Local government is mandated by the Constitution to play a leading role in promoting social and economic development. Local Economic Development (LED) is everybody's business, including the local populace, local business and government. In developing countries such as South Africa, LED is seen as a vehicle for driving solutions to improve the three social challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality. This article used a qualitative approach in determining the role of local government in enhancing pro-poor LED initiatives towards expediting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly goal number one (no poverty) and goal number eight (decent work and economic growth). King Cetshwayo District Municipality (KCDM) was used as a case study whereby eight interviews were conducted with municipal members, and fourteen focus group discussions were undertaken with community organisations. The findings revealed that LED ini