DISTRICT DIRECTOR REF NO: 338 District Office: Cape Winelands Education District Office

This senior leadership position within the Western Cape Education Department places the District Director at the helm of the Cape Winelands Education District Office, based in Worcester. The role is a demanding, strategic management post responsible for the overall effectiveness and efficiency of all public ordinary and public special schools within the district’s circuits. The incumbent will be the driving force behind delivering quality education, ensuring that schools are well-governed, properly managed, and that curriculum implementation is faithful to national and provincial mandates. This is an SMS-level role, graded at Level 13, and is structured as an all-inclusive package that includes a basic salary and the employer’s pension fund contribution, with the flexibility to tailor the remainder of the package to personal needs.

Candidates must possess an undergraduate qualification at NQF level 7, recognised by SAQA, alongside at least five years of experience at middle or senior management level. A valid driver’s licence is essential, as is the successful completion of the Certificate for entry into Senior Management Service (SMS). The role demands extensive knowledge of the education environment, applicable policies and procedures, management principles, public service procedures, people management, employee relations, financial management, and project management. Strong skills in policy interpretation, problem-solving, budgeting, communication, facilitation, report writing, presentation, and strategic thinking are non-negotiable. Core competencies include strategic capability and leadership, people management and empowerment, programme and project management, financial management, change management, knowledge management, service delivery, innovation, client orientation, and customer focus.

The duties are broad and encompass the full spectrum of district operations. The Director will oversee the management and governance of public ordinary and special schools, promote leadership among principals, and support staff management. This includes ensuring curriculum delivery, providing learner support services such as inclusive and specialised education, and managing district business planning, information management, and intergovernmental relations. The role also involves developmental support to schools and hostels, monitoring sound administration and financial management, infrastructure planning, learner transport, the National School Nutrition Programme, school safety, and occupational health and safety. People management is a key focus, including workplace skills development, performance management systems, health and wellness programmes, and the placement of interns. The Director will also oversee curriculum support, advising schools on policies, monitoring and evaluating implementation, managing assessments and examinations, and promoting ICT and library services. Learner support extends to specialised programmes including psychological, social work, HIV/AIDS, career guidance, remedial and therapeutic services. Corporate services oversight covers financial and supply chain management, asset management, compliance monitoring, pre-forensic investigations, budget evaluation, and logistical support. Finally, the Director is responsible for strategic management, continually defining and reviewing the district’s purpose and objectives.

This is a high-impact position requiring a seasoned leader with a deep understanding of the education sector and public service. The post is subject to the usual SMS pre-entry certificate requirements, and the successful candidate will be expected to uphold the department’s commitment to quality education and sound governance across the Cape Winelands district.