Johannes Mulaudzi, Johannes Francis, Johannes Zuwarimwe, Johannes Chakwizira
Integrated development planning is a comprehensive planning process that provides a framework for local government to align development plans and programs with the needs of communities. In South Africa, the integrated development planning was enforced to promote local democracy and fast-track service delivery. Numerous weaknesses inherent in the phased process necessitate its interrogation. This article presents a new framework for integrated development planning in South Africa. The framework is informed by an interrogation of the gaps in the existing process. Data was collected through the sequential exploratory mixed methods such as interviews, multi-stakeholders workshops and questionnaire. The study found that the existing process lacks stakeholders buy-in and ownership and doesn’t respond to community needs. A refined process is recommended, calling for compulsory stakeholder participation and the merger of project and integration phases. The article contributes to the body of empirical research by investigating and generating a practical framework of integrated development planning in practice.