Challenges and problems encountered in the implementation of integrated development plans in KwaZulu-Natal : a case study of Kwaximba local municipality.

Abstract

The advent of participatory democracy in South Africa has brought about new forms of governance and introduced new approaches to development planning. Since 1994, the functions of local government have expanded to include social and economic development of communities, sustainable service delivery and the promotion of a safe and healthy environment. A new culture of local government has had to be nurtured in order to fulfill this role. Integrated Development Planning was introduced in 1996 as a form of strategic planning for local government throughout South Africa. The IDP has met with many challenges and problems in its implementation and this of course is to be expected of any new system in its implementation stages. Most of the critics of the IDP have raised concerns as to whether the IDP is a relevant tool to bring about change in the lives of the people. This paper has through empirical research explored those challenges and established that in spite of many challenges and stumbling blocks the IDP has been able to bring about significant economic and social development in the KZN KwaXimba municipality. There is however a lot that still needs to be done for the process to be deemed entirely successful, especially in areas such as transparency of funding and improving community involvement.