DEPUTY DIRECTOR: SOCIAL CRIME PREVENTION

The Deputy Director: Social Crime Prevention position sits within the Provincial Secretariat of the Department of Community Safety, based in the Central Corridor, and plays a strategic role in shaping and driving the province’s social crime prevention agenda. This is a senior management role focused on translating policy and strategy into coordinated, measurable programmes that address the root causes of crime and improve community safety. The incumbent will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of several key strategic frameworks, including the Social Crime Prevention strategy, the school safety initiative, the Violence Against Women and Children (VAWAC) strategy, and the Youth Safety Strategy. The role requires someone who can work across multiple stakeholders and ensure that these interventions are not only rolled out consistently but also monitored and evaluated for real impact, particularly in areas such as youth safety, school safety, VAWAC, and substance abuse prevention.

To be considered, candidates need a Matric certificate plus a recognised bachelor’s degree at NQF level 7, preferably in Social Sciences, Community Development, or Policing. This is coupled with at least three years of experience at entry-level management, typically at the Assistant Director level, working in social crime prevention programmes or in community development involving primary and secondary research. A valid code 08 or 10 driver’s licence and a clean criminal record, with no pending cases, are non-negotiable. The role demands a broad skill set including thorough knowledge of relevant legislation, Public Service regulations, departmental priorities, and an understanding of crime patterns and their causes. Strong competencies in planning, organising, leading a team, problem-solving, and innovative thinking are essential, as are excellent communication, report writing, public speaking, presentation, public relations, monitoring and evaluation, and event management skills. These capabilities are central to coordinating multi-faceted programmes and engaging with communities, schools, and partner organisations.

The core duties involve coordinating the implementation of the Social Crime Prevention strategy at provincial level, alongside the school safety, VAWAC, and youth safety strategies. The Deputy Director will be expected to monitor and evaluate the execution of these programmes, identify gaps, and adjust approaches to improve service delivery. The role also carries significant managerial responsibility, including providing effective leadership, managing human and financial resources, and ensuring that the directorate’s objectives are met within budget and in line with public service standards. This includes fostering a high-performing team and embedding a culture of accountability, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement.

Notably, the department has indicated that the appointment will be made according to corridor coordination and departmental needs, and it reserves the right not to fill the post. Shortlisted candidates will be expected to undergo pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity assessment, and successful appointees will be subject to personnel suitability checks covering vetting, criminal records, citizenship, credit records, qualifications, and employment history. The recruitment process encourages applications from youth, people with disabilities, and candidates from designated groups, with a confirmation of disability from a registered medical practitioner required where applicable. Applications must follow strict procedural requirements, including the use of the new Z83 form and a comprehensive CV, with certified copies of qualifications requested only for those shortlisted. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate. Given the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and those who do not hear within three months should consider their application unsuccessful.