Abstract:
The purpose of this article is to examine the interrelationship between the integrated
development plan and local economic development policy within the South African
context. The integrated development plan is mandatory for municipalities in terms
of the Municipal Systems Act, 2000, as amended and economic development is
one of the signifi cant objects of local government in line with section 152 of the
Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. The enormity of the challenges facing
the South African municipalities such as public service delivery in areas of water
and sanitation, electricity provision, high levels of poverty and unemployment
necessitate proper synchronisation between integrated development planning
processes and local economic development policy imperatives attuned to the
unique circumstances prevalent in the individual municipalities. This article,
therefore, discusses the cardinal interconnections that should shape the formulation
of integrated development plans and local economic development with a view to
ensuring that growth and development objectives of the national, provincial and
local spheres of government are synergised.
