Soliciting sustainability through the Integrated Development Planning (IDP) process : The case of Lesedi Local Municipality (LLM)

Abstract

The link between sustainability and the planning process has been legislated and polices applied but the practical rhetoric and implementation thereof remains problematic (Oranje & Van Huyssteen, 2004 and Owens, 1994). An integral part of that link is the ability of the planning process to provide for public involvement. However within institutionalized planning processes the dominance of “experts” (scientific based) in the process allows for an exclusionary debate with regard to local issues (Eden, 1996). This research explored the ability of the local legislated integrated development planning (IDP) process as a tool through which the implementation of sustainability could be fostered. It specifically explored the discourse of knowledge (scientific, counter scientific and non scientific) as a construct in implementing deliberative public participation for sustainability. The qualitative approach utilized in this study employed multiple research methodologies through the utilization of the Lesedi Local Municipality (LLM) IDP process as a case study. This research report shows that while the IDP is a technical process paying little attention to other knowledge’s, it does have some potential as a framework that can aid in the implementation of sustainable participation through its ability to empower communities and foster community led development through ownership of this local process.