Community Development Worker – KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Job Details
- Department: KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA)
- Position: Community Development Worker
- Location: uMkhanyakude District, KwaZulu-Natal
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Job Level: 06
- Salary: R280,278 per annum
- Number of Posts: 1
- Reference Number: KZNPG/20260929/4696
- Advert Reference: 22/1/3/6/3/53/2026 (CDW)
- Minimum Education: Grade 12 / Senior Certificate
- Experience Required: None
- Closing Date: 16 October 2026
- Vacancy Type: Internal and External
Job Overview
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) is inviting applications for a permanent Community Development Worker position based in the uMkhanyakude District. This opportunity is suitable for candidates who have completed Grade 12 and are interested in helping communities access government services and communicate their needs to the relevant authorities.
The purpose of the position is to strengthen communication between communities and government at national, provincial, and local levels. The successful candidate will help residents understand the services available to them, identify community needs, and connect with the appropriate government departments and structures for assistance.
This role is particularly important in supporting improved service delivery and encouraging community participation in local governance. The Community Development Worker will gather information about community needs, coordinate this information with relevant government structures, maintain records of services provided, and work with existing community organisations and other stakeholders.
No previous relevant work experience is required, making this an opportunity for Grade 12 graduates interested in community development and public service. However, a qualification in Community Development Work will be an added advantage. Experience gained through volunteering in community development projects or related activities will also be beneficial.
The successful applicant should have good communication and interpersonal skills, basic report-writing ability, computer literacy, and an understanding of government services and municipal structures.
Key Responsibilities
1. Identify and Communicate Community Needs
The Community Development Worker will engage with communities to understand the challenges residents face and help ensure that their concerns reach the appropriate government structures.
Responsibilities include:
- Identifying and determining the needs of local communities.
- Communicating community needs to relevant government departments and structures.
- Coordinating identified needs with the appropriate authorities.
- Helping communities understand available government services and how to access them.
- Supporting communication between residents and government at national, provincial, and local levels.
2. Improve Access to Government Services
The successful candidate will assist residents in accessing government services and understanding the processes involved.
Duties include:
- Informing communities about services provided by government structures.
- Assisting residents with information on how to access available services.
- Helping connect community members with relevant departments and service providers.
- Supporting efforts to bring government services closer to the people.
- Contributing to improved communication and service delivery within the district.
3. Collect Information and Maintain Records
Accurate information and record-keeping will be essential to the position.
Responsibilities include:
- Coordinating the collection of information about community needs and government services.
- Keeping records of services rendered by government.
- Recording the processes and mechanisms through which communities access services.
- Compiling relevant information for reporting and coordination purposes.
- Supporting the flow of information between communities and government structures.
4. Support Community Networks and Local Governance
The Community Development Worker will work with existing local structures and stakeholders to strengthen community participation.
This includes:
- Promoting networks that support community development.
- Supporting existing local governance structures.
- Working with community-based workers, non-governmental organisations, and other stakeholders.
- Encouraging cooperation between communities and relevant service providers.
- Contributing to initiatives aimed at improving service delivery.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Grade 12 / Senior Certificate.
- An interest in community development and public service.
- The ability to communicate effectively with community members and government stakeholders.
No relevant work experience is required.
The following will be advantageous:
- A qualification in Community Development Work.
- Experience participating in community development projects.
- Volunteering experience in community initiatives or related activities.
Essential Knowledge and Skills
Candidates should demonstrate knowledge or skills in the following areas:
- Community development principles and practices.
- Municipal structures and local governance.
- Government services and service-delivery processes.
- Report writing and information management.
- Communication and interpersonal relations.
- Computer literacy.
- Coordination, organisation, and stakeholder engagement.
Salary and Employment Conditions
The position offers a salary of R280,278 per annum and is a permanent appointment at Job Level 06. Only one vacancy is available in the uMkhanyakude District.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Preference may be given to suitably qualified candidates from designated groups in accordance with the Employment Equity Act and the department’s employment equity targets.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply through the official KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government e-Recruitment system. Applicants must upload their CV and clearly indicate the position name and reference number.
Certified supporting documents do not need to accompany the initial application for departmental posts; these will be requested from shortlisted candidates. Ensure that your application meets the stated requirements and is submitted before the deadline.
Only candidates who meet the requirements will be considered. If you do not receive feedback within two months after the closing date, you should regard your application as unsuccessful.
Closing date: 16 October 2026.
Skhumbuzo Shandu is the founder of Careers With Shandu, a platform dedicated to helping South Africans access job opportunities, learnerships, and career development resources.
He focuses on sharing clear, practical, and up-to-date information to help matriculants, graduates, and job seekers navigate applications and build their careers.
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