Abstract
The Constitution of the Republic provides for three distinctive, interdependent and interrelated spheres of government. It enjoins the three spheres of government to observe and adhere to the principles of co-operative governance and intergovernmental relations. However, despite the dictates of the Constitution, the spheres of government have not been able to coordinate, collaborate and cooperate in a manner that realised the aspirations of government resulting in the non-optimal delivery of services and the diminished impact of government interventions on communities, hence the continued high levels of poverty, inequality and unemployment. This resulted in the introduction of the district development model. The focus of this study is therefore to understand the role of the district development model as a mechanism for improved integrated development planning.
A qualitative research approach was followed in this study by way of a case study research design. Dawid Kruiper Local Municipality (DKLM), Zwelintlanga Fatman Mgcawu (ZF Mgcawu) District Municipality, Northern Cape Office of the Premier (OTP) and Northern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) were identified as part of the sample through purposive sampling.
Primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews and were analysed through inductive thematic analysis. The research findings are presented according to Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model, which served as the analytical framework in this study.
Key words: Planning, coordination, integration, integrated development plan, integrated development planning, district development model