The invisible director : an exploration of the role of power in intergovernmental communication on meaningful municipal integrated development planning

Abstract

Over the last two decades the impact of power in communicative planning has gained prominence in discussions about meaningful planning, i.e. planning that achieves the goals as set out in the plan and also has wider socially desirable environmental, social and economic outcomes. This study aims to examine the influence of power on communication in the compilation of municipal Integrated Development Planning in South Africa, specifically as it affects intra- and intergovernmental relations in the IDP preparation process in local municipalities. This dissertation is the result of a historical study into the 2000/2001 and 2001/2002 Integrated Development Plan process in the local governments of Kungwini Local Municipality, and Klerksdorp Local Municipality as study areas. The time lapse between the events that took place in these municipalities and the completion of this study assists in providing a more objective view of the power relations at play. Throughout the study emphasis is placed on certain concepts that influence the outcome of planning processes and the planning processes itself, as summarised in the final chapter. They are: <ul> <li> The quality of inter- and intra-governmental relationships;</li> <li> The awareness and use of power in planning;</li> <li> The concept and nature of “meaningful communication”; and</li> <li> The role and impact of power on such communication.</li> </ul> As an exploratory historical study into the power interface in IDP, it provides an interesting perspective on the dynamics of compiling an IDP and opens up the opportunity for more such studies in other local governments in South Africa with the influence of power on communication in intergovernmental planning processes (specifically IDP in local municipalities) and general studies regarding the effect of power in communicative planning as focus. This study also provides an indication of the pressures planners face in the pursuit of meaningful/useful planning results.