On 24 March 2025, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) marked a significant milestone with the graduation of Dr Lebogang Matholwane Mathole, the first recipient of a PhD in Economics with a specialisation in Local Economic Development (LED). This landmark achievement underscores UJ’s leadership in advancing applied research and professional practice in a field vital to building sustainable and inclusive local economies across South Africa.
The PhD in LED programme was conceptualised and developed by UJ’s Centre for Local Economic Development (CENLED) in response to the growing demand for advanced expertise to address complex economic, governance, and developmental challenges at the municipal level. Dr Mathole’s achievement marks the first successful completion of this pioneering programme.
Her doctoral research focused on entrepreneurial strategies to promote locally produced luxury goods, drawing on interdisciplinary insights from consumer psychology, entrepreneurship, and LED. Using a mixed-methods approach, her study examined how psychological factors—such as perception, attitude, and motivation—influence consumer behaviour towards South African luxury clothing brands.
The research offers actionable strategies for local entrepreneurs to build consumer trust, enhance brand perception, and expand market share in an increasingly competitive market.
“Her success demonstrates the strength of our programme in producing research that has tangible impacts on local economies,” said Professor Marius Venter, Director of CENLED. “This is just the beginning of a new era in LED scholarship and practice.”
Dr Mathole was part of the programme’s inaugural cohort admitted in 2019, with support from a British Council grant that enabled international collaboration. Her research journey was guided by a distinguished supervisory team: Professor Mike Osborne (University of Glasgow), Professor Marinda Pretorius (University of Johannesburg), and Professor Nokukhanya Jili (University of Zululand). Their combined expertise played a pivotal role in shaping the study’s academic depth and practical relevance.
“Lebo’s dedication, resilience, and originality of thought are qualities we hope to instil in all our doctoral students,” said Professor Pretorius. “She has truly set the bar.”
Dr Mathole’s achievement not only represents a personal triumph but also affirms the credibility and capacity of UJ’s LED programme to generate research with real-world impact. Her work is already inspiring both local entrepreneurs and fellow academics, positioning her as a thought leader in the evolving field of local economic development.
As South Africa continues to grapple with the need for inclusive growth and economic resilience at the local level, Dr Mathole’s work stands as a beacon of innovation, scholarship, and transformative potential.
