The City of Mbombela (CoM) has officially launched the review process of its Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for the 2026/27 financial year.

This critical planning phase kicked off on October 21, with a series of public consultative community meetings scheduled to run until November 15.

The CoM spokesperson, Joseph Ngala, said the meetings began at the Nelsville Community Hall in Mbombela and they are being led by the acting executive mayor, Cllr Morris Mazibane, and the speaker of council, Cllr William Nkhata.

“Over the next few weeks, consultation sessions will be held with stakeholders across all four regions of the city to gather essential community inputs. This feedback is crucial before the draft operator’s integrated system plan and budget is adopted by the end of March 2026.

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The IDP is the municipality’s five-year strategic plan, mandated by Section 25 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 32 of 2000. It guides all of the municipality’s planning, development, and budgeting decisions.

“While the current IDP for 2022 to 2027 was approved by the council on May 31, 2022, Section 34 of the act mandates that the plan be reviewed annually. This ensures the plan remains relevant and responsive to both performance changes and shifting circumstances. The municipality’s current IDP is aligned with national, provincial and district priorities, as well as the CoM long-term vision,” he said.

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Ngala added that the community members and stakeholders in various wards are strongly encouraged to attend these meetings and contribute to the plan’s review.

“This annual review process ensures the municipality is responsive to community needs and shifting conditions, fostering better integration with other government spheres. Community participation in these public consultations is vital to ensure that the municipality’s plans and service delivery commitments effectively address local priorities. Go out and make sure your voice is heard,” Ngala said.

He added that community members can visit the municipality’s website to check the venues and dates for the meetings in their area.