Integrated development plan as a service delivery instrument in Ehlanzeni

Abstract

This study examines the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) as a service delivery instrument in Ehlanzeni District Municipality. It assesses alignment of the IDP and the Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP) of the local municipalities found in the Ehlanzeni district (Bushbuckridge, City of Mbombela, Nkomazi and Thaba Chweu). The study also explores the relevance of four theories to the IDP, namely stakeholder, sustainable development, new public management and governance theory. The study aim is to provide a guiding framework for the effective operationalisation of the IDP as a service delivery tool in South Africa. The study examines the legislative and technical aspects of the IDP. The importance of this is that legislation helps in the management of public policy, providing the steps to be taken when these strategic municipal plans are crafted, in order for them to be legitimised. A mixed-method approach was used to gather data, with the advantage of this approach the ability to reach participants geographically spaced in the shortest time and at low cost. The qualitative approach enabled an in-depth understanding of the IDP in Ehlanzeni district. Responses were received from 172 participants to the questionnaires issued and 19 municipal officials were interviewed by the researcher, with triangulation of results also done in this study. The study found an alignment of the IDP and the SDBIP in Ehlanzeni, important as it ensures the budgets are in sync, and activities are easily monitored. The study also determined, for the IDP to be effective, stakeholders should be prioritised to ensure their needs are captured in the IDP formulation. It was also noted not all needs can be captured in the IDP, however, ranking them and ensuring they do not affect the needs of future generations should be done. The sustainable development theory contributes considerably to ensure when planning is done it does not only focus on the current period but also on generations to come, as was found. The study thus confirms previous studies on participation, sustainability, and the IDP. In addition, the findings further show to ensure IDP effectiveness of as a service delivery tool, the goals set by municipalities should be SMART (specific, measurable, objective, realistic and time-based). The participants confirmed the goals in their respective municipalities are SMART. The NPM theory relevance is also shown by the municipalities' commitment to results, with teams to develop PMS and evaluation of performance. These systems help monitor progress and make adjustments in short spaces of time to remedy these. The findings from the literature and study were used to craft a model that will guide the operationalisation of the IDP as a service delivery tool in South Africa.