Exploring the role of the creative and cultural industry on local economic development in Mandeni Local Municipality.

Abstract

The study's purpose was to explore the entrepreneurial effect, employment creation and social cohesion role of the creative and cultural industry (CCI) on local economic development (LED) in Mandeni, as well as to establish enhancement strategies. The study adopted a qualitative method to emphasize the exploration of the role of CCI and bring about the in-depth understanding of its contextual dynamic rather than quantifying its impact. Employing a qualitative exploratory design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with twenty-two (22) municipal officials involved in CCI under the LED office and the office of the municipal manager (OMM), as well as through document analysis. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis, facilitated by Nvivo version 14 software. Key findings indicated that while CCI generated diverse entrepreneurial and temporary employment opportunities (e.g., event organising, craft sales), and significantly promoted social cohesion by uniting communities, its overall contribution to sustained LED was constrained. Challenges included limited sustained income, insufficient digital access, and inadequate capacity building. These findings partly aligned with Human Capital Theory and Asset-Based Community Development. Recommendations include that Mandeni Municipality integrate CCI into core LED planning, prioritise sustainable funding, invest in digital infrastructure and literacy, establish comprehensive business capacity building, and promote regularity and diversity of creative events. Limitations include the qualitative nature of the study, its focus on Mandeni, and the small sample size, which limit the generalizability of findings. This study fills a critical knowledge gap regarding CCI's impact on LED in Mandeni, providing insights for policymakers to formulate targeted strategies addressing poverty and unemployment.