University of the Western Cape
A sample survey: describing community development practitioners training in provincial districts in South Africa
Abstract
dc:description.abstractCommunity development is a multidisciplinary approach aimed at addressing socio-economic disparities and fostering transformative change in communities. The practice of community development is guided by core values and principles and requires specialised knowledge, skills, and attributes for professionalisation. In South Africa, the Department of Social Development (DSD) has implemented a standardised training programme for Community Development Practitioners (CDPs) to ensure quality in practice. However, gaps persist in training effectiveness and alignment with practical needs. This study examined the impact of the DSD CDP training programme on practice performance, focusing on its alignment with internationally and nationally recognised norms and its capacity to equip practitioners with the practical skills necessary for impactful community development. Grounded in theoretical frameworks, including the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach, the Capability Approach (CA), and the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach (SLA). This study utilised these perspectives as a conceptual lens for assessing the effectiveness of the training programme. A sample survey design was deployed, using purposeful sampling to select 125 CDPs across all nine South African provinces, capturing diverse perspectives. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics alongside a developed Data Integration Matrix (DIM) to assess the alignment of the CDP training programme with international and national community development practice standards.
Degree
thesis:*- Grantor dc:publisher.institution
- University of the Western Cape
- Year dc:date.issued
- 2024
Author and committee
dc:creator, dc:contributor.*- Author dc:creator
-
- Mpontseng, Constance Kumeke