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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Community Development Practitioner 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97691  Occupational Certificate: Community Development Practitioner 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner-ETDP SETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 07 - Human and Social Studies  People/Human-Centred Development 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  212  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2018-07-01  2025-12-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-30   2029-12-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Community Development Practitioner.

A Community Development Practitioner acts as a change agent to add value to community development practice by exploring and coordinating networks and partnerships. Conducts community-based research to inform interventions, aligned to relevant legal and regulatory frameworks. Plans, designs and manages community interventions through the application of appropriate leadership and management styles; all of which are done to promote ethical and professional community development practice.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Compile and present community profile reports.
  • Manage community development information and data (Gathering, analysis and storing).
  • Establish, identify and coordinate community development structures.
  • Assess the performance of and provide support to community development structures.
  • Monitor the progress and achievements of community development initiatives.
  • Mobilise and manage volunteers and support staff.

    Rationale:
    The aims of community development, as embodied by the South African Presidency's Intergovernmental Relations and Service Delivery (IRSD), includes the need for the development of a seamless and integrated approach to community development that is driven by the national development plan.

    In order to achieve this there is an enormous task of managing the processes of mobilising people within the diverse communities throughout the nation and ensuring that the mobilisation is adequately focused on the key objectives of the National Development Plan.
    There is ongoing evidence of community frustrations relating to poor service delivery.

    It is for this reason that there is a desperate need for ensuring that community development practitioners are focused and that they work together in achieving optimum synergy within the communities.

    There is currently a shortage of the key and scarce skills required to do this important work. The work is being done by volunteers and public servants who have mainly learnt through trial and error or who have high academic qualifications but lack the hands on practice.

    The Occupational Certificate: Community Worker (Community Development Practitioner) has been designed to meet the needs and interests of the public and private sector relating to community development and will provide the means through which this level of leadership can be built.

    The qualification will provide opportunities for people to progress to supervisory and mid management levels in the Department of Social Development and with a range of Non - Governmental organisations. It will also create opportunities for the successful learners to enter the private sector in organisations where they are doing community work in terms of the various industry charters. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record.

    RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum requirement for entry into this qualification is:
  • Successful completion of the Occupational Certificate: Community Worker (Community Development Worker) at NQF Level 4.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC). 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules:
    Knowledge Modules:
  • 341201002-KM-01, Operations Coordination and Administration, at NQF Level 4, Credits 19.
  • 341201002-KM-02, Effective Communication, at NQF Level 5, Credits 5.
  • 341201002-KM-03, Sociology of Developing Societies, at NQF Level 5, Credits 10.
  • 341201002-KM-04, Sustainable Development Practice, at NQF Level 5, Credits 27.
    Total number of Credits for Knowledge Modules: 61.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 341201002-PM-01, Compile, update and maintain community profiles (households, infrastructure assets, structures, economic viability etc.), at NQF Level 5, Credits 18.
  • 341201002-PM-02, Prepare data for the analysis of community profiles and identify trends that can be used to develop appropriate interventions, at NQF Level 5, Credits 4.
  • 341201002-PM-03, Compile and present community profile reports, at NQF Level 5, Credits 4.
  • 341201002-PM-04, Monitor existing community development initiatives, at NQF Level 5, Credits 4.
  • 341201002-PM-05, Participate in the evaluation of existing programs, identify potential problems and recommend appropriate corrective actions, at NQF Level 5, Credits 4.
  • 341201002-PM-06, Compile reports on the implementation of initiatives, at NQF Level 5, Credits 3.
  • 341201002-PM-07, Identify the need for community development structures and facilitate the establishment of the appropriate structures, at NQF Level 5, Credits 8.
  • 341201002-PM-08, Facilitate the functioning of effective community development structures, at NQF Level 5, Credits 5.
  • 341201002-PM-09, Supervise the performance of community development practitioners, at NQF Level 5, Credits 6.
  • 341201002-PM-10, Motivate and mobilise the efforts of voluntary support team members. (Including relevant governmental departments), at NQF Level 5, Credits 6.
  • 341201002-PM-11, Gain an understanding of all the community development initiatives in the designated community, at NQF Level 5, Credits 4.
  • 341201002-PM-12, Communication of the outcomes of forums and meetings to stakeholders, at NQF Level 5, Credits 6.
  • 341201002-PM-13, Liaise and partner with relevant stakeholders regarding community development initiatives, at NQF Level 5, Credits 2.
    Total number of Credits for Practical Skill Modules: 74.

    This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:
  • 341201002-WM-01, Exposure to a full range of community settings, at NQF Level 4, Credits 16.
  • 341201002-WM-02, Exposure to a full range of community development initiatives, at NQF Level 5, Credits 12.
  • 341201002-WM-03, Exposure to all the monitoring and evaluation tools., at NQF Level 5, Credits 26.
  • 341201002-WM-04, Exposure to a full range of community, interdepartmental and civil society forums, at NQF Level 5, Credits 8.
  • 341201002-WM-05, Exposure to a full range of supervisory situations relevant to the work of field workers, at NQF Level 5, Credits 11.
  • 341201002-WM-06, Exposure to all the official and civic service providers within the community, at NQF Level 5, Credits 4.
    Total number of Credits for Work Experience Modules: 77. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Compile and present community profile reports.
    2. Manage community development information and data (Gathering, analysis and storing).
    3. Establish, identify and coordinate community development structures.
    4. Assess the performance of and provide support to community development structures.
    5. Monitor the progress and achievements of community development initiatives.
    6. Mobilise and manage volunteers and support staff. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The typical situations in a range of communities are identified from the consolidated reports of community profiles from various sources.
  • Statistical analysis templates are accurately completed using all the relevant information given for a range of situations (Household information, infrastructure, socio economic activities, environmental threats, survey data etc.).
  • Trends indicating the actual situation are backed up by relevant and validated data.
  • Community profile reports are structured according to accepted professional report writing standards.
  • Compliance with the generally accepted standards for presentation is used in the presentation slides and processes.
  • Presentation content that covers all key aspects is reflected in the data and the needs of a diverse audience are met.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Historical information is analysed and reports on various communities and community development initiatives as well as raw data are accurately compiled to describe the priority themes and trends from community and household profiles.
  • All missing and outdated information relevant to the given scenarios are identified and appropriately categorised.
  • Data collection action plans and feasible processes and time lines for collecting all required information are clearly described.
  • Recommendations provided by support staff are evaluated using accepted and professional community development methodologies.
  • The status of community development initiatives in a given community is described in a report template.
  • All records that must be stored are correctly identified and explanations for keeping the records comply with legal and accounting requirements and generally accepted standards.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Processes are followed in establishing community development structures and forums are accurately described according to the principles of participative community development.
  • The dynamics of different types of partnerships in forums and structures are described covering the full spectrum of possible situations.
  • The legal frameworks that apply to the establishment and functioning of various community structures are described.
  • The meaning of a memorandum of understanding/agreement is accurately described and the basic legal principles and the structure of such agreements is explained.
  • All ethical considerations of the power relationships of partnerships in community development is identified and explained in terms of the code of good practice and the professional scope of work of a community development practitioner.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • The characteristics of effective community development structures are explained in relation to the various types of structures and the key development needs of communities.
  • All opportunities in a given community that can be used to build and strengthen community development structures are identified and described.
  • All possible barriers and factors that could negatively impact on the effective performance of structures within a given community are listed and prioritised.
  • Examples of action plans and processes that can effectively impact on the strengthening of community development structures are explained.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • The most appropriate tools are used to monitor the performance of community development interventions in a given community.
  • All required information is captured accurately on the appropriate monitoring tool.
  • The findings of the various monitoring exercises are explained.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Communication strategies to mobilise appropriate volunteers for different initiatives are identified.
  • The legal frameworks that apply to the various types of volunteers are described according to the framework guidelines provided for in the various operational policies.
  • Examples of the kinds of risks and issues that can be experienced when working with volunteers are identified and explained.
  • A training programme for volunteers is implemented.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated formative assessment:
    The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

    Integrated summative assessment:
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    A comparative exercise was conducted regarding the content and structure of the Occupational Certificate with equivalent qualifications from two countries. The comparison showed that two countries do have education, training and development organisations that offer learning interventions in the field of community development. These countries were Australia and Canada.

    Training Qualifications referred to in this international comparability were:
    Institution: Chisholm Institute (TAFE Qualification) in Australia.
    Qualification Title: Diploma of Community Development. Although the title states a Diploma, but this level is similar to South Africa's NQF Level 5.

    Core Topics Covered:
  • Undertake systems advocacy.
  • Develop and implement a community development strategy.
  • Develop and implement community programmes.
  • Develop community resources.
  • Support community action.
  • Support community leadership.
  • Develop, implement and promote effective communication techniques.
  • Respond holistically to client issues.
  • Meet statutory and organisational information requirements.
  • Develop new networks.
  • Work with other services.
  • Implement and monitor OHS policies and procedures.
  • Undertake research activities.
  • Develop and implement policies.
  • Manage research activities.

    Elective Topics Covered:
  • Provide advocacy and representation.
  • Undertake administrative work.
  • Facilitate the development of community capacity to manage place.
  • Establish and maintain community, government and business partnerships.
  • Provide community education projects.
  • Identify and respond to children and young people at risk of harm.
  • Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers.
  • Assess and deliver services to clients with complex needs.
  • Recruit and co-ordinate volunteers.
  • Provide mentoring support to colleagues.
  • Devise and conduct community consultation.
  • Manage volunteers.
  • Work autonomously.

    Canada:
    Institution: Davis Campus in Ontario Course Code: PCWOD
    Qualification Title: Vancouver Island University Diploma (Community Development).
    This diploma provides learners with the essential skills necessary to empower others within their local and/or international community to work for social justice by facilitating and influencing meaningful and sustainable change in working for social justice through grassroots involvement and participatory planning.

    Topics Covered:
  • Facilitating and influencing meaningful and sustainable change.
  • Community economic development.
  • Community education.
  • Advocacy and conflict mediation.
  • Health promotion.
  • Partnership and coalition building.
  • Fundraising.
  • Volunteer management.
  • Applied research.

    Conclusion:
    The Occupational Certificate: Community Worker (Community Development Practitioner) compares favourably with the international qualifications reviewed. The Diploma of Community Development offered by Chisholm Institute, is very compatible with the Occupational Certificate: Community Worker (Community Development Practitioner). As far as content is concerned there are significant overlaps. It also caters for the supervision and management of volunteers and it covers a large chunk of the skills as set out in the Occupational Certificate. Also the qualification cited from Canada shares a high Degree of comparability with the Occupational Certificate: Community Worker (Community Development Practitioner). However the theoretical modules do not cover the in-depth inputs that are present in the Occupational Certificate. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal articulation could be possible to:
  • National Certificate: Community Development: Integrated Development Planning, at NQF 5; SAQA ID 83392.

    Vertical articulation could be possible to:
  • Diploma Local Government, at NQF Level 6, SAQA ID 35956. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.