Higher Certificate in Local Government Management

Purpose

The Higher Certificate in Local Government Management aims to equip learners with discipline-specific skills in the local government sector, especially in areas such as human resource development, service delivery, ethics, finance management, and decision-making.

The qualification provides learners with foundational competence that will enable them to pursue personal intellectual growth, more meaningful employment opportunities such as entry-level local government management positions, and a capacity to make a positive contribution to society within the local government service delivery. environment

The qualification will expose learners to critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making through conceptual knowledge acquisition and practical application of the subject matter.

In addition, the qualification enables learners to integrate theory and practice and become adaptable by developing an understanding of the nature of local government middle managerial work. The qualification also includes policy processes to enable learners to appreciate and apply a wide range of policy issues relevant to the workplace and the environment.

Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to

• Assess local government management-related information pertaining to policy issues.
• Apply local government policy theories to rules and concepts within local government contexts.
• Demonstrate understanding of the political, social, and economic environments in which local government management is practised.
• Communicate local government management-related issues effectively.
• Display knowledge of workforce planning, implementation, and maintenance particularly relating to local government sector and human resource development issues.
• Communicate with all stakeholders by demonstrating the collaboration of communities and the local government in achieving quantifiable service delivery.
• Promote ethical and professional leadership standards in the local government work environment from a governance perspective.
• Facilitate accountability to a local government finance system.

Rationale

The Higher Certificate in Local Government Management is offered to meet the continued demand for an entry-level local government qualification that focuses on local government. It aims to provide the appropriate foundational knowledge to enable persons to function effectively at a middle management level in the local government context.

It also enables learners to articulate into the Bachelor of Public Administration undergraduate degree.

Building the capacity of local government servants to provide constructive service delivery is one of the key tools for the successful implementation of the government's strategic priorities and programme of action. According to South African's needs, an efficient, capable, and value-based local government administration.

This qualification equips learners with theoretical competencies in various aspects of local government management, such as policy processes, human resource development, local government service delivery, ethics, and financial management. The qualification also aims to give learners a conceptual understanding of the quality and quantity of local government service delivery and the service management issues and staff development in the local government sector.

This qualification is designed to develop the skills and knowledge of individuals who aspire to play a role in local government that enhances, diversifies, and strengthens the management base for innovation and proficiency-based service delivery activities in the local government environment.

The qualification covers areas of managerial expertise, such as the principles and theories of middle management practice, local government management, human resource management, governance and leadership, and financial accountability.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify.

RPL for access

• Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
• To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations.

RPL for exemption of modules

• Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

RPL for credit

• Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
• Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies.

Or

• National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, totalling 120 Credits.

• Policy Processes, 20 Credits.
• Local Government Management, 20 Credits.
• Human Resource Management, 20 Credits.
• Local Government Service Delivery, 20 Credits.
• Governance and Leadership, 20 Credits.
• Financial Accountability, 20 Credits.

1. Apply policy theories and processes to address local government issues and challenges.
2. Analyse the political, social, and economic environments in which local government management is practiced and assess their implications for local government service delivery.
3. Manage human resources effectively and ethically in the local government sector by applying relevant theories, principles and practices of workforce planning, implementation and maintenance.
4. Demonstrate the skills (such as communication, consultation, collaboration, and problem-solving) and knowledge required for effective local government service delivery.
5. Promote ethical leadership in the local government sector work environment by applying governance principles and frameworks.
6. Facilitate financial accountability in the local government sphere by applying finance concepts, systems, and regulations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1.

• Explain the main concepts, terms, and processes of local government policy processes and their relevance to the local government context.
• Analyse the factors and actors that influence local government policy agenda setting, design, implementation and evaluation.
• Apply policy theories and frameworks to address local government issues and challenges and propose evidence-based solutions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2.

• Describe the roles and responsibilities of different levels of government and municipalities in local government management and service delivery are described.
• Assess the performance and accountability of local government managers, councillors, and officials in relation to policy implementation and service delivery standards.
• Illustrate the skills and knowledge required for effective local government management, such as research, planning, coordination, communication, and evaluation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3.

• Manage human resources effectively and ethically in the local government sector by applying relevant theories, principles and practices of workforce planning, implementation, and maintenance.
• Explain and apply the main concepts, principles, and practices of human resource development in the local government sector.
• Implement human resource planning and development qualifications for local government staff in relation to recruitment, selection, appointment, orientation, motivation, career and performance management, and talent and retention management.
• Assess the effectiveness and impact of human resource development strategies and interventions in relation to employee wellness, employment equity, affirmative action, and compensation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4.

• Describe and analyse the role and responsibilities of institutions and municipal organisations in providing sustainable services to communities in accordance with the relevant legislation and policies.
• Assess the skills and knowledge required for effective community engagement and service delivery, such as communication, consultation, collaboration, problem-solving, and quality and quantity assessment.
• Analyse the processes and challenges of financing municipal services in relation to local government deliverables and accountability.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5.

• Explain and apply the main concepts, theories, and frameworks of governance and leadership in the local government context.
• Analyse ethical value systems, codes of conduct, and ubuntu philosophy to enhance local professionalism, social responsibility, and service delivery.
• Propose the causes and consequences of unethical behaviour in the local government sector and identify solutions to improve integrity and accountability.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6.

• Explain the legislative framework that governs local government finance methods, particularly in relation to revenue, expenditure, assets, and liabilities.
• Apply and assess financial administration techniques to manage municipal planning and budgeting, revenue, cash and expenditure management, procurement, asset management, reporting, and oversight.
• Critically analyse the powers, roles and functions of other relevant people and structures in ensuring financial governance in the local government.