Difficulties were, however, experienced in the early stages due to a lack of capacity and direction. Staff turnover and a lack of continuity further created a bottleneck and little was achieved. However, after substantial reorganisation and restructuring of resources during early 1998, the Community Development department was established.

The programme's main aim is to enable the people of Cato Manor to access economic opportunities through capacity building and skills development directed at individuals, groups and structures. A variety of programmes have been identified in order to achieve this.

• The Organisational Building and Management Programme equips development committees (DEVCOs) and Community Based Organisations with the necessary skills to be able to run their affairs effectively. A total of 208 development committee members were trained by the end of 1998.

• The Housing and Basic Development Management Programme equips DEVCOs with skills needed to communicate effectively with professionals driving project development and implementation. A total of 32 community representatives have been trained.

• The Construction Skills Programme prepares local residents with accredited construction skills to enable them to create and access job opportunities in the construction sector either in Cato Manor or beyond. A total of 35 persons were trained after 52 persons were tested for the recognition of prior learning. Those qualifying received appropriate certificates.

• The Basic Business Management Programme equips current and emerging entrepreneurs of Cato Manor with skills which will enable them to establish, operate and manage business undertakings effectively. Fifty emerging entrepreneurs have been trained in skills relating to the establishment of new business undertakings through the International Labour Organisation's courses.

• A Job Opportunity Bureau was established to facilitate the local communities' access to job opportunities and training in skills related to the construction projects in Cato Manor. A data base has been established and job seekers are encouraged to utilise the services offered, which include the provision of CVs. As at the end of 1998, a total of 349 persons had been placed on two pilot projects and 1209 persons had been registered.

• The Home Ownership Programme enables home owners to take responsibility and ownership of their houses. Sixty four members of development committees have received training as have eight housing advisers. About 500 homeowners have been exposed to modules of the home ownership programme by the end of 1998.

• The Emerging Contractor Skills Training Programme aims at upgrading the skills and capabilities of small contractors in the Cato Manor construction sector. A total number of 40 people have been trained in the basic management of small construction undertakings.

• The Sports Management Programme targets young adults for training to become programme facilitators of different sport codes for youth, adults, women, school children and pre-school children. A total of 30 sports and culture co-ordinators have been trained.

• The Interaction with Government Programme seeks to assist the citizens of Cato Manor to access the appropriate service providers located within the public sector. Two very successful "roadshows" were conducted and hundreds of people were exposed to the services of a large variety of municipal and provincial departments.