A Review of Mechanisms Used to Improve Community Participation in the Integrated Development Planning Process in South Africa: An Empirical Review

In 1996, the government of South Africa introduced Integrated Development Plan (IDP) policy process to transform municipal administration, integrated planning and service delivery. One IDP policy’s key aspects is community participation in process. still struggling achieve their duty delivering basic services due ineffective participation. The article primarily appraises mechanisms for improved It underpinned by New Public Management (NPM) theory, which promotes management reforms, participatory planning, decentralising power among municipalities communities. This study adopted a mixed-methods research approach. conducted Tzaneen area Limpopo Province. also found that some facilitate are no longer relevant effective COVID-19 pandemic era. meetings seen as an safe means public discussion emergence Disaster Act: Amendment Regulation (Act 57 2002) restricts physical contact large groups people, has implications meeting attendance. concludes recommending should design make it easier marginalised previously disadvantaged people participate decision-making processes freely without prejudice. Lastly, recommends municipality adopt Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) E-participation