Community development is one of South Africa's most important social investments — the ongoing work of supporting communities to identify their own needs, access resources and services, build social cohesion, and create the conditions for sustainable improvement in quality of life. Community Development Workers are the frontline practitioners of this work, and the qualification at NQF Level 4 equips them with the knowledge, skills, and values to do it effectively.
The curriculum covers the core competencies of community development work: understanding community development theory and approaches, conducting community needs assessments and participatory appraisals, facilitating community meetings and dialogue processes, supporting community members to access government services, grants, and development programmes, mobilising community resources and building community capacity, keeping accurate records and preparing reports, working within the legislative framework of community development in South Africa, and maintaining ethical and professional conduct in community settings.
