Regional Director: Metro South, Ref No. DSD 45/2026

Job Purpose

The Department of Social Development, Western Cape Government (WCG) has an exciting employment opportunity for a suitable individual who would like to make adifference in the lives of the citizens by ensuring the implementation of social welfare and community development services within the regions. This post is stationed in Cape Town.

Minimum Requirements

An appropriate NQF 7 or higher qualification as recognised by SAQA; A minimum of 5 years relevant middle/senior management level experience; Successful completion of Certificate for entry into the SMS (Senior Management Service) prior to appointment is requirement. The nomonated candidate will be required to complete the Senior Management Pre-Entry Programme (Nyukela) before the the candidate can be appointed into this post. Please see notes below.

Recommendation

None.

Key Performance Areas

Line Management

Strategic management, advice and guidance in respect of the following functional areas:

• Families and Children Programmes
• Special Programmes
• Social Crime Prevention Programmes
• Support the service delivery unit (SDU) and service delivery partners with the implementation of programmes (children and families, and restorative services: Victim empowerment, crime Prevention and support, and substance abuse).
• District Business Planning, Information & Stakeholder Management
• Manage operational business planning and monitoring processes.
• Community Development Programmes
• Manage Corporate Services at Regional Level

Strategic Management (including Change Management

• Define and review on a continual basis the purpose, objectives, priorities and activities of the Directorate.
• Drive the Directorate’s strategic planning process.
• Drive the development and management of the strategic and business plans for the Directorate.
• Evaluate the performance of the Directorate on a continuing basis against pre-determined key measurable objectives and standards.
• Evaluate regional performance against predetermined objectives and standards and report to the HOD.
• Report to the Chief Director on a regular basis on the activities of the Directorate and on matters of substantial importance relating to operational managagement support.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with relevant legislation and prescripts in respect of adequate and appropriate record keeping of the activities of the Directorate, and of the resources (people, finances and assets) employed by it.
• Foster and promote a culture of innovation within the Directorate, and the Department.
• Diligently perform all duties assigned to the post of Director.

People Management

• Participate in the recruitment of employees in the numbers and grades appropriate to ensure the achievement of the Directorate’s Business Plan.
• Motivate, train and guide employees within the Directorate, to achieve and maintain excellence in service delivery.
• Actively manage the performance, evaluation and rewarding of employees within the Directorate.
• Monitor information capacity building within the Directorate.
• Ensure involvement in the compilation of a workforce plan, a service delivery improvement programme, and an information resources plan for the Directorate.
• Promote sound labour relations within the Directorate.
• Actively manage and promote the maintenance of discipline within the Directorate.

Financial Management

• Manage participation in the budgeting process at Directorate level.
• Ensure the preparation of the Annual and Adjustment Budgets for the Directorate.
• Assume direct accountability for the efficient, economic and effective control and management of the Directorate’s budget and expenditure.
• Assume direct accountability for ensuring that the correct tender and procurement procedures are adhered to in respect of purchases for the Directorate.
• Assume direct accountability for ensuring contracts are managed effectively and efficiently for the Directorate.
• Ensure that all spending is aligned with the strategic objectives of the Directorate and Department.
• Report to the Chief Director and relevant oversight role players/committees on all aspects of the Directorate’s finances.
• Assume overall accountability for the management, maintenance and safekeeping of the Directorate’s assets.
• Assume direct accountability for ensuring that appropriate risk management procedures are in place and adhered to for the Directorate.
• Ensure that full and proper records of the financial affairs of the Directorate are kept in accordance with any prescribed norms and standards.

Competencies

Extensive knowledge of applicablepolicies and procedures: Educational environment; Knowledge of the following: Applicable policies and procedures; Management principles; Core Competencies: Strategic Capability and leadership, People Management and Empowerment, Programme and Project Management, Financial Management and Change Management; Skills: Interpret and apply relevant policies and procedures; People Management planning; Problem solving; Sound Budgeting skills; Communication and facilitation skills; Strategic thinking and planning.

Remuneration

All inclusive salary package of R 1 317 384.00 per annum (Salary 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

Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

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.

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.

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

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.

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-preentryprogramme .

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.

The successful candidate will be required to enter into an employment contract and a performance ag