The primary purpose of this qualification is therefore to provide qualifying learners with competence in the acquisition, analysis, interpretation and application of knowledge, skills, attitudes, principles and methods in the fields of governance and development facilitation crucial to the successful functioning and operationalisation of local government.

The qualification focuses to a certain extent on the management of community participation and development, with the aim of establishing self-reliant, empowered, sustainable communities, with a link between social and economic development.

As a result of the qualification society should benefit from improved service delivery.

This qualification will allow a learner to obtain a nationally and an internationally recognised qualification. It will also contribute to the enhancement of the image of the Public Sector and will set a standard for professionalism. The qualification will assist in enhancing the quality of service delivery, as well as integrity and ethics in local government. This will also assist in improving relationships between employer and employees. The attainment of a qualification will also attract and retain quality learners and employees. This qualification will also provide for recognition of prior learning to allow for the recognition of existing and common knowledge and skills that will not only allow a learner to gain credits towards this qualification, but also to enable horizontal and vertical mobility within the Public Sector.