33 YEARS OF SERVICE: HONOURING A LEGACY OF IMPACT IN SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

By Nonhlakanipho Masola

• Over a 33-year career, Gogie Itumeleng advanced social justice, contributed to policy development, and strengthened protection services for women, children, and vulnerable communities.
• Through her work, Gogie Itumeleng helped shape South Africa’s response to GBVF, including contributions to the National Strategic Plan and key child protection reforms.
• Gogie Itumeleng bridged national policy and community impact by strengthening NGOs and building capacity at local level.

After more than three decades of unwavering dedication, compassion, and service, the Department of Social Development bids farewell to Gogie Itumeleng, who retires after 33 years of distinguished service. She most recently served as a Social Work Policy Manager within the Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP).
Her career reflects not only professional excellence but a life anchored in purpose, resilience, and deep humanity.

Born and raised in Thaba-Nchu, Free State, Gogie’s passion for social work was shaped early by the realities of poverty, inequality, and social hardship within her community. These formative experiences ignited a lifelong commitment to uplift others—one that would define her journey in public service and leave a lasting imprint across the sector.

Over the course of her career, she played a pivotal role during some of South Africa’s most transformative years. She contributed meaningfully to the development of key legislation, policies, and programmes that advanced the rights and protection of women and children in the early years of democracy.

Among her most notable contributions was her involvement in transforming the Child and Youth Care system, including the impactful Project Go. This work ensured that children were removed from inappropriate placements, such as prisons, and placed in environments that prioritise their safety, care, and holistic development.

Her leadership extended beyond policy into advocacy and capacity-building. As a key figure in the rollout of training on the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act in the Northern Cape, she navigated resistance with courage and professionalism, fostering understanding and acceptance of this important legislation.
In her role within the Victim Empowerment Programme, her impact deepened further. She became a driving force in national efforts to combat Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). Her contributions to the National Strategic Plan on GBVF (2020–2030), alongside her engagement in movements such as #TheTotalShutdown, positioned her at the centre of national dialogue and coordinated action. From participation in Presidential Summits to strengthening stakeholder implementation, her work has helped shape South Africa’s response to one of its most urgent social challenges.

Beyond the policy environment, her commitment to empowering communities remained constant. Her work with non-governmental organisations, particularly in Alexandra, Gauteng, strengthened governance systems, built institutional capacity, and enabled organisations to better serve their communities. Through her mentorship and guidance, many organisations grew in both confidence and impact.

Like many in the social work profession, her journey was not without challenges. From managing high caseloads and emotionally demanding cases to navigating complex stakeholder environments and team dynamics, she approached each obstacle with professionalism, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to ethical practice. Her ability to lead with integrity while fostering collaboration speaks to her strength as both a practitioner and a leader.
Reflecting on the evolution of the sector, she has witnessed and contributed to a significant shift from a welfarist approach to one that is developmental, preventative, and firmly rooted in human rights. Her work has been instrumental in building systems that not only provide support but also empower individuals and strengthen communities.

As she enters retirement, Gogie leaves behind a legacy defined by excellence, accountability, and purpose. Guided by her personal motto, “Not in my name,” she has consistently upheld dignity and integrity in all that she has done. She hopes to inspire others to continue this work with compassion, courage, and commitment.

To the next generation of social workers, her message is clear: this profession is about impact, not income. It calls for advocacy, continuous learning, and the ability to adapt in a changing world, while remaining grounded in humanity’s core values and service.

As she turns the page to a new chapter, Gogie looks forward to spending quality time with her family, especially her husband and grandchildren, travelling, and embracing a well-deserved and fulfilling pace of life.

Her story stands as a powerful reminder that true success lies not in titles, but in the lives we touch and the change we leave behind.