The Dihlabeng Local Municipality recently hosted a Land Use Scheme workshop and established a dedicated Local Economic Development (LED) Forum for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in Kgubetswana, Clarens, Free State province.
The initiative, spearheaded by the municipality’s Directorate of Development and Town Planning, aims to strengthen communication, foster a collaborative working relationship between local authorities and entrepreneurs, and promote inclusive economic growth.
The workshop focused on enlightening local SMMEs about the Dihlabeng Land Use Scheme of 2024.
As a statutory planning instrument utilised across South African municipalities, the scheme regulates how land and property are developed and used. Because land-use regulations directly impact businesses seeking to establish or expand their operations—particularly where activities depend on municipal planning compliance—understanding these requirements is crucial for local entrepreneurs.
The newly established LED Forum is designed to drive this engagement through stakeholder collaboration, strategic alignment, and the sharing of knowledge and resources. The LED directorate oversees business support, agriculture, and tourism initiatives across the municipality’s regional footprint, which includes Bethlehem, Clarens, Fouriesburg, Paul Roux, and Rosendal.
“The Dihlabeng Local Municipality remains committed to creating an enabling environment for economic growth, supporting small businesses, and promoting inclusive and sustainable development,” the municipality stated.
The forum provides a vital platform for local enterprises and the municipality to address issues affecting the business environment. Ultimately, the success of the initiative will depend on how the forum prioritises key challenges and translates ongoing engagement into practical, tangible support for business owners.
Further details regarding the forum’s membership, meeting schedules, and planned activities will be shared with stakeholders to ensure it effectively addresses the needs of SMMEs in Kgubetswana and the broader Clarens area.
