Economic Development Strategy (EDS) (Draft), October 2009

Public Participation invitation

The City of Cape Town is revising its Economic Development Strategy (EDS) to align itself with the key IDP objectives of being a globally competitive city and improving the quality of life of its residents.

The draft Economic Development Strategy aims to provide direction for Cape Town’s current and future programmes and policy interventions. It is mindful of the need to balance the city's economic development opportunities and to take into account business, community, environmental and other resources management considerations. The EDS takes into account current economic challenges and focuses on medium term key priorities and programmes to be prioritised over the next 5 to 10 years.

Please click below to view the draft EDS:

 Economic Development Strategy (PDF, 636kb)
 Annexure A: Executive Summary (PDF, 232kb)
 Annexure B: Detailed Economic Sector Analysis (PDF, 188kb)


Economic and Human Development Strategy
The Economic and Human Development (EHD) strategy, which has five focus areas, is intended to guide government, the private sector, civic organisations and the public in their economic development efforts, and to provide linkages between all role players.

The five focus areas are:

• Economic growth
• Job creation (especially the creation of better quality jobs for low- and semi-skilled workers)
• The reduction of the gap between rich and poor
• Poverty (with the aim of halving the number of those who fall within the indigent grant level)
• The building of the social, human and natural capital of residents in line with national and provincial policies

The EHD strategy addresses the competencies assigned to local government under the constitution and other relevant legislation. It focuses on creating actions for all City Services to support economic and social development. A specific area is the core economic competencies of the Department for Economic and Human Development, while another focus is on those human development issues that impact most directly on residents' economic livelihoods.

 EHDS - Executive Summary (PDF, 384kb)
 EHDS - Part 1: Context and Framework (PDF, 1.6mb)
 EHDS - Part 2: Implementation Plan (PDF, 1.42mb)

Skills Development Strategy (Under development)
The Skills Development Strategy is the framework for implementing a skills development programme for the City.

 Business Support Facilities Management Guidelines Framework (PDF, 135kb)
One of the Economic and Human Development Department’s responsibilities is to manage the more than 60 “business hives” (small trading, artisan or business facilities), kiosks and stalls across the city, and ensure that they function correctly (for the purposes for which they were built) and that agreements are in place with tenants or managers.

These management guidelines aim to ensure that these facilities operate efficiently, in line with the City’s business support and job creation objectives.

 Business Support Policy of the City of Cape Town (PDF, 1.1mb)
This policy focuses on creating an enabling and supportive environment for businesses to grow and develop.

 Urban Agriculture Policy for City of Cape Town (PDF, 342k)
Urban Agriculture is defined as “the production, processing, marketing and distribution of crops and animals and products from these in an urban environment, using resources available in that urban area for the benefit largely of residents from that area.” This policy aims to give formal recognition and status to urban agriculture in Cape Town.

 Informal Trading Policy and Management Framework (PDF, 253k)
Informal trading is a positive development in the micro business sector as it contributes job creation and has the potential to further expand the city's economic base.

 Special Rating Areas Policy (PDF, 193kb) and By-law (PDF, 7.618 Mb)
This Policy for the establishing of Special Rating Areas must be read together with the City's Special Rating Area By-Law.

SRA establishment enquiries:
Eddie Scott
Manager: Inter Services Liaison ( ISL )
7th Floor, Civic Centre
Cape Town

Tel: 021 400-1872
Fax: 021 400-2891
Cell: 084 244-5824

Events Policy
The hosting of events is a significant part of the City’s global and national competitiveness strategy. The events industry is an economic driver in the economy in terms of increased economic activity, cultural and community celebration and expression. Council approved the City of Cape Town Events Policy on 29 October 2008.
 Click here to view the Events policy
 Click here to view the Annexure C of the Events policy 

Events by-law - draft
A draft Events By-Law has been prepared and approved by Council on 29 October 2008 for public participation and public comment. The aim of the Events By-Law is to provide for the management and regulation of events within the area of jurisdiction of the City of Cape Town and to provide for the enforcement of the By-Law.
Click here to view the Events by-law 

City of Cape Town Film Policy & Protocol and By-law
Film production is big business in Cape Town, with the potential to impact both negatively and positively on residents. This policy aims to ensure film-friendly regulatory practices and ensure that the industry has a positive impact. 
 City of Cape Town Film Policy and Protocol (PDF, 180kb)
 City of Cape Town By-Lay relating to Filming (PDF, 23kb)