ABSTRACT
Hertzog is a rural village lying within the Mpofu district of the former Ciskei Homeland. This chapter outlines location and history of Hertzog and its development initiative before proceeding to an assessment of what has been achieved. It examines what appears to be a virtually unique case of community initiated and driven Local Economic Development (LED) in a rural community in South Africa. One of the key principles of successful community development and LED is the notion that control of the process of development should be vested in host community, from which the development initiative has its genesis. The success of the Co-operative and the tangible results obtained have inspired neighbouring communities. The Hertzog Co-operative is prepared to assist with the establishment of similar ventures. The experience of the Hertzog Agricultural Co-operative is an encouraging one. While recognising the uniqueness of the situation in Hertzog, there are many key strategies which could be adapted and applied to other LED strategies.
