uMfolozi Municipality

Departments

Departments / Planning and Local Economic Development

Senior Manager: Planning and Local Economic Development

Vacant Position

BACKGROUND

The Department of Planning and Local Economic Development has been newly established as a stand-alone department within Umfolozi Municipality following the restructuring of the municipal organogram for the 2025/2026 financial year. This department was previously incorporated under the Department of Technical Services.

The restructuring allows for greater strategic focus on spatial planning, sustainable development, local economic transformation, and integrated municipal development.

Rationale for Separation

  •      Dedicated Oversight: Ensures dedicated focus on integrated planning, land development, and economic growth.
  •      Improved Governance: Enhances alignment with municipal strategic frameworks and national priorities (IDP, SDF, DDM).
  •      Service Delivery Efficiency: Promotes faster, more responsive processes in land use, development facilitation, and LED programmes.

Key Functions

A. Town and Regional Planning

  • Spatial planning and land use management     
  • Processing of rezoning, subdivision, and consent use applications
  • Development and implementation of the Spatial Development Framework (SDF)
  • Compliance with land use schemes and planning legislation
  • Development and maintenance of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) databases
  • Preparation of mapping for internal and external users

B. Building Control

  • Assessment and approval of building plans
  • Site inspections and regulatory compliance
  • Enforcement of National Building Regulations

C. Local Economic Development (LED)

  • LED strategy development and implementation
  • Enterprise and SMME support
  • Promotion of investment, job creation, and partnerships
  • Facilitation of cooperatives and informal sector development

D. Environmental and Strategic Planning

  • Environmental management, awareness, and compliance
  • Development of sector plans aligned to IDP (e.g. Tourism, Agriculture)
  • Coordination with stakeholders in development planning

E. Integrated Development Planning (IDP)

  • Coordination and facilitation of the municipal IDP process
  • Stakeholder engagement and community consultation
  • Integration of sectoral plans and performance frameworks
  • Monitoring, review and reporting on the implementation of the IDP

Organisational Structure

The department is headed by a Director: Planning and Local Economic Development, reporting to the Municipal Manager. 

The operational units include:

  • Development Planning Unit
  • Building Control and Compliance Unit (under Development Planning)
  • LED and Enterprise Development Unit

  • Integrated Development Planning (IDP) Unit