Newly launched DSD Fish Hoek local office will help address Masiphumele violence | Western Cape Government

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Newly launched DSD Fish Hoek local office will help address Masiphumele violence

21 September 2015

Today, the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) launched the department’s newest local office in Fish Hoek. Minister Albert Fritz launched the new facility in the presence of our NGO partners and the South African Police Services (SAPS).

The Fish local office falls under the Metro South Regional Office, also serving the communities of Ocean View and Masiphumelele. This brings the total number of local offices in the province to 40, falling under 6 regional offices.

As we mark International Day of Peace, the department continues to expand its provincial footprint, and local offices like Fish Hoek bring our services closer to communities. The Fish Hoek local office will be particularly instrumental in addressing the current violence and social discord in Masiphumelele, with Minister Fritz already having instructed officials to intervene in the matter, and offer urgent substance abuse and counselling services. This plan will involve social workers partnering with local counsellors and the SAPS.

The Fish Hoek Local Office has a full staff compliment of 1 social work supervisor, 5 social workers, 2 social auxiliary workers, and 1 assistant community development worker. These professionals are responsible for providing important services closer to the community, including;

  • Early Childhood Development (registration and monitoring of ECD centres)
  • Child protection (including foster care services),
  • Substance abuse (screening and referral for treatment),
  • Victim empowerment,
  • Disability programme,
  • Older persons (registration and monitoring of Old Age Homes).

The community of Fish Hoek and surrounds suffers from high levels of substance abuse (prominently tik, heroine, and alcohol), homelessness, and child-related issues, such as abuse and neglect. This has had a profoundly negative effect on families and children in particular. In response to these challenges, the Fish Hoek DSD has hit the ground running, and have already started programmes to address homelessness with the City of Cape Town. In addition, the local office boasts specialist substance abuse personnel.

The department remains committed to bringing our services closer to communities, and continuously improving the quality of services for residents in the province. However, if we are to create a society of peace, freedom, fairness and opportunity for all citizens, especially the vulnerable segments of society, then we must continue to build strong partnerships. This local office will only be successful if the community works with us and our funded NGO partners. We can tackle Fish Hoek’s social challenges if we work ‘Better Together’.

Media Enquiries: 

Sihle Ngobese

Spokesperson for Albert Fritz, Minister of Social Development

Western Cape Government

7th floor, 14 Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town, 8000

Tel : (021) 483 9217

Cell :  076 083 6543

Email : Sihle.Ngobese@westerncape.gov.za