The Perceived Impact Of Integrated Development Planning (Idp) On The Social And Economic Development Of Local Communities Of Magareng Local Municipality, Northern Cape Province

Abstract

The first democratic elections in 1994 has resulted in the government beginning a fundamental transformation process in all three spheres of government to give effect to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, and to address numerous developmental challenges that local government faced. The municipalities are responsible for the provision of services to the communities in a sustainable and accountable manner, as well as to promote the social and economic development of their communities. Therefore, a municipality must structure and manage its administration as well as its planning and budgetary processes to give priority to the basic needs of the community, to promote the social and economic development of the community, as well as to participate in national and provincial development programmes. The main purpose of an Integrated Development Plan (IDP) of a municipality is to enhance the level of service delivery, to promote sustainability and to address poverty through an integrated and aligned approach among role players and stakeholders within the municipalities’ jurisdiction. The main purpose of this study was to analyse the perceived impact of the IDP on the social and economic development circumstances of the communities within the Magareng Local Municipality of the Northern Cape Province. For the realisation of the aim and the objectives of this study a qualitative research methodology was adopted. The literature study was based on the requirements of a qualitative study, which includes extensive literature, legislation, policy documents journal articles, books, conference papers, internet and government reports about, developmental local government, IDP and LED in the context of South African local government. An empirical study was also administered. A semi-structured questionnaire was utilized to elicit information from selected ward councilors of the Magareng Local Municipality regarding the perceived impact of IDP on the social and economic development of communities of Magareng Local Municipality of Northern Cape Province. Except for the above, a semi-structured interview schedule was used to conduct semi-structured interviews with selected municipal officials responsible for IDP and LED of Magareng Local Municipality. It was found during the literature review that although the IDP is an important strategic tool to address the socio-economic backlogs and development challenges of municipalities, more still needs to be done in order to ensure that the medium-term and long-term priorities are effectively implemented to promote effective service delivery and socio-economic conditions of communities in the Magareng Local Municipality. From the findings of the semi-structured questionnaire it was found that the majority of the ward committee members were of the opinion that the social development needs of the local communities of Magareng Local Municipality were not adequately addressed by the municipality. From the findings of the semi-structured interviews the majority of the municipal officials were of the opinion that the municipality was unsuccessful in its role to promote developmental local government with the aim to improve the social and economic circumstances of local communities. It was recommended that the Magareng Local Municipality should focus more on ward-based social and economic developmental needs and priorities in its IDP, such as poverty alleviation, job creation, youth development and local economic growth related LED projects and programmes. This could be done by attracting investments from business partners and other stakeholders. The vigorous implementation and execution of IDP and LED related projects and programmes need to be at the forefront of all social and economic development initiatives. It is recommended that the provincial government and sector departments provide support, guidance and sufficient funds to ensure that Magareng Local Municipality will be able to implement its IDP and LED related projects and programmes effectively. This will assist the municipality to complete and reduce the turnaround time of IDP and LED related projects and programmes to promote the social and economic development of local communities.