The 5 Year Plan, also known as an Integrated Development Plan (IDP), is a strategic –developmental plan, setting strategic and budget priorities. The following diagram depicts the work process of the entire Integrated Development Plan of the City.

The 5 Year Plan aligns the resources and the capacity of a municipality to its overall development aims, and guides the municipality’s budget. The 5 Year Plan is in line with similar development plans at provincial and national level, and is agreed upon between local government and residents during a public participation process (Eng, Afr or Xhosa). It is a plan for the entire municipality and not just for specific areas.

Through the 5 Year Plan, a municipality can:

• Develop a clear vision
• Identify its key development priorities
• Formulate appropriate strategies
• Develop the appropriate organisational structure and systems
• Align resources with development priorities

Integrated Development Planning enables a municipality to make the best use of scarce resources and speed up delivery. It also enables councillors to make decisions based on the needs and priorities of their communities.

Cape Town has been using an IDP since 2002, and it is required in terms of the Municipal Systems Act of 2000

Every 5 Year Plan must include: 

• the municipal council’s vision for the development of the municipality; and
• the municipality’s transformation needs, operational strategies and key performance indicators and targets.

Cape Town’s first IDP (Interim) was drawn up for 2000/2001, and has been revised every year.