The Social Work Learnership Programme

In partnership with the Hugenote College and Health & Welfare Sector Education Authority (HWSETA), the Department of Social Development is offering 80 employees an opportunity to advance their studies and obtain a certificate in Social Auxiliary Work.

The doors of learning were officially opened on 06 October 2014, for the first group of 30 learners from the Cape Winelands-, Metro East regions and the De Novo Facility whilst 34 from the regions of Metro North, Metro South and West Coast as well as the 16 learners from Eden Karoo region will commence their studieslater in October 2014.

The qualification is an NQF Level 4 equivalent, obtainable in just under 14 months.

In welcoming the learners from the Metro East-, West Coast Regions De Novo Facility, Director of Operational Management Support in the Office of the Head of Department, Ms Annemie van Reenen, said there was a strong need for Social Auxiliary Workers and that the department wanted to build a capable government that has well-trained social work professionals.

Ms van Reenen said the qualification was broken down into two categories consisting of 30% theoretical and 70% practical work experience.  The Project will assist with building a capable state with trained social work professionals.  A Public Service Department staffed by skilled professionals will be capable of delivering consistently high-quality services for all South Africans residing in the Western Cape

Western Cape Department of Social Development Minister Adv. Albert Fritz, attended the event to wish all the learners well.  He said the partnership between DSD, HWSETA and the Huguenot College was an important one as it was vital for everybody to do their part in empowering society.

The Minister said it was crucial for the Western Cape Government to give people the necessary tools that will enable them to make a difference in their communities and deliver a service that is of a high quality.

The Minister wished the learners well on their new journey and encouraged them to use this opportunity wisely.

Mr Mntuwomzi Mrali, a learner from the Metro East Region, said he was very excited to be furthering his studies as he last attended school in 1975 when he finished his matric.

Mr Mrali added that this was an opportunity he intended to make good use of. Even though he expressed an element of fear for the challenges of the road ahead, he was determined to succeed and make his co-workers proud.   

The Department of Social Development is providing opportunities of further learning to empower employees, thus enabling them to provide citizens with quality social work services.  DSD empowering communities Better Together.