1. INTRODUCTIONIn 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 the previously disadvantaged. Local government is the only sphere 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 addressed and disparate areas are prioritized with available resources. The Integrated Development Plan was developed to ensure that local government implements its constitutional obligations to manage structures and programs that will ensure service delivery and social and economic development in collaboration with the provincial and national spheres. The objective of the document is to determine whether the Integrated Development Plan is an effective strategic planning tool by evaluating the objectives, process, impact or expected results and citizen participation 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 invited to implement Agenda 21 by developing an Agenda 21 adapted to local needs, called Local Agenda 21. South Africa has adopted the principles of Agenda 21 by developing integrated development plans; thus making the internally displaced – Agenda 21 local for South Africa. Furthermore, the principles of Agenda 21 are enshrined in the Constitution of South Africa and effective means of addressing them. The IDP is a participatory process that allows for the engagement of various stakeholders. The mere expression of development priorities during the public participation process without financial implementation, lack of integration of the three spheres of government, especially the provincial government which fails to plan with local government to resolve problems premises and strategic commitments, hinder the strategic and development intention of the project. PDI. Training should be provided to the mayor, political leaders, department heads and the city manager on the importance of the internal displacement process and the role it could potentially play in the social, economic and environmental transformation of communities in the municipality. The integrated development plan should be evaluated not on its implementation, but on its achievement of the planned goals and objectives..