The Implementation and Impact of the Integrated Development Plan on Local Government

Blog by Johannes Radingwana – Emerging Evaluator at SAMEA (2024)

The Integrated Development Plan (IDP) is a crucial management tool that aligns scarce resources to clearly defined policy objectives and priorities within the broader framework of developmental local government. It ensures greater coordination and integration across spheres of government and promotes active citizen engagement.

This article explores the implementation and impact of the IDP on local government in South Africa. As a developmental framework, the IDP enables municipalities to achieve their vision incrementally over time. It serves as a guide for municipal officials while providing an indication to citizens of both municipal intentions and the challenges faced.

Local Government and the IDP

Developmental Local Government, as articulated in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act 108 of 1996, aims to:

• Provide democratic and accountable governance

• Ensure the sustainable delivery of municipal services

• Promote socio-economic development

• Stimulate a safe and healthy environment

• Encourage community involvement in local government

Every municipality is required to have an IDP. It allows for the effective, cost-efficient, and sustainable use of limited local resources, focusing efforts on prioritised community needs.

The Importance of Adopting the IDP

The IDP is essential for accelerating service delivery by directing where development should be prioritised. For local government to develop a robust Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) system, it is vital to integrate IDP data and project information into policymaking and decision-making processes.

Furthermore, the IDP plays a critical role in attracting investment beyond provincial department funding. Investors tend to favour municipalities with clear development objectives and goals.

The IDP’s inclusive, transparent, and participatory nature enhances local democracy, ensuring that citizen voices are integral to development planning.

The Strength of the IDP in Local Government

The IDP is a people-centred and people-driven tool for development in South Africa. Municipalities are required to propose projects that are responsive, inclusive, participatory, and consultative.

Legally, the IDP provides a framework for socio-economic development, facilitating:

• Intergovernmental cooperation across national, provincial, regional, and local levels

• Communication and integration between rural and urban areas

This cooperation promotes a unified approach to development challenges.

The Provision of Service Delivery in Local Government

Local government is primarily responsible for delivering basic services such as:

• Water

• Electricity

• Sanitation

• Transport planning

Following the 2006 local government election manifesto, there has been an increased emphasis on improving service delivery, particularly to address the historical injustices caused by the apartheid regime.

Municipalities, under the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000, are mandated to provide essential services, especially to previously disadvantaged communities. However, service delivery remains a national concern and requires continuous strengthening.

Conclusion

The IDP process must focus primarily on aligning service delivery priorities with municipal budgets, and in turn with provincial and national development plans.

Development initiatives must be people-centred, with communities actively participating in shaping development projects. Budget adjustments at the municipal level are critical to ensure that the needs and expectations of communities are prioritised.

In short, the IDP is not just a planning document—it is a strategic instrument for equitable development, service delivery improvement, and the promotion of local democracy.