Minister Kaizer-Philander calls for action after 28 hijackings involving DSD Staff

Western Cape Minister of Social Development Wendy Kaizer-Philander has called on members of the public and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to help protect social service professionals following another hijacking involving a departmental vehicle in Khayelitsha.

The incident occurred on 19 October at approximately 10:10, while two social service professionals were leaving Khayelitsha to attend court in Parow.

Minister Kaizer-Philander expressed her frustration at the continued attacks on departmental professionals who are carrying out their duties to support and protect vulnerable residents.

“It is deeply distressing to receive news of yet another incident of this nature, particularly during Social Development Month. Social service professionals play a critical role in protecting children, supporting families and strengthening communities. They must be able to carry out their duties without fear of being targeted by criminals,” said Minister Kaizer-Philander.

This latest incident brings the total number of hijackings involving departmental professionals to 28 since January this year. Over the past three years, the department has recorded a total of 86 attacks on professionals. These attacks are unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.

Earlier this month, the department welcomed the recovery of a departmental vehicle following a hijacking. While the recovery of stolen vehicles and arrests are important, those responsible must be held accountable. These attacks cannot become normalised.

Child protection services are particularly important in ensuring that vulnerable children receive the care and protection they need. The recent designation of critical child protection services as essential services is an important step towards strengthening these services, and social service professionals are central to their delivery.

The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration’s Essential Services Committee has directed the relevant parties to negotiate and conclude a minimum service agreement within 90 days of the designation. The Department of Social Development will continue to participate in this process and make representations to the Committee where appropriate, including on the need to ensure that critical child protection services can be delivered effectively and safely.

“I will continue working with SAPS to strengthen our collective response to these incidents and improve the safety of our social service professionals. We have a responsibility to protect those who serve our communities, as well as the children and vulnerable residents who depend on them,” said Minister Kaizer-Philander.

The Department remains committed to delivering services to those who need them most. It will continue working with its partners to ensure that those responsible for these crimes are brought to justice.

The Department calls on anyone with information about these incidents to report it to SAPS.

Media enquiries

Eslynn Apollis 

Media Liaison Officer

Provincial Minister Wendy Kaizer-Philander

Department of Social Development