Integrated development planning is a process through which the municipality prepares a strategic development plan which extends over a five-year period. Integrated development plan as an instrument lies at the centre of the system of developmental local government in South Africa and represents the driving force for making municipalities more strategic, inclusive, responsive, and performance driven in character. The IDP is the principal strategic planning instrument which guides and informs all planning, budgeting, investment, development, management and implementation in the medium-term decision-making. Each directorate is required to conclude a detailed annual service delivery and budget implementation plan that gives operational expression to the IDP.

The Senior Management Team and Middle Management are accountable for the implementation of the IDP, and this is reflected in our integrated Performance Management System that links the IDP to the strategic framework, to the macro-scorecard, and from there to performance contracts for Section 57 Managers. The Municipality is required to consult with communities and other stakeholders on its performance, and Mantsopa Local Municipality had made increased efforts this year to involve residents, officials and politicians in providing feedback on the municipal performance.