2013_14 IDP Review.pdf - KZN Development Planning

Governance: Maintaining effective synergies between social, economic andecological sustainability is not possible without effective political buy-in andgovernance processes. Negotiating issues surrounding sustainability requires thattrade-offs be made between the various dimensions that inform sustainabledevelopment. The governance framework determines how these decisions are madeand who makes them.Distinguishing between sustainable development and sustainability is important.Sustainability implies balance: that an activity or a condition can be maintained into thefuture without constant external inputs. Economic, social, ecological and institutionalfactors need to be considered in an integrated way. In the long term, sustainabilityrequires a change of values away from materialism towards social and culturalenrichment.Sustainable development relates to action, defined by the National EnvironmentalManagement Act (NEMA) No 107 of 1998 as “the integration of social, economic andenvironmental factors into planning, implementation and decision-making so as toensure that development serves present and future generations.”In the South African context, environmental sustainability is enshrined in ourConstitution“Everyone has the right… to have the environment protected, for the benefit ofpresent and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures that… secureecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiableeconomic and social development.” Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Section 24(b) (iii)The policy that elaborated on this aspect of the Constitution is recorded in the WhitePaper for Environmental Management (1998). The White Paper promotes a vision ofa society in harmony with its environment, working together towards the goal ofsustainable resource use and sustainable living to meet present and future needs. Thepolicy supports Agenda 21 principles for sustainable development. Furthermore, theWhite Paper provides the overarching framework for a sustainable approach tomanagement of the environment.2.1.3 Integration, Integrated Development planning, IDPs and sustainabilityIntegration is intended to result in holistic development, in the same way thatsustainability is intended to address the relationships between natural and human-madeDraft 2013/14 IDP Review Page 235Prepared by Umzinyathi District Municiplity22 March 2013