Community participation in the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) of the Umzumbe Local Municipality

Abstract

The Local Government: Transition Act (LGTA) (Act No. 209 of 1993) provided an overarching framework for the transformation of local government to usher in the new democratic dispensation for South Africa. According to the then named Department of Provincial and Local Government (DPLG, 2005:22), Local Government should deliver services effectively and efficiently without bias to all individuals in society. The White Paper on Local Government proposes that municipalities must develop mechanisms to ensure citizen participation in public policy initiation, formulation, monitoring and evaluating decision-making and implementation. The White Paper further introduced the notion of integrated development planning which was described as strategic frameworks to assist municipalities to fulfil developmental mandates and engage with stakeholder groups and local communities. This study focused on Umzumbe Local Municipality to comprehend its viability of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP), recommend mechanisms to promote community participation, enhance municipal service delivery, and structure a plan to address the emanating development needs. Furthermore, the aim was to establish the roles played by community members, and effort to participate in the IDP proceedings and evaluate the integrated development planning process through establishing community public participation methods. The data collected from both the communities and Municipal officials revealed a sharp contrast in what the Umzumbe Local Municipality believes to be effective community participation, including its understanding of the place and role of an IDP. Several recommendations were made to the Umzumbe Local Municipality which could assist both the Municipality and its communities to achieve a sound IDP planning and implementation.