The purpose of this article is to illustrate the importance of community participation in developing and implementing the Integrated Development Plan (IDP). Furthermore, the study provides a conceptual framework and epistemology for the public's participation from a holistic perspective. Community participation is a crucial element or principle for the responsiveness, transparency and accountability of elected political and public officials to the community, as far as pertinent and basic service delivery is concerned. The IDP is the strategic blueprint for the municipality and the annual budget provides the tools for implementing the IDP. This article discusses the concept of participation to clarify the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders in the development and implementation of the IDP. Furthermore, the article highlights the impact of a lack of community participation which results in public service delivery pro