The Integrated Development Plan as a strategy to empower informal traders : the Case of Thohoyandou

Abstract

This analyses the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) as a strategy to empower informal traders using Thohoyandou as a case study. The aim is to integrate and explore the importance of, and the role that could be played by the IDP to empower informal traders. The main objectives of this paper are; first, find out IDP initiatives that support informal trading in Thohoyandou. Secondly, to find out socio-economic challenges faced or facing informal traders in Thohoyandou. In this paper, the use of qualitative research method was employed. The paper concludes that IDP strategy in the local municipality of Thulamela in Thohoyandou has not done much for informal traders. Keywords: Empowerment, Governance, Informal Trading, Integrated Development Plan, Local Economic Development