Abstract:
The South African cooperative governmental system consists of three distinct,
interdependent and interrelated spheres (local, provincial and national) of government.
The collaboration, coordination and cooperation between them are facilitated by
intergovernmental relations. Municipalities provide goods and services through the
Integrated Development Plans system, whereas provincial and national governments
focus on policies, coordination, technical support and funding. Through public
administration research methodology based on literature and policy reviews, this
article observes that provincial and national governments are not actively involved in
municipalities’ planning processes and are thus hampering service delivery. It argues that
on its own, intergovernmental relations and the Integrated Development Plans have not
facilitated service delivery. The article observes that incorporating the intergovernmental
relations within the Integrated Development Planning system can facilitate effective
service delivery. The article emphasises the importance of a participative type of
governance to facilitate the involvement of the public and other local stakeholders.
It then proposes a convergence intergovernmental relations model to facilitate direct
and active participation by the local, provincial and national governments in integrated
development planning, thus promoting and sustaining service delivery.
