Effective integrated development plans in a transforming local government in South Africa
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Date
2013
Authors
Mdhluli, Begizizwe Ephraim
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
The main aim or objective of the study was to provide clarity on why Integrated Development Plans (IOPs) are not effective in a transforming and developing local government in South Africa. This was done through analysing the development and implementation of the IDP itself. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996), allows local government to provide services to the people in general. The conceptualisation of the IDPs within municipalities brought about this strategic apparatus, a tool that will help bring a better life and change to the living conditions of the poorest of the poor. The Municipal Systems Act, (Act 32 of 2000) states clearly that each municipal council must adopt a single, inclusive strategic plan for the development of their municipality. It further outlines that this plan must integrate, co-ordinate and take into account proposals from the community and all relevant stakeholders for the development of the municipality. Lastly, it must align the resources and capacity of the municipality with the implementation plan. It is against this background that the study has revealed that planning in municipalities in the Free State (in particular) has drastically advanced, but there is more work to be done. Particular reference is made to Mohokare Local Municipality, where the implementation of the IDP seems to be disadvantaged by a lack of resources, both funding and staff. The study involved qualitative research based on a case study. A research tool that was used during this study was face-to-face interviews with the participants/respondents; these included the Speaker/Mayor of the Council, the Municipal Manager and Managers directly accountable to the Municipal Manager, and few middle managers of the Mohokare Local Municipality. Findings reveal that the role of the IOP as a transformation tool is compromised by a number of challenges. The municipality lacks the capacity required for the development and implementation of the IDP. Although there are individuals within the municipality who have tertiary qualifications, they are incorrectly positioned. The community of Mohokare Local Municipality has indicated through its stakeholders that the municipality also has very serious financial problems and cannot deliver services as required by law. For the municipality to succeed there is a need for the development of the capacity of the municipality and for its community to effectively develop and implement the IDP.
Description
Dissertation (M.A. (Governance and Political Transformation))--University of the Free State, 2013
Keywords
South Africa, integrated development plans, integrated development planning, service delivery and implementation plan, public participation, local government, municipality, council, community, stakeholders, compliance, Support services (Management)