The Department of Social Development is hiring eight Community Development Practitioners (Grade 1) across its service delivery centres and local service offices. The posts pay R289,296 – R337,959 per annum (OSD). You need a National Senior Certificate plus a Bachelor’s Degree or National Diploma in Social Sciences, Developmental Economics, Development Studies or Community Development. Each post has its own reference number and employment equity target, listed below.
Job Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Community Development Practitioner Grade 1 |
| Department | Department of Social Development |
| Number of Posts | 8 |
| Remuneration | R289,296 – R337,959 per annum (OSD) |
| Minimum Qualification | National Senior Certificate plus a Bachelor’s Degree or National Diploma in Social Sciences, Developmental Economics, Development Studies or Community Development |
| Driver’s Licence | If you do not have one, you must submit proof within six (6) months of the date of assumption of duty |
| Added Advantage | Computer literacy |
| Closing Date | [Insert closing date] |
Posts, Reference Numbers and Employment Equity Targets
| Area | Office | Reference Number | EE Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amathole | Ngqamakwe SDC | DSD 25/11/2026 | African Male |
| Alfred Nzo | Mount Frere SDC | DSD 26/11/2026 | African Male and persons with disabilities |
| BCM | Mdantsane 1 SDC | DSD 27/11/2026 | Coloured Female |
| OR Tambo | Ngqeleni SDC | DSD 28/11/2026 | African Male and persons with disabilities |
| Joe Gqabi | Ugie SDC | DSD 29/11/2026 | African Female/Male |
| NMM | Motherwell SDC | DSD 30/11/2026 | Coloured Male |
| Sarah Baartman | Alexandria LSO | DSD 31/11/2026 | African Male and persons with disabilities |
| Sarah Baartman | Sunday’s River Valley LSO | DSD 32/11/2026 | White Male |
Quote the reference number of the post you are applying for.
About the Role
The Community Development Practitioner Grade 1 works with local communities to plan, run and support development programmes. You will raise awareness, mobilise communities into development structures, build community profiles, assess funding applications from community organisations and monitor the programmes that are funded.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Facilitate awareness campaigns on community development programmes
- Mobilise local communities into integrated development structures
- Facilitate community development initiatives in each local municipality
- Facilitate the development of community profiles using contextualised participatory development methodologies
- Facilitate the development, alignment and use of resources from various departments towards the implementation of Integrated Development Plans in each local municipality
- Assess applications for departmental funding by community organisations
- Monitor, evaluate and provide support services to funded programmes and projects
Requirements
- National Senior Certificate plus a Bachelor’s Degree or National Diploma in Social Sciences, Developmental Economics, Development Studies or Community Development
- Successful candidates who do not have a driver’s licence must submit proof of one within six (6) months from the date of assumption of duty
- Appropriate or recognisable experience after complying with the required educational qualification will be considered for appointment
Competencies
- Theoretical understanding and practical experience or exposure to community development issues
- Ability to use a facilitative approach to motivate constructive participation in programme development and implementation
- Ability to document and report on programmes and projects in the required format
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Organising and planning skills
Added Advantage
- Computer literacy
Who the Department Is Looking For
The department wants a motivated, community-minded practitioner who can bring people together and turn development plans into action. The role suits graduates in the social or development sciences who communicate well, plan and organise their work, and are comfortable reporting on programmes and projects.
Career Growth Path
Community development in the public sector has a clear career ladder. With experience, you can progress along this path:
Community Development Practitioner Grade 1 → Grade 2 → Grade 3 → Community Development Supervisor → Assistant Director: Community Development → Deputy Director
Experience with community mobilisation, participatory methods and programme monitoring is valuable across government, NGO and municipal development roles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many posts are available? There are 8 posts across the Amathole, Alfred Nzo, BCM, OR Tambo, Joe Gqabi, NMM and Sarah Baartman areas. See the table above for each office, reference number and employment equity target.
What is the salary? The salary is R289,296 – R337,959 per annum (OSD).
What qualification do I need? You need a National Senior Certificate plus a Bachelor’s Degree or National Diploma in Social Sciences, Developmental Economics, Development Studies or Community Development.
Do I need a driver’s licence? Not at the time of applying. Successful candidates without a driver’s licence must submit proof within six (6) months from the date of assumption of duty.
Do I need experience? Appropriate or recognisable experience after complying with the required educational qualification will be considered for appointment.
Is computer literacy required? No, it is an added advantage.
What are the employment equity targets? Each post lists an employment equity target in the table above. Check the target for the post you are applying for.
Which reference number do I use? Use the reference number for the specific office you are applying for, for example DSD 25/11/2026 for Ngqamakwe SDC.
Who do I contact with enquiries? Contact the person for your area, listed below. For e-recruitment technical support, email Recruitment@ecdsd.gov.za.
Enquiries
| Area | Contact Person | Telephone |
|---|---|---|
| Alfred Nzo | Mr S Shweni | (064) 606 9465 |
| Amathole | Ms Z Habe | (043) 711 6626 |
| BCM | Ms P Gqabantshi | (043) 705 5675/73 |
| Joe Gqabi | Ms P Tsuputse | (051) 633 9715 |
| NMM | Ms L Lukwe | (041) 406 5811 |
| Sarah Baartman | Mr M Rwexana | (046) 602 1408/1407 |
| OR Tambo | Ms Z Dlanjwa | 064 607 1200 |
e-Recruitment Technical Support: Recruitment@ecdsd.gov.za
How to Apply
- Choose the office you are applying for and note its reference number.
- Complete a Z83 form in full.
- Attach a detailed Curriculum Vitae.
- Submit your application through the Department of Social Development’s e-recruitment system before the closing date.
Application link: Apply on the e-Recruitment system
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