The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996), section 152(1)(e) encourages the involvement of communities and community organisations in local government matters. The Municipal Systems Act (Act 32 of 2000) requires the municipality to develop a culture of municipal governance that complements formal representative government with a system of participatory democracy. The communities play a vital role in the preparation, implementation and review of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP). The aim of this study was to determine the role of community participation in the IDP process of Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality. This study also assessed participation in integrated development planning in the Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality. The conclusion of the study focused on the process, procedures, legislations and guidelines on community participation in the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) of Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality. It was recommended that Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality must establish appropriate mechanisms, processes and procedures to enable the local community to participate in the affairs of the municipality. / Public Administration and Management / M.A. (Public Administration)