Ramodula, ThaboProches, Cecile N. GerwelMunapo, Elias2018-06-192018-06-192017Ramodula, T. et al. 2017. Assessing the extent of the application of strategic thinking in a local sphere of government. Research Journal of Applied Sciences, 12(5–6):330–339. [http://dx.doi.org/10.3923/rjasci.2017.330.339]1815-932X1993-6079 (Online)http://dx.doi.org/10.3923/rjasci.2017.330.339http://hdl.handle.net/10394/27648This study assessed the extent of the application of strategic thinking in a Metropolitan Municipality in South Africa. It was aimed at initiating an inquiry into the relevance of strategic thinking to local governance: its concept and theoretical orientation in the systems approach paradigm and/or science of complexity. The study adopted a qualitative methodology and gave primacy to the key role-players in the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) process which was treated as equivalent to a strategy-making process. The participants interviewed included senior staff members, ward councillors and ward committee members because of their strategic positions to influence the current and future strategic decision-making as well in determining how to improve it.enStrategic thinkingintegrated development plansystems perspectivevision-orientated strategystaff membersdeterminingArticle