Towards generic interventions to stimulate growth potential in small towns of the Western Cape Province, South Africa

Abstract

There are numerous small towns and countryside areas that fail to develop in South Africa. A case in point in this paper is the province of the Western Cape. Two separate studies using different methodologies determined the growth potential of small towns in this relatively better-off province: in the studies of Van der Merwe et al. (2004) and Van Niekerk et al. (2010), data collection formed the basis for statistical analyses and spatial modelling to provide an objective overview of the growth potential of settlements in the Western Cape. Both the studies came to the same conclusion insofar as they identified specific towns in need of alternative interventions for growth and development. It is the main aim of this paper to provide theoretical and practical discussion on recommendations for potential development strategies, particularly for those towns with a low and very low development potential. As a backdrop to the changing nature of the countryside (and in essence, therefore, small towns) the paper suggests a number of generic intervention strategies for Western Cape small towns with low development and growth potential. These suggestions include cross-boundary collaboration, renewable energy, waste recycling, investing in the creative class, investing in rural markets and exploring tourism resources opportunities.

Role of Creative Industries as a Regional Growth Factor

“…The study of the determining and causal elements of the economic growth of countries is a subject of great interest for many academics, which is why there is an increasing number of studies at the international level [1][2][3]. These studies are also developed in the creative economy and creative industries subsector in order to determine how this new trend influences the economic development of the countries or sectors in which they have been introduced [4][5][6][7]. The concept of creative industries is defined as "those industries which have their origin in individual creativity, skill and talent and which have a potential for wealth and job creation through the generation and exploitation of intellectual property" [8] (p. 04).…”

The slow movements: Informetric mapping of the scholarship and implications for tourism and hospitality

“…Although it is an alternative movement, it is deeply embedded within politics as its members are themselves local town council members and supporters. Similar to the slow food movement, Cittaslow is also politicised for sustainability and traditionalism (Donaldson et al, 2012;Jaszczak et al, 2021;Pink, 2008aPink, , 2008bRadstrom, 2011).…”

Creative Tourism in Small Cities and Rural Areas: A Bibliographic Review

“…Within the creative production system, the aim is to improve the reality and image of these spaces, as well as to contribute to the economic development and reduction of existing socioeconomic impacts, such as depopulation or a deteriorated economy (Kakiuchi, 2016;Donaldson, 2012), therefore, creative tourism is a form with great possibilities of success in these spaces, as long as the population becomes an active element of this situation (Aquino, Phillips, & Sung, 2012;Mitchell & Fisher, 2010;Sepe & Di Trapani, 2010). Due to the nature and characteristics of these spaces, many of the initiatives are established as tourist community-based actions, where community involvement determines the success of this action (Rocharungsat, 2008).…”