STRENGTHENING PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS: KEY TO ENHANCING SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

By Mashudu Mzimba

• Need for Private Sector Involvement: The workshop at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre emphasised that the implementation of the new employment strategy for social service professionals requires significant involvement from the private sector. Mr. Mahlatse Koma highlighted the necessity of creating strong public-private partnerships to enhance job opportunities and effectiveness in the social services sector.
• Impact and Investment: The private sector plays a crucial role in shaping community conditions and has substantial potential for contributing to social service employment. Data from the Trialogue Business in Society Handbook (2023) shows that South African companies invested R11.8 billion in Corporate Social Investment, with a significant portion directed towards Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs), demonstrating the sector’s capacity for impactful contributions.
• Strategic Collaboration for Effective Solutions: In light of recent budget cuts, leveraging public-private partnerships is crucial for addressing social issues and creating meaningful employment opportunities. Mr. Koma advocated for focusing on high-impact programmes that benefit both the private sector and societal needs, through coordinated engagement with diverse industry sectors.

During the ongoing workshop on the Implementation of the Approved Employment Strategy for Social Service Professionals at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre, Mr. Mahlatse Koma, Director of Donor Coordination and Stakeholder Management within the Department of Social Development, underscored the urgent need for private sector involvement. The workshop, running from 12 to 13 September 2024, is focused on improving the employment landscape for social service professionals across South Africa.

Traditionally, the responsibility for employing social service professionals has been seen as a government duty. However, Mr. Koma stressed that effective implementation of the new employment strategy requires active engagement from the private sector. He emphasised the importance of developing a compelling business case or value proposition to encourage private sector participation. “We need to establish strong public-private partnerships or social compacts to facilitate this engagement,” he stated.

Mr. Koma highlighted the significant impact of the private sector on the economic, social, and environmental conditions of the communities where they operate. Collaborating with this sector is vital for creating job opportunities for social service professionals, especially in industries like mining and manufacturing, which already have Social and Labour Plans in place. “The employment of social workers should not be viewed solely as a government responsibility,” Mr. Koma said. “We need to expand our partnership efforts to include the private sector.”

He referenced data from the Trialogue Business in Society Handbook (2023), which indicated that South African companies invested approximately R11.8 billion in Corporate Social Investment (CSI) in 2023. Of this amount, Education, Social and Community Development, and Food Security and Agriculture were the primary beneficiaries. Notably, 84% of these companies allocated an average of 63% of their CSI spending to Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs).

In response to recent budget cuts, Mr. Koma advocated for leveraging public-private partnerships to create substantial employment opportunities for social service professionals. “These partnerships can help address social issues affecting both sectors effectively,” he explained. He called for a focus on high-impact programmes that offer returns on investment for the private sector while addressing societal challenges.

The Department of Social Development is currently engaged in discussions with potential partners across various sectors, including mining, automotive, international development agencies, philanthropy, consumer goods and retail, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, banking and insurance, and clothing and textiles. “These engagements will involve meetings and other methods to ensure a coordinated partnership process,” Mr. Koma concluded.