The Integrated Development Planning process is a continuous cycle of planning, implementation, formulation and review. All municipalities are expected to formulate their Integrated Development Plans (IDP) for every five years and these IDPs are then reviewed annually (financial year).

The South African Constitution (Section 152 and 153) has given local government (municipalities) major developmental responsibilities which mandates them to conduct municipal planning in order to ensure a better quality of life for all the country’s citizens. This role of local government includes delivery of basic services, economic development and eradication of poverty. To be able to perform this role effectively, municipalities must develop Integrated Development Plans (IDP).