Abstract:
The study investigates the integrated development plan as a public policy model and public participation tool, with reference to Fetakgomo Local Municipality in Limpopo province of South Africa. The researcher conducted the study through qualitative and quantitative research methods. Furthermore, triangulation research methods have been also taken into consideration with the aim of achieving the objectives of the study in applying a variety of data collection techniques. The study involved a number of data collection techniques, namely a desktop study, literature review, case study and documetary review. Specifically, the study focused on the following objectives:
i. To assess how the municipality develops and presents the Integrated Development Plan to the community;
ii. The structures promoting IDP, good governance and public participation;
iii. To bring to light any political inteferences which may hamper municipal service delivery;
iv. To critically analyse the implementation of Batho Pele principles as a way of community involvement; and
v. To identify and assess the challenges faced by both the community and the municipality during public paticipation in IDP processes.
Throughout the study, Fetakgomo Local Municipality was found to have some strengths, but it was also found that there is room for improvement in terms of providing a better and more understandable integrated development plan. In conclusion, meaningful public participation in the IDP process requires that citizens should be afforded an opportunity to raise their concerns and be taken into consideration, that they should be informed and be knowledgeable about municipal activities. The community must be willing and able to be involved. Community members must have the interest, time, opportunity and access necessary to participate. The community must take responsibility for the quality of their participation and be accountable to each other for effective and efficient use of time
and other resources. Concluding the study were reccommendations to improve the state of IDP and public participation in the municipality.
