Policy Frameworks and Implementation Gaps in Poverty Alleviation Strategies in the City of Ekurhuleni, South Africa

Poverty is a global crisis and is more pronounced in the African continent. South Africa is not exempt from this epidemic and has continuously tried to address it by making poverty alleviation a fundamental component of its national goals. The situation is dire at a municipal level due to the lack of adequate finances, resources, and skills. This article attends to poverty rate in the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE). Thereafter, it was considered that there are significant poverty alleviation policy frameworks established by and/or utilised within the CoE. Such frameworks include the Integrated Development Plan (IDP), Local Economic Development (LED), and the Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP). The article aims to discuss these frameworks and examine the gaps causing ineffective implementation of poverty alleviation strategies at the local government level in South Africa. The article adopts a qualitative research approach and offers a desktop analysis of information compiled through literature review. The article recommends that: local community members need to receive preference in CoE economic opportunities; the CoE should adequately monitor the distribution of social grants; and offer training programmes for capacity building.