Community Development Worker Programme celebrates 15 years | Western Cape Government

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Community Development Worker Programme celebrates 15 years

19 March 2021

The Department of Local Government on Thursday, 18 March 2021 hosted an awards ceremony to mark the celebration of 15 years of the Community Development Worker Programme (CDWP).

CDWP awards ceremony

CDWP Director Heinrich Magerman, CDWP Director Ncedo Mfuku and Head of Department Graham Paulse captured during the awards ceremony.

The CDWP is a national programme, that was first announced by President Thabo Mbeki in 2003. Since its commencement in 2005, the programme has done phenomenal work and continues to deliver on its mission to keep communities informed on how to access government services.

Community Development Workers play a vital role in public service as they act as catalysts between the community and government by keeping the communities informed on services at their disposal, an in turn informing government of the community’s needs. This has encouraged beneficial partnerships between government entities and the public; ensuring that services are directed to the most vulnerable communities in our society.

Celebrating the CDWs

The celebratory event came after a challenging year for CDWs, who played a crucial role in supporting local municipalities to communicate government messages regarding Covid-19 safety protocols during the National State of Disaster. Many public officials of this programme also lost their lives on the frontline, as a result of Covid-19.

The celebratory event had strict Covid-19 safety measures in place and successfully acknowledged CDWs for their dedication and long service.

Local Government Head of Department Graham Paulse expressed his appreciation to the staff, commending them for "...mobilising communities to actively participate in the Integrated Development Planning process of municipalities."

"Your efforts, and the power of this project does not go unseen," he said.

These videos capture what some of the CDWs had to say about the celebratory event

Claudia Parwaringira shares her experience of working for the Community Development Worker Programme over the past 15 years:

Timothy Jende from the CDWP - Overberg region in the Western Cape, shares what it means to him to keep communities informed on how to relevant access government services:

- Main image caption: From left: CDWP Director Heinrich Magerman, CDWP Deputy Director Ncedo Mfuku and Head of Department Graham Paulse captured during the awards ceremony.

Media Enquiries: 

Yentl Barros

Web Communications - Local Government

Mobile:                   081 358 4431

E-mail:                    Yentl.Barros@westerncape.gov.za