Social Services is a transversal responsibility

Throughout the month of March, the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) has been celebrating inspiring social service professionals who have dedicated their lives to serving vulnerable citizens of this province.

Today, on World Social Work Day, we want to continue honouring all social service professionals like DSD Social Auxiliary Worker, Kayzhan September, who works in Delft.

“I enjoy working with people and seeing their lives change. That is what keeps me motivated: seeing people applying the things we teach them or assist them with, and seeing their lives change for the better,” says September.

The Department employs 754 social workers, 263 social auxiliary workers, and 712 social work professionals on various levels, such as social work supervisors and child and youth care workers.

DSD also funds or subsidizes over 1 200 social service professionals at Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs), and over 700 child and youth care workers at NPOs.

And it is not just the DSD that employs social service professionals. Other departments within the Western Cape Government, like the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness (WCGHW) and the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), also provide psychosocial support where necessary.

Chandrè Farmer, a social worker at the WCGHW’s Swartland Hospital in Malmesbury, assists patients and their families in managing medical conditions. Her duties include informing patients about the resources available to help them deal with the emotional, financial, and social demands that come with a diagnosis. Farmer says, “My role as the social worker at Swartland Hospital is always to act in the best interests of my patients and to advocate for their rights. Although challenging, social work is one of the most rewarding careers presenting an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals.”

Doctor Rochshana Kemp, Provincial Social Work Manager for the WCED, explains WCED social works address social, emotional, and behavioral barriers to learning to support learners, parents, teachers, and the school as a community to ensure that learning and development take place, for learners to make optimum use of their learning and curriculum opportunities. “Social workers in the WCED are motivated by the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of learner and their families. The sense of fulfillment that comes from helping learners overcome challenges, advocating for their needs, and supporting their social and emotional growth is incredibly rewarding,” says Dr Kemp.

“Where would we be without social service professionals? Our communities would certainly be a lot poorer, as these extortionary people add incredible value to society. They uplift, inspire, and empower. The passion and commitment of social service professionals, across the different provincial departments, is indicative of a province that cares about the dignity and wellbeing of all its citizens, especially those who are vulnerable,” says Acting Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Professor Nomafrench Mbombo.

“Thank you to each one of the ‘superheroes’ – in government and the NPO and NGO sectors – who go into communities daily to help those most in need. I encourage residents to support these individuals because their task is not an easy one.”

To access more information about services offered by the DSD, call our toll-free number on 0800 220 250, send an email to SD.CustomerCare@westerncape.gov.za, or visit the department’s website: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/dept/social-development