Understanding policy implementation at the local government level: the case of the Johannesburg Inner City Housing Implementation Plan (ICHIP)

Abstract

A smooth progression from policy design to implementation and successful realisation of the intended outcomes cannot be taken for granted. Instead, the interaction between policy, policy implementers and the context in which it is implemented create outcomes that can diverge significantly from the original policy intent. As a case study for policy implementation at the local government level, examining the implementation of the City of Johannesburg’s Inner City Housing Implementation Plan (ICHIP) revealed a challenging socio-economic, political and institutional context that has frustrated progress. Public and private sectors recognised ICHIP as a comprehensive albeit ambitious strategy. Piecemeal and fragmented delivery, weak leadership and a failure to cement a partnership between the City and private sector actors has meant that while certain outputs have been delivered in small measure, the policy outcome of a robust inner city housing market that works for the poor has not been realised.