Methods of achieving integration in development planning: Early experiences from South African municipalities

Abstract

The paper evaluates the effectiveness of five methods used by municipalities to enhance integration in the context of integrated development planning in South Africa: conceptualisation of the planning and development process within a Local Agenda 21 (LA 21) process; complex issue identification and causal analysis as a basis for formulating strategies and projects; spatial frameworks to guide investment and development; linking of planning to implementation through strategic budgeting and prioritisation; and coordination of the activities of service providers, who provide the main sources of funding and implementation. The paper argues that these approaches should be seen as mutually supporting, and highlights the importance of a strong strategic development framework in achieving integrated development. While several of these methods can be used to enhance integration within a municipality, vertical integration with national and provincial departments remains problematic. Although service provider forums represent a method to achieve better vertical integration, they require stronger support at provincial and national levels.