The synchronisation of the integrated development plan and local economic development policy in South African municipalities a sine qua non for growth and development

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.