SayPro Buy LED – Local Economic Development Training Material 36436

Qualifying learners will have the required knowledge of and insight into the nature of LED and the role that Local Government plays in it. It lays the foundation for developing applied competence in Local Economic Development practice. The Qualification will help the learner with identifying the key values and frames of reference necessary for good governance of their own Local Economic Development by local communities.

This Qualification will mean that in future LED officers will have the necessary knowledge, skills and tools to operate professionally. It will also open a career path for LED officers who will have improved career opportunities as a result of their increased knowledge of LED and their ability to implement the policies and carry out the procedures required of people in their field of work.

The National Certificate in Local Economic Development: NQF Level 4 provides the learner with the building blocks for the learning required for the National Diploma in Local Economic Development: Level 5.

Rationale For The Qualification:

Local Economic Development is a process to secure greater local control over business enterprise, labour, capital and other resources. Local Economic Development strategy is based on the concept that economic activity can be used to improve the quality of life for all members of the community.

A Local Economic Development strategy should include economic aspects (growth in jobs, income, business activity, etc.), development (need for structural change, quality of development, etc.) and the needs of the local community (poverty reduction, satisfying basic human needs, integrated social and environmental objectives). Governance is another aspect of economic development that should be included in economic development strategies. Governance is seen as the capacity of institutions to manage and administer policy, processes and programmes that represent the broad interests of all individuals and groups involved while at the same time complying with ethical and legislative requirements.

This means that Local Economic Development cannot succeed if it is merely a once-off exercise of attracting a single development project for an area/community. Local Economic Development means having a clear Local Economic Development strategy that includes the reality of the marketplace, helps create a positive environment for economic activity, reflects the values of its citizens and complies with ethical and regulatory requirements.

Local Economic Development for each community is unique. It means understanding what the community is good at and what it has to offer, where the community`s weaknesses are, what outside threats and opportunities exist, and most importantly, what the community wants and needs. Success in Local Economic Development depends on creating markets that operate efficiently, but appropriately, within the local context.

Local government is involved in local business activities as suppliers of infrastructure, as tax collectors and regulators of land, buildings and permissions. A major challenge presently facing local authorities is the broadening of services to their communities and to provide a conducive environment for business development.

Local Economic Development (LED) is not a new concept in South Africa. Since the first democratic local government elections attention is focused on the role of local authorities as facilitators and implementers of LED. The role and functions of local government have changed considerably and local government has been given the task to drive the LED process. Local government officials are, however, not well equipped to deal with this function in terms of knowledge and understanding of what LED, means nor do they have the skills required to implement LED policy and procedures. A wide range of LED manuals and LED training programmes have been developed, which unfortunately do not adequately equip local government officials with the knowledge, insights and skills required to provide this service to local communities.

This need for knowledgeable and skilled officials at local government level to lead LED was the starting point for the development of a comprehensive Local Economic Development Qualifications Framework at NQF levels 4, 5 and 6. These Qualifications should result in the training of LED practitioners in the knowledge and skills required to be successful LED facilitators and to provide a learning pathway in LED.

The three Qualifications will ensure a comprehensive understanding of LED and its application in the South African context. Local government officials will be able to better fulfil their new role as managers of Local Economic Development.

The National Certificate in Local Economic Development NQF Level 4 provides an initial Qualification in the area of Local Economic Development. It provides knowledge of, and practical skills in, Local Economic Development as well as progress along a career path for learners who:

• Have worked in the sector for any number of years but have no formal Qualifications in Local Economic Development.
• Wish to enter Local Economic Development and work towards a nationally recognised Qualification.
• Were previously denied access to further education and training (but who may now proceed through RPL). 

• Communication at NQF Level 3.
• Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3.
• Computer Literacy at NQF Level 3, which includes word-processing, spread sheets and data capturing and verification.

  Recognition Of Prior Learning

  The National Certificate in Local Economic Development : NQF Level 4 allows open access, notwithstanding the learning assumed to be in place. Provision has been made for prior learning to be recognised if a learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this Qualification. Application for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) should be made to the relevant accredited ETQA. This qualification maybe obtained in whole or in part through a process of RLP. 

• Situate the theory and practice of local economic development in a range of relevant contexts.
• Explain the application to local economic development in South Africa of some basic economics and public administration and management principles as well as socio-economic theories of development.
• Communicate verbally and in writing using a variety of formats with a range of stakeholders and roleplayers in local economic development.
• Explain the application of the project cycle and a variety of research methodologies in the local economic development environment.
• Work with a range of budgeting and financial management principles in the context of a local economic development project.

  Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

  Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made. Unit Standards this Outcomes is evident in:

• Outline the environment of Local Economic Development in South Africa
• Identify and explain the application of a range of concepts and tools for Local Economic Development
• Identify and explain the roles and functions as well as the inter-linkages between different departments in a municipality
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of the basic components and fundamental skills of effective communication
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of budgeting and financial management applicable to a Local Economic Development project
• Identify and explain the purpose of integrated development planning (IDP)
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of the aspects of the project cycle
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of a range of research methodologies to undertake Local Economic Development research
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of a range of records kept in a Local Economic Development environment and what constitutes evidence in own work context

  Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization and community. Unit Standards this Outcomes is evident in:

• Outline the environment of local government
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of the basic economic concepts central to Local Economic Development
• Outline the environment of Local Economic Development in South Africa
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of the roles, functions and responsibilities of the main stakeholders and role players in Local Economic Development
• Identify and explain the roles and functions as well as the inter-linkages between different departments in a municipality
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of the basic components and fundamental skills of effective communication
• Participate in Local Economic Development related meetings and facilitate the necessary flow of Local Economic Development information
• Identify and explain the purpose of integrated development planning (IDP)
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of the aspects of the project cycle
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of a range of research methodologies to undertake Local Economic Development research
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of a range of records kept in a Local Economic Development environment and what constitutes evidence in own work context

  Organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively. Unit Standards this Outcomes is evident in:

• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of the roles, functions and responsibilities of the main stakeholders and role players in Local Economic Development
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of the basic components and fundamental skills of effective communication
• Participate in Local Economic Development related meetings and facilitate the necessary flow of Local Economic Development information
• Identify and explain the purpose of integrated development planning (IDP)
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of the aspects of the project cycle
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of a range of research methodologies to undertake Local Economic Development research

  Collect, analyse, organize and critically evaluate information. Unit Standards this Outcomes is evident in:

• Outline the environment of local government
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of the basic economic concepts central to Local Economic Development
• Outline the environment of Local Economic Development in South Africa
• Identify and explain the application of a range of concepts and tools for Local Economic Development
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of the roles, functions and responsibilities of the main stakeholders and role players in Local Economic Development
• Describe and explain socio-economic development theories in the South African context
• Identify and explain the roles and functions as well as the inter-linkages between different departments in a municipality
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of the basic components and fundamental skills of effective communication
• Participate in Local Economic Development related meetings and facilitate the necessary flow of Local Economic Development information
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of public administration and management
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of budgeting and financial management applicable to a Local Economic Development project
• Identify and explain the purpose of integrated development planning (IDP)
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of the aspects of the project cycle
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of a range of research methodologies to undertake Local Economic Development research
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of a range of records kept in a Local Economic Development environment and what constitutes evidence in own work context

  Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/ or language skills in the modes of oral and/ or written presentation. Unit Standards this Outcomes is evident in:

• Outline the environment of local government
• Outline the environment of Local Economic Development in South Africa
• Identify and explain the application of a range of concepts and tools for Local Economic Development
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of the roles, functions and responsibilities of the main stakeholders and role players in Local Economic Development
• Describe and explain socio-economic development theories in the South African context
• Identify and explain the roles and functions as well as the inter-linkages between different departments in a municipality
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of the basic components and fundamental skills of effective communication
• Participate in Local Economic Development related meetings and facilitate the necessary flow of Local Economic Development information
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of budgeting and financial management applicable to a Local Economic Development project
• Identify and explain the purpose of integrated development planning (IDP)
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of the aspects of the project cycle
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of a range of research methodologies to undertake Local Economic Development research

  Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environments and health of others. Unit Standards this Outcomes is evident in:

• Participate in Local Economic Development related meetings and facilitate the necessary flow of Local Economic Development information
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of budgeting and financial management applicable to a Local Economic Development project

  Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation. Unit Standards this Outcomes is evident in:

• Outline the environment of local government
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of the basic economic concepts central to Local Economic Development
• Outline the environment of Local Economic Development in South Africa
• Identify and explain the application of a range of concepts and tools for Local Economic Development
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of the roles, functions and responsibilities of the main stakeholders and role players in Local Economic Development
• Describe and explain socio-economic development theories in the South African context
• Identify and explain the roles and functions as well as the inter-linkages between different departments in a municipality
• Participate in Local Economic Development related meetings and facilitate the necessary flow of Local Economic Development information
• Identify and explain the purpose of integrated development planning (IDP)
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of a range of research methodologies to undertake Local Economic Development research

  Be culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts. Unit Standards this Outcomes is evident in:

• Outline the environment of local government
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of the basic economic concepts central to Local Economic Development
• Outline the environment of Local Economic Development in South Africa
• Describe and explain socio-economic development theories in the South African context
• Identify and explain the roles and functions as well as the inter-linkages between different departments in a municipality
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of the basic components and fundamental skills of effective communication
• Identify and explain the purpose of integrated development planning (IDP)
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of the aspects of the project cycle
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of a range of research methodologies to undertake Local Economic Development research
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of a range of records kept in a Local Economic Development environment and what constitutes evidence in own work context 

• The application of legislation to the local government and local economic development environments is discussed in the South African context.
• Various methods, in the form of concepts and tools, for addressing local government and local economic development challenges are described and illustrated by examples from own work context.
• Municipal functions and processes in which local economic development activities are contextualised are drawn in the form of an organisational chart illustrating at least two municipalities of different sizes and challenges.
• Issues in development economics and influential classical and contemporary theories of socio-economic development are identified and explained by using practical examples of local economic development in South Africa.
• Recommendations for ways of improving local economic development stakeholder and roleplayer relationships as well as own communication effectiveness are made and illustrated with examples from own work context.
• Various applications of the project cycle and qualitative and quantitative research methodologies are explained by referring to practical examples from own work context.
• The application of the basic principles of budgeting and financial management in the local economic development environment is explained by referring to practical examples in a local economic development project in own work context.

  Integrated Assessment

  Assessment practices must be fair, transparent, valid and reliable and should ensure that no learner is disadvantaged. Learners who wish to be assessed against this Qualification should direct enquiries to the appropriate ETQA.

  The focus of assessment must be on the assessment of the learning outcomes rather than learning outputs. The specific outcomes in the Unit Standards guide the learning and training process towards the exit level outcomes on a continuous basis. The purpose is to determine whether these outcomes have been attained. Situations should present a wide range of options. Applications should require significant choices from a wide range of procedures and in a number of contexts.

  Learning, teaching and assessment are inextricably linked. Where appropriate, assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values indicated in the various Unit Standards should be integrated. Assessment in communication and mathematical literacy should use authentic LED contexts wherever practical.

  Assessment has a formative monitoring function. Formative assessment should be used to assess gaps in the learners` skill and knowledge to indicate where there is a need for expanded opportunities. The goal is to promote learning and to assess the efficacy of the teaching and learning process. Feedback from assessment informs teaching and learning and allows for the critique of outcomes, methodology and materials. Formative assessment is diagnostic and as such it should guide the learner and the facilitator of learning. It is continuous and is used to plan appropriate learning experiences to meet the learner`s needs. It provides information about problems experienced at different stages in the learning process. As it is criterion referenced, if the learner has met the assessment criteria, s/he has achieved the outcomes.

  Assessment should also have a summative component. Summative assessment may be used on completion of a number of Unit Standards, but should not be the only form of assessment.

  A variety of methods must be used in assessment and tools and activities must be appropriate to the context in which the learner is working. Assessment should take place in an authentic context as far as is possible. Where it is not possible to assess competence in the workplace, simulations, case studies and other similar techniques should be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment.

  Integration implies that theoretical and practical components should where possible be assessed together.

  Integrative techniques should be used to assess applied competence. Learners should be required to demonstrate that they can perform the outcomes with understanding and insight.

  Assessment should ensure that all specific outcomes, embedded knowledge and Critical Cross Field Outcomes are evaluated. Assessment of the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes should be integrated with the assessment of the Specific Outcomes. The Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are implicit in the Unit Standards and programmes should be designed to extend and further reflect the integration. 

To establish a benchmark for this Qualification in Local Economic Development , research was done into the Qualifications Frameworks of Scotland, Canada and New Zealand. No comparable Qualifications were found. The most significant information and data were found on the World Bank`s Urban Development website and additional input to the Unit Standards was gained by looking at the websites of a number of international cities.

Recent participation by the LGWSETA in the UN HABITAT Virtual Round Table – Local Economic Development Series has provided considerable information and insight into the practice of Local Economic Development around the world and this has been used to confirm/support the inclusion of various Unit Standards in the Qualification. Some of the subject matter experts/resource persons who were specifically consulted to broaden the impact of the Qualifications were able to draw on their personal experiences with the practice of economic development at a local level in such countries as Norway and England. 

• The National Certificate in Local Employment and Skills Development Practice: Level 4.

  Vertical articulation is possible with the following Qualifications:

• National Certificate in Local Economic Development: NQF Level 5
• National Diploma in Public Administration: Level 5
• First degree in Public Administration Level 6. 

• Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
• Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA , or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
• Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA, or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA according to relevant ETQA policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
• Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the Qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual Unit Standards as well as the integrated competence described in the Qualification.

  Anyone wishing to be assessed against this Qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 

• Be competent in all the outcomes of the National Assessor Unit Standards as stipulated by South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
• Registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the rlevent ETQA.
• Be in possession of a Qualification in Public Administration at NQF Level 5 or higher. 

• Learners will be credited with Unit Standards in which they have proved competence.
• Learners who complete individual Unit Standards but do not complete this Qualification retain their credits. However, should the substance of the Unit Standard change, the validity of the credit towards the Qualification may be reviewed.
• Learners who change their provider or learning site before completing the Qualification may transfer their credits to the new learning site.