View/Open - University of Zululand Institutional Repository

3.1 INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER THREE
DYNAMICS OF SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT
The White Paper on Environmental Management (DEAT, 1997) describes environmental
development, which also relates to spatial development as a process of improving human
well-being through the re-engineering, reallocation and re-utilisation of resources in space,
which would also lead to the modification and beneficiation of the environment. In this
instance, spatial development relates to basic needs, equity and the redistribution of resources
to the local communities and the environment. On the other hand the notion of sustainable
development refers to the process ofimproving human and community well-being through the
utilisation, reallocation and maximisation of opportunities, facilities and activities which
would lead to the enhancement and benefit of the entire community, 'without compromising
the ability of future generations to meet their own needs' (WeED, 1987:8). Sustainable
development usually operates on the environment and therefore suggests the natural setting
upon which people or humans participate in various activities.
This chapter presents an overview ofthe dynamics of spatial development. It begins with an
insight into policies and planning frameworks with particular reference to international and
South African perspectives. The chapter places much more focus on key strategies for LED
and planning for LED within the context ofthe Integrated Development Planning (lOP). Also
outlined in this section are the lOP process, institutional arrangement and capabilities, public
participation, benefits for different stakeholders and lOP implementation cycle. The chapter
further presents case studies of municipal successes outside South Africa. The inclusion of
these case studies create an opportunity to adapt good local municipal practices in other parts
ofthe World and avoid the mistakes that have affected others.
49