Director: Public Participation (LG 17/2026)

Job Purpose

The Western Cape Government is looking to employ adynamic,high performing individual to manage public participation and communication in municipalities.

Minimum Requirements

• A B-degree (NQF 7), as recognised by SAQA;
• 5 years’ middle and/ or senior management experience.

Recommendation

None

Key Performance Areas

• Line Management

• promote public participation through providing guidance and assistance with regards to the institutionalisation and functionality of municipal ward committees;

• promote meaningful involvement in the affairs of local government with reference to the effectiveness and functionality of a ward committee;

• ensure proper management and oversight of the Community Works Programme in the Province;

• provide guidance and assistance to the department and municipalities regarding the institutionalisation of human rights;

• support with communication initiatives in municipalities;

• Strategic Management (including change management);

• People Management;

• Financial Management

Competencies

• Strategic Management;
• Change management;
• Programme and Project Management;
• People Management;
• Financial Management.

Remuneration

All-inclusive salary package of R 1 317 384.00 per annum (Level 13). Note: The remuneration package consists of a basic salary (70%) and the employer’s contribution to the Pension Fund. The remainder of the package may be structured according to your personal needs.

Notes

1. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

2. Kindly note that technical support is only available from Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 16:00. Should you experience any difficulties with your online application you may contact the helpline on 0861 370 214.

3. Please ensure that you submit your application on or before the closing date as no late applications will be considered. The selection process will be guided by the EE targets of the employing department. By applying for this post, you are consenting to the Western Cape Government contacting your previous employers/managers for an employment reference. Reference checks will include enquiries relating to your disciplinary records and reasons for leaving.

4. All shortlisted candidates must make themselves available to be interviewed at a date, time and place as decided by the selection panel.

5. All shortlisted candidates for SMS posts will be subjected to a technical exercise that intends to assess relevant functional elements of the job and an interview. Following the technical exercise and interview, a maximum of three (3) SMS candidates will undergo psychometric assessments to assess cognitive capabilities, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence, and integrity.

6. The successful candidate will be required to complete the Senior Management Pre-Entry Programme (Nyukela) and submit the certificate before he/she can be appointed to this post. The purpose of the Senior Management Pre-Entry Programme, which is a public service specific training programme applicable to all applicants who aspire to join the SMS, is to ensure that potential SMS members have a background in processes and procedures linked to the SMS. The duration of the online Pre-Entry Programme is 120 notional hours (15 days). Full details may be sourced by the following link: https://www.thensg.gov.za/training-course/sms-pre-entry-programme/

7. The successful candidate shall be subjected to a leadership assessment, within one (1) month of appointment, to assess the managerial competencies required for SMS members in the Public Service as specified under Chapter Five (5) of the SMS handbook. This assessment shall be conducted to determine an individual’s ability to lead, manage, and direct others and to identify developmental gaps in core generic leadership and management competencies.

8. The successful candidate will be required to enter into an employment contract and a performance agreement.

9. The successful candidate will be subject to security vetting; and the candidate will have to disclose her/his financial interests.

10. Furthermore, thanks to the huge public interest, we receive many applications for our posts, and as such will not be able to respond personally to all applications. Therefore, should you not hear from us within 10 weeks from close of the advert please consider your application unsuccessful.

Attachments (if applicable)