DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGISES ON ENHANCING SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONALS’ ROLES AND FUNDING

By Mashudu Mzimba

• Strategic Workshop for SSP Employment: The National Department of Social Development has launched a two-day workshop in Gauteng to develop a detailed implementation plan for the newly approved Strategy for the Employment of Social Service Professionals (SSPs). Held at the Birchwood Hotel on 12 and 13 September 2024, the workshop is aimed at fostering collaboration and forging partnerships to tackle critical issues related to funding and employment in the social service sector.
• Urgency and Support for Social Service Professionals: Acting Deputy Director-General of Corporate Support Services, Ms. Lumka Oliphant, highlighted the urgent need to support and transform the role of social service professionals amid South Africa’s escalating social challenges. She emphasised the vital role of these professionals in addressing complex issues, from youth substance abuse to the evolving dynamics of South African families impacted by historical and recent crises.
• Focus on Actionable Strategies and Collaboration: The workshop aims to leverage the expertise of its participants to advocate for the importance of the social service workforce and develop actionable strategies to meet their employment needs. Ms. Oliphant underscored the need for collective action to enhance the effectiveness of social services, aligning efforts with the broader vision of societal improvement articulated by Nelson Mandela.

The National Department of Social Development has initiated a crucial two-day workshop in Gauteng Province to create a detailed implementation plan for the newly approved Strategy for the Employment of Social Service Professionals (SSPs).

The workshop, held at the Birchwood Hotel on 12 and 13 September 2024, seeks to foster collaboration and partnerships to address key challenges in funding and employment within the sector.

Acting Deputy Director-General of Corporate Support Services, Ms. Lumka Oliphant, underscored the importance of supporting the social service workforce to tackle South Africa’s escalating social issues.

The National Department of Social Development has convened a pivotal two-day workshop in Gauteng Province to formulate a comprehensive implementation plan for the recently approved Strategy for the Employment of Social Service Professionals (SSPs). Taking place at the Birchwood Hotel on 12 and 13 September 2024, the workshop focuses on exploring opportunities for collaboration and partnerships to address critical issues related to funding and employment within the sector.

Setting the tone for the workshop, Acting Deputy Director-General of Corporate Support Services, Ms. Lumka Oliphant, emphasised the essential role of the social service workforce in addressing South Africa’s pressing social issues. “The support from various sectors, including Correctional Services, Health, Basic Education, and Justice, has been immense,” Ms. Oliphant stated. “Today, we are gathered to demonstrate to the nation why prioritising this workforce is crucial.”

Ms. Oliphant highlighted the urgency of transforming the status of social service professionals as the country faces escalating social challenges. “It cannot be business as usual as we move towards 2030,” she said. “South Africa is grappling with severe social ills, and it is essential that our social service workforce is adequately supported to tackle these issues.”

Reflecting on the significance of social workers, she shared insights into the diverse and critical issues faced by the workforce. “In my language, we refer to social workers as ‘isebe lezophuhliso loluntu’ and ‘nguNontlalontle’,” she explained. “This means that when a social worker is present, the community thrives.”

Ms. Oliphant acknowledged the evolving nature of social challenges since the advent of democracy in 1994. She pointed out that issues affecting today’s youth differ from those faced by previous generations. “Today, it is not just adults struggling with alcohol and substance abuse; our children are also affected,” she noted. “Similarly, it is not only adult women giving birth in our hospitals but also 10-year-old girls.”

She further highlighted the changing dynamics of South African families, impacted by a violent past, HIV/AIDS, and the COVID-19 pandemic. “Our families have been deeply affected by historical violence and recent health crises,” Ms. Oliphant said. “The shape of the South African family has transformed significantly.”

Ms. Oliphant also emphasised the need for social service professionals to address diverse and complex cases, from children in foreign jails due to trafficking to undocumented minors crossing the Limpopo River. “Social workers are crucial in handling these complex situations, including supporting older persons with Alzheimer’s and dementia,” she added.

The workshop aims to leverage the presence and expertise of attendees to advocate for the importance of the social service workforce. “Your presence here is a testament to the significance of this workforce. We must work together to ensure that those with the power to make decisions are moved to act for the benefit of our communities. Let us strive to realise the better life envisioned by our first President, Nelson Mandela,” she concluded.

As the workshop progresses over the next two days, participants will work on actionable strategies to address the employment needs of social service professionals and enhance their impact on social development across South Africa.