Vital support service neglected

SOCIAL WORK DAY: CRISIS MANAGEMENT INSTEAD OF SUSTAINABLE INTERVENTION

- Prof Hanelie Malan, Prof Koketso Matlakala, Dr Luce Pretorius & Dr Marelize Vergottini

As SA celebrates World Social Work Day today, this year's theme, Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Enduring Well-being, highlights the vital role of social workers in fostering resilience and sustaining social support systems.

But in South Africa, social workers face increasing challenges that jeopardise both their effectiveness and the long-term well-being of the communities they serve.

Profession under pressure The global demand for social work continues to rise, but socioeconomic and political challenges hinder effective delivery.

War, funding cuts for social services, scarce employment opportunities and the resulting strain on vulnerable populations exacerbate the crisis.

In SA, the SA Council for Social Service Professions registers thousands of social workers annually, yet the number of active practitioners remains critically low.

This shortage disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations and undermines preventive and rehabilitative services, pushing social workers into a crisis management role instead of sustainable intervention. In 2023, over 9000 qualified social workers were unemployed despite 1279 vacant positions.

The Free State department of social development's appointment of 128 permanent social workers from short-term contracts highlights the disconnect between demand, funding and hiring.