Assessing the extent of the application of strategic thinking in a local sphere of government

Abstract

This study assessed the extent of the application of strategic thinking in a Metropolitan Municipality in South Africa. It was aimed at initiating an inquiry into the relevance of strategic thinking to local governance: its concept and theoretical orientation in the systems approach paradigm and/or science of complexity. The study adopted a qualitative methodology and gave primacy to the key role-players in the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) process which was treated as equivalent to a strategy-making process. The participants interviewed included senior staff members, ward councillors and ward committee members because of their strategic positions to influence the current and future strategic decision-making as well in determining how to improve it.