The efficacy of Integrated Development Planning in promoting Developmental Local Government: A case of Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Limpopo Province

Abstract

The study focuses on the efficacy of integrated development planning in promoting developmental local government: A case of Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Limpopo Province. Developmental local government (DLG) is a vision for the future form of local government in South Africa. The DLG outlines a system of democratic local government in which efficient and effective municipalities meet the needs of all, but particularly those of poor and vulnerable communities. A pragmatic research paradigm was adopted, incorporating a mixed-method approach that used both quantitative and qualitative research. In this study, mixed research methods were integrated while maintaining each method's original structures and procedures. The researcher employed descriptive study designs. A probability sampling method was used, as it allowed researchers to create a sample that accurately represented the real-life population of interest. Data collected through research questionnaires were analysed using IBM SPSS (Statistical Product and Service Solutions) Version 29.0, while data gathered through research interviews were analysed using Atlas.Ti. Throughout the data collection process, all ethical considerations were prioritised to ensure that respondents participated freely, without any form of coercion or intimidation. The major findings of the study are: • The Municipality has a serious issue with high youth unemployment, raising concerns about the future for young people. • Community participation is essential for successful IDP processes. It fosters engagement and ensures community needs are met. • External stakeholders help the Municipality develop and implement the Integrated Development Plan (IDP). They provide important insights, resources, and expertise to ensure the plan meets the community's needs. • Insufficient infrastructure frequently restricts the effective implementation of IDP initiatives, creating challenges in providing essential services and meeting the community's developmental goals. • The IDP needs to integrate all planning, budgeting, and administration activities in the Municipality. The following recommendations are therefore made based on the findings of the study: • The study recommends that the Municipality should create job in order to reduce a high rate of unemployed youth. • The Municipality should actively involve the community, as this participation is key to successful IDP processes. • It is recommended that the external stakeholders should be encouraged to assist the Municipality in the development and execution of the IDP. • The Municipality should prioritise infrastructure projects to address the community's most pressing needs, such as reliable water supply, efficient transportation, and adequate healthcare facilities. • The researcher recommends that the Municipality should fully implement robust public employment programs specifically designed to create a substantial number of job opportunities for the large cohort of unemployed youth. • The study recommends that the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) effectively combine and synchronise all planning, budgeting, and administration activities within the Municipality.