The CRDP is a cross-cutting and comprehensive rural development programme. It develops through all sector departments and clusters through the Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF, 2009-2014) and the Government‟s Programme of Action. The CRDP encompasses three distinct components, namely agrarian transformation, rural development and land reform. This document serves as the policy framework document for the CRDP. The document therefore aims to describe the objectives of the CRDP and related principles.

Document focused on historical background of Natives Land Act of 1913 and effects of apartheid on rural development and providing a framework for the rural development programme.

The Integrated and Sustainable Rural Development Strategy (ISRDS) is designed to realize a vision that will “attain socially cohesive an stable rural communities with viable institutions, sustainable economies and universal access to social amenities, able to attract and retain skilled and knowledgable people, who equipped to contribute to growth and development ”.