Local Government Partnerships to Boost Community Development Skills

The Department of Local Government, Local Government Sector Education & Training Authority (LGSETA), and the University of Western Cape School of Government has joined hands to aid the skills development of the Community Development Workers programme, municipal officials working in; Public Participation, Thusong Programme, Councillor Support and Client Service.

The four-million rand LGSETA funded initiative is a boost for local government and a renewed commitment towards the achievement of OUTCOME 9 of the Cabinet Programme of Action, which aims to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of skills development system within the local government sector.

The Department of Local Government Community Development Workers Programme intends to roll out the training programme over the next 16 months to further capacitate CDWs and produce a skilled and capable local government workforce.

Speaking at the CDWs three-day Engagement, which is currently underway in Sea Point, Ritz Hotel, Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell acknowledged the contribution made by the CDWs in bringing government services closer to the people. 

 “The CDWs were a core part of the Western Cape government success. As the province we brag a lot about being the number one government in service delivery, but what we don’t say is that the CDWs are a core part of that success.”

CDWs are special public servants who work directly with communities, engage with citizens and determine what services are needed, ensure that these services are made available. They are responsible for linking communities with many government services and programmes. CDWs assist citizens by helping them to access services such as health, welfare, housing, agriculture, economic activity, education and training, and employment opportunities.

The training will be accredited and offer participants with Performance Based Certificates in:

• Communication and Conflict Management.
• Public, Financial, Risk and Supply Chain Management.
• Social Analysis and Geographical Mapping.
• Human and Social Science Skills.