A seasoned professional with a decorated career in local and national government has been appointed to the helm of the City’s Department of Community Development, charged with turning things around.

Vincent Campbell, the newly appointed Executive Director of Community Development, brings a wealth of experience to the portfolio, having worked in this specific field at senior levels for over 20 years. Campbell’s three-year tenure commenced in June 2021.

As an Executive Director, Campbell is expected to provide administrative leadership and create an environment in which the department’s staff complies with necessary regulations and ensure they flourish in the work they do.

Born and raised in Kliptown and Eldorado Park, he studied at the University of Johannesburg where he obtained a BA and BA (Ed) degrees, specialising in Human Movement Science, Recreation and Education. He also has a Diploma in Sport Management from Damelin School of Management.

Campbell started his career in the City as a Sport and Recreation Officer and, through sheer dedication and hard work, climbed the local government ladder. He also had a stint at the National Department of Sport and Recreation, serving as an Assistant Director responsible for strategic planning and policy formulation. This was followed by positions as Director for Sport and Recreation in the City of Ekurhuleni as well as Deputy Director for Sport and Recreation in Joburg.

The father of three also served two terms as Executive Director of Sport, Recreation, Arts, Culture, Libraries, and Information Services in the City of Ekurhuleni. His most recent appointment was that of Executive Director of Community Services in the Emfuleni local municipality.

“My role is very critical in trying to create a sense of social cohesion and fostering humaneness. I am going to play a critical role in normalising society in terms of human development and the human spirit,” he says.

Campbell says the entire service offering of the Community Development department such as libraries, arts and culture, sport and recreation should not be compromised because of Covid-19. Through digitalisation, he’s happy the department has found new and innovative ways to reach the City’s clients during the lockdown.

“I have analysed very critical challenges within the Community Development space regarding Covid-19 and will soon implement strategic plans to ensure residents of Johannesburg get to enjoy our facilities and services even during the lockdown.”

He says he’s re-joined the City to add value and to contribute to ensuring the municipality fulfils its role as a world-class African City.

“I am very passionate about the local government space generally and the Community Development portfolio in particular. I am grateful to the leadership of the City for the vote of confidence in appointing me to this position,” he adds.

Campbell is an ardent sports fan and enjoys the outdoors, including hiking and camping.

“Every single community member has to get access to community development services, be it in a form of facilities or programmes and ensure a socially cohesive society within the City. We need to use community development as a platform to hold conversations about racism, poverty and other socio-economic factors.”