Original Research

Integrated development plan strategies for service delivery in Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality

Nadiswa Mpolweni, Martin Kabange, Omololu M. Fagbadebo
Africa’s Public Service Delivery & Performance Review | Vol 12, No 1 | a835 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/apsdpr.v12i1.835 | © 2024 Nadiswa Mpolweni, Martin Kabange, Omololu M. Fagbadebo | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 20 January 2024 | Published: 23 October 2024

About the author(s)

Nadiswa Mpolweni, Department of Public Management, Law and Economics, Faculty of Management Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Martin Kabange, Department of Public Management, Law and Economics, Faculty of Management Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Omololu M. Fagbadebo, Department of Public Management, Law and Economics, Faculty of Management Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Following the end of apartheid in 1994, the democratic government recognised the importance of local government as a key vehicle for service delivery.

Aim: This article examined the effectiveness of the integrated development plan (IDP) strategies of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (NMMM) as a public service delivery tool.

Setting: In South Africa, poor service delivery has remained a challenge. This has been attributed to the challenge of transparency and accountability. Thus, the lack of access to basic needs is more profound at the local government level. While urban centres have access to certain basic facilities, rural communities such as Walmer and Motherwell townships remain underdeveloped.

Methods: The study used a qualitative research design for data collection and analysis. Thirty participants were purposively selected among municipal officials, ward councillors and community members for semi-structured interviews. Thematic data analysis was used for the analysis of data.

Results: Despite the IDP’s well-structured strategic framework, various challenges, such as insufficient community participation, inadequate resource allocation and a lack of essential planning skills among officials hindered its effective implementation.

Conclusion: The study concluded that for the IDP to achieve its aims, its implementation should be evidence-based and responsive to community needs. Effective service delivery requires a fundamental transformation in municipal leadership and public participation.

Contribution: The article presents the challenge of public service delivery within the context of the IDP strategies in a specific municipality. It serves as a signpost for understanding the implementation of the IDP as a public service delivery strategy.


Keywords

IDP strategies; inadequate funding; constituency services; corruption; bureaucratic obstacles; effective governance structures; strong leadership; community participation; infrastructural need; mismanagement; political disagreement

JEL Codes

R58: Regional Development Planning and Policy

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities

Metrics

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