Perceptions of the Community Development Workers on Community Development Workers' training programme. The case of the Mahikeng Local Municipality, North West Province

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the perceptions of CDWs regarding the workers’ training programme with respect to its content, effectiveness, challenges and output. Data was collected through interviews among CDWs supervisor, human resources and development department official and a trainer. The CDWs participated in focus groups discussions and interviews and data was analysed thematically. Key findings suggest that workers acquired relevant skills which assist them to perform their work effectively. There are formal recruitment processes that were followed in recruiting CDWs. The CDW programme lacked infrastructure and resources. Findings of this study also indicated that the training programme has functioned fairly well. Based on the study findings, recommendations relate to the need to offer CDWs training courses that are accredited, improvement of the consultation processes between management and CDWs in the development of training programmes, augmenting management support by resolving challenges identified by CDWs and enhancing the current monitoring systems to ensure that CDWs implement what was covered during training as well as offering training courses guided by needs of the CDWs.