with the presence of the University of Venda (UNIVEN). Vhembe is predominantly rural, with a population of over 1.5 million, largely represented by the Venda, Tsonga, and Northern Sotho ethnic groups (Mandende et al. 2024). This diversity offers rich cultural dynamics reflected in local customs, traditions, and languages. Understanding the demographic distribution is crucial for social sciences, anthropology, and economics studies. The local economy is primarily based on agriculture, tourism, and small-scale trading. Key agricultural products include maize, citrus fruits, and livestock farming. Vhembe is known for its game reserves and ecotourism attractions, such as the Kruger National Park and the Mapungubwe World Heritage Site.
178
| Proceedings of the conference on Public innovation, develoPment and sustainability