Social & Community Services
Community Development Practitioner
You build projects that lift whole communities, skills, jobs, food, housing.
- Starting salary
- R12 000 – R22 000
- Job demand
- Steady demand
- Key subjects
- English, Business Studies
What do they do?
You build projects that lift whole communities, skills, jobs, food, housing.
A day in the life
You run community meetings, write funding proposals, manage projects and report to donors.
Skills you need
- Facilitation
- Project management
- Writing
- Local knowledge
School subjects that help
- English
- Business Studies
- Geography
- Life Orientation
How long does it take?
3 main steps after school, usually 1–3 years of study, or longer at university.
Study path
- 1High school
- 2Development studies qualification
- 3Project officer
- 4Programme manager
Ways in: University degree · University of Technology · TVET College · Work-based training. University is not the only route.
Where can I study?
- University of South Africa
- University of the Western Cape
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
- University of Venda
- Walter Sisulu University
- TVET Colleges nationwide
Admission requirements differ by institution, always check the official website.
What can I earn?
Entry level
R12 000 – R22 000
per month (estimate)
Mid career
R25 000 – R45 000
per month (estimate)
Experienced / senior
R50 000 – R90 000+
per month (estimate)
Estimated salary ranges only. Salaries vary based on experience, qualification, industry, location and employer.
How to start preparing now
- • Start a small community project
- • Learn to write a proposal
- • Attend community meetings
Try this career
Identify one need in your community and write a one-page project proposal.
Related careers
Like this field but not sure about this exact job? Try these.
This tool is designed to help you explore career possibilities. It does not replace professional career counselling, school guidance or official university admission requirements.