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Systems Act (Act 32 of 2000). The DTLGA indicated their satisfaction with the IDP and
presented their comments through Ulundi Municipality's first IDP Representatives' Forum
meeting. The comments of the DTLGA encouraged focus on the following issues: cross
border alignment, involvement of sectoral departments, gender equity plan and financial
viability plan.
In the midst of the weaknesses established in the study area, the survey concludes that the
development direction of Ulundi is very positive in the context of the potential that tourism
and agriculture in particular command. The implementation of the recommendations by
developing a tourism master plan around its existing tourism draw cards is very crucial to the
growth and upliftment ofthe quality oflife ofthe majority ofthe people.
Apart from tourism, the conducive and suitable climate and vegetation for aloe and Nguni
cattle farming deserves maximum attention. In partnership with the community of Ulundi,
processing plants can be set up to open job opportunities for the local community and this in
turn will have economic multiplier effects on infrastructural development. The tax base ofthe
local municipality will be broadened and there will be less dependence on external funding
for capital expenditure. It is however important that there is sufficient capacity within the
Ulundi local government to deal with development as well as allocation of human resources
to areas of priority. Proper communication between local government, ZDM, the
neighbouring local municipalities, the local community, all relevant stakeholders and service
providers need to be established to ensure a good working relationship and effective service
delivery. The study recommends a model of strategic management process for municipal
development in chapter seven, and its implementation would result an effective and efficient
use of local resources (i.e., cultural and physical landscape attributes). This can then add
value and reposition the core competencies of local municipalities. The model would also
serve as a basic guide that municipalities and municipal departments can use, should they
wish to undergo changes in order to maximize the use of local landscape and cultural
attributes for developmental purposes. This is to be seen within the framework of local
economic development and integrated development planning.
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