Community Development Manager Career in South Africa
Explore the official OFO occupation, common tasks, specialisations and approved South African qualification pathways.
Occupation overview
Ensures the effective coordination of integrated and transformative social development programs, delivered within an identified service delivery area in partnership with key stakeholders for the effective empowerment of communities.
What does a Community Development Manager do?
A Community Development Manager coordinates social development programmes across a defined service area. The role brings community stakeholders and partner organisations together, helps align projects with local empowerment goals, and supports integrated programmes that create lasting community benefits.
How to become a Community Development Manager in South Africa
- Build a foundation through the National Certificate: Community Development (SAQA ID 66749, NQF Level 3, 120 credits) or the Occupational Certificate: Community Development Worker (SAQA ID 97708, NQF Level 4, 150 credits).
- Consider a related Further Education and Training Certificate: Community Development specialisation, such as Community Development Management, Life Skills, Local Economic Development, Sports or Victim Empowerment. These qualifications are listed at NQF Level 4 with 125 credits each.
- Gain experience supporting or coordinating community and social development programmes and working with relevant stakeholders.
- Progress into management responsibilities by demonstrating the ability to coordinate integrated programmes, build partnerships and support community empowerment. Relevant education can support entry into the field, while management roles commonly also involve workplace progression and increasing responsibility.
- Confirm current qualification, provider and assessment details with SAQA, an accredited provider or the relevant quality council.
Edupstairs Preparation Guidance
Community Development Managers need to understand community needs, coordinate programmes across an identified service area and work constructively with stakeholders. Prepare by learning how community development initiatives are planned, coordinated and delivered, while seeking opportunities to take on increasing responsibility in related work.
Useful school subjects
- English
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Geography
- Life Orientation
Skills that may help
- Programme coordination
- Stakeholder partnership and collaboration
- Community empowerment
- Social development planning
- Communication
- Organisation and prioritisation
- Problem-solving
- Leadership and responsibility