The impact of COVID-19 on the implementation of the National Development Plan 2030: a case of Vhembe District Municipality

Abstract

The study sought to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 also known as corona virus disease on the implementation of the National Development Plan 2030 at the Vhembe District Municipality. The National Development Plan (NDP) is a plan for South Africa to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030 through uniting South Africans, unleashing the energies of its citizens, growing an inclusive economy, building capabilities, enhancing the capability of the state and leaders working together to solve complex problems. The approach of the Plan revolves around citizens being active in development, a capable and developmental state able to intervene to correct the historical inequities, and strong leadership throughout society by working together to solve the problems. The Plan addresses the need to enhance the capabilities of the people so that they can live the lives that they desire; and to develop the capabilities of the state so that it can grow faster, draw more people into work and raise living standards for all, particularly the poor. COVID-19 pandemic has done significant harm to an already bruised economy which affected the implementation of the NDP 2030. This study used a mixed research methodology in which both quantitative and qualitative research approaches were used. The reason for using the mixed method was that it can be combined in such a way that quantitative and qualitative methods retain their original structures and procedures. To achieve the objective of the study, non-probability sampling and its sub-type, purposive sampling method were used to get an appropriate sample. The researcher used two data collection methods namely, questionnaires and interviews. The data collected through the questionnaires were analysed using statistical analysis through the computer software called: International Business Machinery (IBM): Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS) version 28.0 and the information was presented using graphical tabular form, frequencies, and percentages. The data collected through interviews were analysed through thematic analysis and presented in narrative form. The major findings of the study are: • COVID-19 has a major impact on South African economy. • Municipal financial budget has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. • There is no proper implementation of the NDP due to the lockdown regulations in Vhembe District Municipality. • There is an increase in unemployment rate due to employment reduction and retrenchment in many businesses which affect the aim of full employment rate by 2030 which is the priority of the NDP. • There is high level of dropouts from school due to rotational polices and online classes to control the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. The following recommendations are therefore made based on the findings of the study: • The study recommended that Economic Recovery Plan should be fostered to address the impact of COVID-19 on the South African economy. • It is further recommended that maximum time should be on the implementation of the NDP 2030 and the deadlines of achieving the plan should be adjusted to achieve the goals by 2030. • The Municipality should focus more in low and middle-income areas as they are more vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19 pandemic. • The Municipality should also strengthen partnerships between private sector and local municipalities within its jurisdiction to improve the implementation of the NDP 2030.