1. INTRODUCTION In post-apartheid South Africa, access to sufficient and effective basic services cannot be seen as a privilege, but as a right that must be afforded to all citizens, especially those previously disadvantaged. Local government is the only area capable of managing and implementing this right. The provision of public services to the community is an indicator used to determine whether local government is developing. Public participation is essential to ensure that community needs are taken into account and that disparate areas are given priority with available resources. The Integrated Development Plan was developed to ensure that local government fulfills its constitutional obligations to manage structures and programs that ensure the provision of services and social and economic development in collaboration with the provincial and national spheres. The purpose of the document is to determine whether the Integrated Development Plan is an effective strategic planning tool by evaluating the objectives, the process, the expected impact or results and the participation of citizens in the process.1.1. BACKGROUND The concept of integrated development planning has its roots in the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The Rio Conference adopted Agenda 21 as a model for sustainable development. All member states were called upon to implement Agenda 21 by developing a tailor-made Agenda 21 at the local level called Local Agenda 21. South Africa has embraced the principles of Agenda 21 in developing Integrated Development Plans; thus rendering those internally displaced – Local Agenda 21 for South Africa. Furthermore, the principles of Agenda 21 are embedded in the Constitution of South Africa and in...... middle of paper... there are ways to address them. The IDP is a participatory process that allows for the involvement of various actors. The mere expression of development priorities during the public participation process without financial implementation, the lack of integration by the three spheres of government, especially the provincial government, which fails to plan with the local government to resolve local issues and strategic commitments hinder the strategic and developmental intent of the IDP. Training should be provided to the mayor, political and departmental heads and the municipal manager on the importance of the internal displacement process and the role it could potentially play in transforming communities socially, economically and environmentally in the municipality. The Integrated Development Plan should be evaluated not on the basis of implementation but on the achievement of the set goals and objectives.