A plan of all government?: IDP and intergovernmental development planning in post-apartheid South Africa
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Date
2010-06-29T10:27:40Z
Authors
Hlongwane, Thabiso
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Abstract
After 15 years of democracy and following a number of initiatives,
intergovernmental alignment among the three spheres of government in
post-apartheid South Africa remains one of the biggest challenges
confronting government in the quest for effective service delivery. This
research examines post-apartheid South Africa’s intergovernmental
development planning system. In particular, the research sets out to
examine the extent to which the shift in the conceptualisation of the IDP,
from a municipal-specific plan to an instrument of intergovernmental
alignment, has contributed in tackling the challenges associated with
intergovernmental alignment.
Employing qualitative methods, this research drew on Gauteng as a case
study, and utilizes the provincial Departments for Education, Health and
Housing. At a municipal level, Ekurhuleni Metro, Metsweding District and
Emfuleni Local Municipalities are utilised to examine the state of
intergovernmental alignment both vertically and horizontally.
It is argued that the South African system of intergovernmental
development planning is highly dependent on individual goodwill and
centred around forums. This is identified as a fundamental flaw that has
contributed to challenges of intergovernmental alignment South Africa
faces. As a solution it is proposed that an institutionalised system of
intergovernmental alignment be introduced, and, drawing from international
practices, the various models in this regard are presented. In particular, a
case is made for consideration of the New Jersey’s model of cross
acceptance.