View/Open - University of Zululand Institutional Repository

This study acknowledges the important relationships that exist between local governance and
development. However, the study does not admit automatic equation between development
on the one hand, and integrated development and local economic development on the other in
the study area The contribution ofother role players like the private sector is crucial towards
favourable local economic development for Ulundi.
3.2.2.4 Institutional arrangement and capabilities
The elected municipal council is the ultimate decision-making forum on the lOP, but the
integrated development planning process is participatory in nature and requires input from
various role players. For this reason, the municipality must adopt an appropriate approach
and also put in place structures to ensure effective participation of stakeholders. Integrated
development planning is an intergovernmental system of planning that requires involvement
ofthe three spheres ofgovernment, namely metropolitan areas, local municipality and district
municipalities, Provincial Government and National Government. The district municipality
must also provide support to undercapacitated local municipalities and facilitate the
preparation of a framework, which will ensure coordination and alignment between local
municipalities and the district. District councils play a key role in the coordination of the
LED strategies through the lOP process. The district council can access technical and
financial support from national and provincial government, as well as regional developmental
institutions. The Provincial Department ofLocal Government is responsible for:
• Coordinating training.
• Providing financial support.
• Offering generallDP guidance.
• Monitoring the process in the province. (Local Economic Development, 200 I).
This research considers institutional support and training as well as guidance to the Ulundi
Municipal management as pivotal towards capacity-building and effective monitoring of the
lOP process in the study area. The province is also responsible for facilitating coordination
and alignment between district municipalities including facilitating resolution of disputes
between district municipalities. The province is also responsible for assessing lOPs and
facilitating the alignment of IDPs with sector department policies, programmes and budgets.
60