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Due to unsustainable approaches to development, the environment has had negative
consequences, which have proven detrimental to both the present and future generations. In
the light of this view, the research attempts to establish the extent to which the Ulundi
integrated development planning processes, within the framework of local economic
development, accommodated the welfare of both the present and future generations in terms
ofsustainable development initiatives.
5.6.5 Land use and environmental management
Management and control of land use is undertaken in terms of a variety of legislation dating
pre-1994, including some recent environmental legislation. At this stage, there is no uniform
or consistent approach to land use and environmental management in the Zululand District
Municipality, with wide variance between traditional rural areas and commercial farming
areas (Sibiya, Per. Comm., 21-02-20000).
Land use and environmental management have great relevance in this study as it seeks to
reveal the extent to which existing development strategic tools are being utilised by decision­
makers. It is understood that proper utilisation would move towards achieving sustainable
management and development ofthe environment in the study area.
5.6.6 Land tenure and land use
Land tenure in the whole of South Africa and particularly in KwaZulu-Natal has been under
the influence of three major historical epochs: the segregationist laws period [1900-1 948J
which was dominated by the British aligned South African authorities, the apartheid laws
period [1948-1994] dominated by the Afrikaneer-based South African government, which
initiated the apartheid and development policies, which were against land and property
ownership amongst the black population groups.
The lOP for the Zululand District Municipality (lOP, 2006) has revealed that about 40% of
Zululand falls under traditional tenure. Over 50% of the remaining balance is in private
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