The evolution and substance of integrated development planning

ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Development planning, or more specifically integrated development planning, has been identified as the most appropriate form of planning to satisfy the wide range of needs of the very diverse populations of South Africa's cities and towns, and to mirror the political and social changes brought about by the advent of democracy. In this study the evolution of the concept of development planning as well as the present form of integrated development planning in South Africa is looked at. This is complemented with a study of the process itself, as it has materialised in reality in six local governments. What was found was that an innovative system has come about, culminating in the first cycle of the integrated development planning system. This consists of a number of steps or phases, namely, assessing the current reality, formulating goals and strategies, and ultimately monitoring and reviewing what has been achieved, all guided by a set of predetermined principles and implemented through the municipality's budget. It was found that the process has much potential to plan for real development, allow for authentic public participation and promote sectoral and intergovernmental integration.