Abstract
Spatial planning is pivotal in achieving sustainable and equitable development, particularly in regions where socio-economic disparities and governance complexities prevail. In South Africa, the introduction of the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA) sought to address fragmented planning and promote integration across the country’s three- tiered governance system. However, the role of district municipalities within this framework, especially in fostering sustainable development in provinces like Mpumalanga, remains underexplored. This dissertation investigates the legislative responsibilities, operational challenges, and strategic opportunities for district municipalities, with a specific focus on their role in addressing urban and rural development disparities. Using Ehlanzeni District Municipality as a case study, the research examines how these entities navigate their SPLUMA- mandated roles to achieve integrated and sustainable spatial development. The study adopts interpretivist and pragmatist research philosophies, employing a qualitative approach that includes document analysis and stakeholder interviews to provide an exquisite perspective on the research problem. Systems theory serves as the theoretical lens, offering insights into how interconnected governance systems influence spatial planning outcomes. Key findings reveal significant obstacles, such as fragmented planning processes, capacity constraints, overlapping mandates, and political interference, which limit the ability of district municipalities to drive spatial transformation effectively. Misalignment between Municipal Spatial Development Frameworks (MSDFs) and Integrated Development Plans (IDPs), as well as competition for scarce resources, further exacerbates these challenges. The study also highlights disparities between urban centers like Mbombela and the surrounding rural areas, where inadequate access to basic services and infrastructure perpetuates socio-economic inequalities. Despite these barriers, the research identifies opportunities for strengthening district-level governance. These include targeted capacity building, enhanced stakeholder collaboration, and the delegation of critical responsibilities such as infrastructure development and local economic development (LED) to district municipalities. In response, the dissertation proposes the District Coordination Framework (DCF), a practical and structured approach designed to improve intergovernmental collaboration, streamline resource allocation, and align spatial and socio-economic objectives. The recommendations include adopting the District Development Model (DDM), establishing unified Capital Expenditure Frameworks (CEFs), and conducting continuous capacity assessments to address gaps in technical and
administrative expertise. Through integrating these strategies, district municipalities can play a transformative role in achieving sustainable, equitable, and integrated development across urban and rural settings in Mpumalanga Province and beyond.