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• To guide each local municipality in preparing the process plan.
• To include a time schedule for the planning process.
• To defme roles and responsibilities, and
• To identifY how the process will be monitored.
This investigation views the IDP process plan as an important collaborating tool between the
Zululand District and the Ulundi Local Municipality. Having the IDP process in place means
a defined framework for the monitoring and evaluation ofthe development process in Ulundi.
Integrated development planning is an interactive and participatory process. The municipality
should allow and encourage public participation. Usually a few key activists and politicians
are involved - few poor people go to public meetings. It must facilitate consensus around the
vision of the LED within the locality and within any network or linkages that are promoted.
Due to the participatory nature ofthe lOP process, it takes a municipality approximately 6--9
months to complete an lOP. This timing is closely related to the municipal budgetary cycle.
During this period, delivery and development continue. The IDP is reviewed annually, which
could result in necessary amendments to the IDP plan. The Municipal Systems Act (MSA.
2000) assigns responsibility for managing the preparation of the IDP to the Executive
Committee or Executive Mayor (who can assign this responsibility to the municipal manager)
[www.ncarb.orglidp/gettingstarted.html. (2008)].
In many municipalities. an IDP coordinator reporting directly to the municipal manager and
the Executive Committee or Mayor. is appointed to manage the process. This responsibility
for the lOP is in line with the constitution, which gives municipalities the responsibility to
ensure that the quality of life of residents is improved. The new role of local government
includes the provision of basic services, creation of jobs. promotion of democracy and
accountability and eradication of poverty. Preparing and having the lOP enables the
municipality to manage the process of fulfilling its developmental responsibilities. in
partnership with business.
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