Director: Projects Implementation and Institutional Support (PIIS)
Official Role Overview
- Reference Number: 15/2026 (MLED)
- Location: Pietermaritzburg
- Employment Type: Full-Time | Permanent
- Job Type: Public Service | Senior Management | Local Economic Development
- Chief Directorate: Municipal Local Economic Development Support
- Directorate: Projects Implementation and Institutional Support (PIIS)
Salary and Benefits
- Director: Projects Implementation and Institutional Support (PIIS): R1 266 714 per annum (Level 13)
- This position offers an all-inclusive remuneration package, structured in accordance with the Senior Management Service (SMS) remuneration framework.
Additional Benefits
- Membership of the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF).
- Competitive annual, sick, and family responsibility leave.
- Optional participation in government-subsidised medical aid schemes.
- Executive leadership and management development programmes.
- Continuous professional development opportunities.
- Career advancement within the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government.
The Employer
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) plays a leading role in strengthening municipalities, supporting traditional institutions, and promoting sustainable socio-economic development across the province. Through its Municipal Local Economic Development Support Chief Directorate, the department works with municipalities, traditional leadership, government departments, and the private sector to stimulate inclusive economic growth and improve livelihoods.
The Directorate: Projects Implementation and Institutional Support is responsible for coordinating Local Economic Development (LED) programmes, strengthening municipal institutional capacity, and ensuring the successful implementation of economic development initiatives across KwaZulu-Natal.
Purpose of the Role
The Director: Projects Implementation and Institutional Support provides strategic leadership in planning, coordinating, implementing, and monitoring Local Economic Development (LED) programmes across municipalities and traditional communities. The successful candidate will oversee institutional capacity building, manage LED funding, develop economic development policies, and strengthen partnerships across all spheres of government to support sustainable local economic growth.
This senior management role contributes directly to improving municipal economic resilience, promoting investment, creating opportunities for communities, and advancing provincial development objectives.
Key Performance Areas (KPAs)
1. Local Economic Development Project Implementation
- Lead and coordinate the implementation of Local Economic Development (LED) projects by working closely with municipalities, traditional institutions, government departments, and development partners to promote sustainable economic growth.
2. Institutional Capacity Building
- Develop and strengthen institutional capacity within municipalities to improve the planning, implementation, and management of Local Economic Development initiatives.
3. Monitoring and Evaluation
- Manage the monitoring, assessment, and reporting of Local Economic Development programmes to ensure projects achieve their intended outcomes and comply with government objectives.
4. Local Economic Development Funding
- Oversee the management of LED funding by ensuring financial resources are administered in accordance with applicable legislation, funding agreements, and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs).
5. Policy and Strategy Development
- Lead the development, implementation, review, and continuous improvement of Local Economic Development policies, strategies, and frameworks that support sustainable municipal and provincial economic development.
6. Directorate Leadership
- Provide strategic leadership for the Directorate by managing financial, human, and operational resources while promoting effective governance, organisational performance, and continuous employee development.
Minimum Requirements
Educational and Professional Requirements
- A Bachelor’s Degree or NQF Level 7 qualification recognised by SAQA.
- Developmental Studies.
- Planning.
- Local Economic Development.
- An equivalent qualification.
- A valid SMS Pre-entry Certificate (Nyukela) offered by the National School of Government (NSG). The certificate must be submitted before appointment.
- A valid Code B driver’s licence.
Experience
- A minimum of five (5) years’ experience at middle or senior management level within a Local Economic Development environment.
- Knowledge and Legislative Framework
- Local Government legislation.
- Local Government Strategic Agenda.
- Provincial Spatial Economic Development Strategy.
- Local Economic Development principles.
- Financial management.
- Research and policy development.
- Integrated Development Planning (IDP).
- Local Economic Development policy formulation, implementation, and review.
- Coordination of economic development policies across government.
- Linkages between Local Government, the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS), and Integrated Development Plans (IDPs).
- Programme and project management.
Professional Skills and Competencies
- Strategic leadership and management.
- Programme and project management expertise.
- Planning and organisational skills.
- Team development and leadership.
- Financial management.
- Decision-making and analytical thinking.
- Problem-solving and innovation.
- Change management.
- Client orientation and customer focus.
- Relationship and stakeholder management.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Computer literacy in Microsoft Office.
The successful candidate should also demonstrate the ability to engage effectively with:
- Municipalities.
- Traditional institutions.
- Private sector organisations.
- Government departments.
- Senior management.
- Community stakeholders.
Why Join the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs?
Joining the department provides an opportunity to shape local economic development across KwaZulu-Natal while supporting municipalities and communities in achieving sustainable growth.
Employees benefit from:
- Leadership opportunities within provincial government.
- Meaningful involvement in provincial economic development programmes.
- Collaboration with municipalities, traditional leaders, and development partners.
- Opportunities to influence Local Economic Development policy.
- Continuous executive leadership development.
- The opportunity to improve livelihoods and stimulate inclusive economic growth across the province.
How to Apply
Required Documents
- A fully completed New Z83 Application Form.
A comprehensive and up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV). - Please note: Certified copies of qualifications and supporting documents will only be requested from shortlisted candidates.
Application Submission
Postal Applications
The Chief Director: Human Resource Management & Development
Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Private Bag X9078
Pietermaritzburg
3200
Hand Delivery
The Chief Registry Clerk
2nd Floor, South Tower
Natalia Building
330 Langalibalele Street
Pietermaritzburg
Online Applications
Applications may also be submitted via the eRecruitment System on the official South African Government eServices portal.
For Attention: Ms E. Perumal
Enquiries: Mr K. Walaza
Telephone: (033) 897 5698
Closing Date: 06 November 2026
Final Thoughts: Driving Local Economic Growth Through Strategic Leadership
The Director: Projects Implementation and Institutional Support plays a vital role in strengthening Local Economic Development across KwaZulu-Natal. By leading strategic projects, building municipal capacity, managing development funding, and fostering partnerships between government, traditional institutions, and the private sector, the successful candidate will contribute to sustainable economic growth and improved opportunities for communities. This position offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced development professional to influence provincial economic transformation while supporting resilient local government.
Important Application Notes
- Quote Reference Number: 15/2026 (MLED) on your application.
- Applications must be submitted using the new Z83 Application Form.
- Only a comprehensive CV should accompany the application.
- Late, incomplete, faxed, or registered mail applications will not be accepted.
- Shortlisted candidates will undergo:
- Technical assessments.
- Ethics (integrity) assessments.
- Competency-based managerial assessments.
- Security clearance.
- Citizenship verification.
- Qualification verification.
- Criminal record checks.
- Credit record checks.
- Previous employment verification.
- Applicants who do not receive feedback within three months after the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.
- The department is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and encourages applications from all designated groups, including persons with disabilities.
Career Resources & Related Links
- South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
- National School of Government (NSG)
- Department of Cooperative Governance
- Integrated Development Planning
- Provincial Growth and Development Strategy
- Local Economic Development
Career Spotlight: Empowering Communities Through Local Economic Development
Local Economic Development (LED) is a key driver of sustainable growth, job creation, and poverty reduction within municipalities. As Director: Projects Implementation and Institutional Support, you will lead initiatives that strengthen municipal capacity, coordinate development projects, and build strategic partnerships that stimulate local economies. By aligning LED programmes with provincial and municipal development priorities, you will help create opportunities for businesses, improve livelihoods, and support inclusive economic transformation across KwaZulu-Natal. This role is ideal for experienced development professionals who are passionate about creating lasting social and economic impact through effective public sector leadership.
Director in Traditional Institutional Support
Official Role Overview
- Reference Number: 23/2026 (TIS)
- Location: Pietermaritzburg
- Employment Type: Full-Time | Permanent
- Job Type: Public Service | Senior Management | Traditional Affairs
- Chief Directorate: Traditional Resource Administration
- Directorate: Traditional Institutional Support
Salary and Benefits
- Director: Traditional Institutional Support: R1 266 714 per annum (Level 13)
- This position offers an all-inclusive remuneration package, structured in accordance with the Senior Management Service (SMS) remuneration framework.
Additional Benefits
- Membership of the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF).
- Competitive annual, sick, and family responsibility leave.
- Optional participation in government-subsidised medical aid schemes.
- Executive leadership and management development programmes.
- Continuous professional development opportunities.
- Career advancement within the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government.
The Employer
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) plays a central role in strengthening local governance, supporting municipalities, and promoting effective traditional leadership institutions throughout the province. Through the Chief Directorate: Traditional Resource Administration, the department provides administrative, financial, and institutional support to Traditional Councils and Local Houses, ensuring they function efficiently and in accordance with legislative and governance requirements.
The Directorate: Traditional Institutional Support is responsible for enhancing governance systems, improving financial administration, and supporting the effective operation of traditional institutions across KwaZulu-Natal.
Purpose of the Role
The Director: Traditional Institutional Support provides strategic leadership in strengthening the governance, administration, and financial management of Traditional Councils and Local Houses. The successful candidate will oversee financial planning, institutional support systems, policy implementation, and resource management to ensure traditional institutions operate efficiently, transparently, and in compliance with applicable legislation.
This senior management position contributes to preserving traditional governance structures while promoting accountability, effective administration, and sustainable community leadership.
Key Performance Areas (KPAs)
1. Financial Planning and Budget Management
- Manage and coordinate the financial planning, budgeting, expenditure control, and financial oversight of Traditional Councils and Local Houses to ensure responsible use of public resources.
2. Traditional House Administration
- Develop, strengthen, and monitor effective administrative systems that support the efficient functioning of Local Houses and enhance governance within traditional leadership institutions.
3. Traditional Council Support
- Ensure Traditional Councils receive comprehensive institutional support through the implementation of effective governance systems, operational frameworks, and administrative processes.
4. Financial Administration Services
- Provide integrated financial administration services to traditional institutions by strengthening financial controls, improving compliance, and ensuring adherence to relevant financial management legislation and prescripts.
5. Directorate Leadership
- Lead and manage the Directorate by providing strategic direction, managing financial and human resources, promoting sound governance, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and service excellence.
Minimum Requirements
Educational and Professional Requirements
- A Bachelor’s Degree or NQF Level 7 qualification recognised by SAQA or an equivalent relevant qualification.
- A valid SMS Pre-entry Certificate (Nyukela) offered by the National School of Government (NSG). The certificate must be submitted before appointment.
- A valid Code B driver’s licence.
Experience
- A minimum of five (5) years’ experience at middle or senior management level.
- Knowledge and Legislative Framework
- Financial management.
- Public sector legislation and policies.
- Programme management.
- Integrated service delivery approaches.
- Traditional institutions and governance structures.
- Financial management prescripts governing Traditional Councils.
- Public sector regulatory frameworks.
- Community development principles.
Professional Skills and Competencies
- Strategic leadership and management.
- Financial management expertise.
- Planning and organisational skills.
- Team development and leadership.
- Decision-making and analytical thinking.
- Presentation and facilitation skills.
- Community development knowledge.
- Networking and stakeholder engagement.
- Organising and controlling abilities.
- Research and analytical skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Computer literacy in Microsoft Office.
- Departmental employees.
- Government departments.
- Municipalities.
- Traditional institutions.
- Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
- Private sector organisations.
Why Join the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs?
Joining the department provides an opportunity to strengthen traditional governance while supporting the effective administration of institutions that play a vital role in community leadership and development.
- Leadership opportunities within provincial government.
- Meaningful engagement with traditional governance structures.
- Opportunities to strengthen institutional governance and financial management.
- A collaborative environment focused on community development and public service.
- Continuous executive leadership development.
- The opportunity to preserve and strengthen traditional leadership institutions across KwaZulu-Natal.
How to Apply
Required Documents
- A fully completed New Z83 Application Form.
- A comprehensive and up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Please note: Certified copies of qualifications and supporting documents will only be requested from shortlisted candidates.
Application Submission
Postal Applications
The Chief Director: Human Resource Management & Development
Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Private Bag X9078
Pietermaritzburg
3200
Hand Delivery
The Chief Registry Clerk
2nd Floor, South Tower
Natalia Building
330 Langalibalele Street
Pietermaritzburg
Online Applications
Applications may also be submitted via the eRecruitment System on the official South African Government eServices portal.
- For Attention: Ms E. Perumal
- Enquiries: Ms P. Mtshali
- Telephone: (033) 897 3830
Closing Date: 06 October 2026
Final Thoughts: Supporting Strong Traditional Institutions
The Director: Traditional Institutional Support is a strategic leadership role dedicated to strengthening the governance, financial administration, and operational effectiveness of Traditional Councils and Local Houses throughout KwaZulu-Natal. By ensuring sound financial management, effective institutional systems, and strong administrative support, the successful candidate will contribute to preserving traditional leadership while promoting accountability and sustainable community development. This position offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced public sector leader to make a lasting impact within the province’s traditional governance landscape.
Important Application Notes
- Quote Reference Number: 23/2026 (TIS) on your application.
- Applications must be submitted using the new Z83 Application Form.
- Only a comprehensive CV should accompany the application.
- Late, incomplete, faxed, or registered mail applications will not be accepted.
- Shortlisted candidates will undergo:
- Technical assessments.
- Ethics (integrity) assessments.
- Competency-based managerial assessments.
- Security clearance.
- Citizenship verification.
- Qualification verification.
- Criminal record checks.
- Credit record checks.
- Previous employment verification.
- Applicants who do not receive feedback within three months after the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.
- The department is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and encourages applications from all designated groups, including persons with disabilities.
Career Resources & Related Links
- South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
- National School of Government (NSG)
- Department of Cooperative Governance
- Department of Traditional Affairs
- Traditional Councils
- Public Service Act
Career Spotlight: Strengthening Traditional Governance Through Institutional Support
Traditional institutions remain an essential part of South Africa’s governance system, serving as custodians of cultural heritage and community leadership. As Director: Traditional Institutional Support, you will provide strategic oversight that strengthens the administration, financial management, and governance of Traditional Councils and Local Houses. By improving institutional systems, supporting financial accountability, and fostering collaboration between government and traditional leaders, you will help ensure these institutions continue to serve communities effectively. This role offers an excellent opportunity for experienced public sector leaders who are passionate about preserving traditional governance while promoting transparency, good administration, and sustainable community development.