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Diploma in Local Government Management (DLGM)

Develop the skills to lead in local government, policy, and service delivery for stronger communities.

SAQA ID No. 99717NQF Level 6360 Credits3 yearsOnline
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About

The DLGM programme is a vocational qualification developed specifically for the South African context of public management. It is designed to create a new calibre of local government cadres who promote developmental local government and provide affordable access to education for learners. Here, you will learn to prepare to contribute to and lead in areas such as integrated development planning, service delivery, local government finance, and human resource management.

Curriculum

Curriculum Breakdown Year 1
Subject CodeSemester 1NQF LevelCredits
511Local Government Management 511515
500Integrated Development Planning 500515
511Information Systems 511 515
511Public Management 511515
Subject CodeSemester 2NQF LevelCredits
512Local Government Management 512515
500Municipal Financial Management 500515
512Information Systems 512515
512Public Management 512515
Curriculum Breakdown Year 2
Subject CodeSemester 1NQF LevelCredits
621Local Government Management 621615
621Local Government HRM 621615
600Local Government Policy Process 600615
600Local Government Ethics and Professionalism 600615
Subject CodeSemester 2NQF LevelCredits
622Local Government Management 622615
600Local Government Procurement 600615
622Local Government HRM 622615
600Local Economic Development 600615
Curriculum Breakdown Year 3
Subject CodeSemester 1NQF LevelCredits
631Local Government Management 631615
600Fundamentals of Research 600615
600Local Government Project Management 600615
600Disaster Management 600615
Subject CodeSemester 2NQF Level Credits
632Local Government Management 632615
600Local Government Service Delivery Mandates 600615
600Research Project 600615
600Work Integrated Learning 600615

Admission Requirements

You can gain admission to the Diploma in Local Government Management if you meet one of the following:

  • National Senior Certificate

    A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with an endorsement for admission to a Higher Certificate and/or Diploma and/or Degree.

  • National Certificate Vocational (NCV)

    NQF Level 4 with appropriate subject combination and levels of achievements.

  • Mature Age Exemption

    For students above the age of 23 as set out in the Higher Education Regulations.

  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Possible Career Paths

  • Public Administrator
  • Consultant

Accreditation

Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology (Pty) Ltd is registered with the Department of Higher Education & Training as a Private Higher Education Institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997 (Registration Certificate No. 2000/HE07/008). Its programmes are accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The BCom AGA programme is endorsed by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). Richfield is also internationally accredited by the British Accreditation Council for Independent Further and Higher Education as an Independent Higher Education provider. Through partnerships with global industry leaders such as IBM, AWS, Oracle, Cisco and Salesforce, students can also earn industry-recognised certifications.

Frequently Asked Questions‌

What are the admission requirements for undergraduate programmes?

You'll need a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Bachelor's degree endorsement. Some programmes have specific subject requirements, so it's best to check the prospectus for your chosen qualification. If you're 23 or older, you may also qualify through our mature age exemption or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

How do I apply to Richfield?

Applying is simple and fast. Just head to our Apply Now portal online. If you need more assistance, our student advisors are also on hand to help guide you through the process or answer any questions you may have.

Is there an application fee?

Yes, there is a non-refundable application fee of R300 for first year students. Your application can't be processed without this payment. Please view the Fees page for more information.

How will I be assessed on this programme?

Each module is assessed through a combination of formative assessment (tests and assignments, weighted 40%) and a summative three-hour written exam at the end of the semester (weighted 60%). You'll need a final mark of 50% to pass, with a supplementary exam opportunity available if you achieve between 40–47%. Assessments are written online through our Learning Management System, using secure remote proctoring. You can track your results, timetables and deadlines in real time via our student app. Full assessment regulations, examination rules and AI-use guidelines are available in the Student Handbook.

Where can I find fees for returning or transferring students?

For returning student fees, transfer fees or other fee types, please view the fees page to request a fees document.

Is Richfield Internationally Recognised?

Yes, Richfield has been awarded full accreditation by the British Accreditation Council (BAC) as an Independent Higher Education provider, strengthening its international credibility and reinforcing its commitment to quality education.

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