ATLEHANG PELEHA – A COMPASSIONATE SOCIAL WORKER MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF VULNERABLE CHILDREN IN LEJWELEPUTSWA

By Relebohile Ramabitsa

• Atlehang Peleha is a shining example of compassion, dedication, and selflessness, and her story serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring us to make a positive impact in our communities.
• She is one of the social workers celebrated through International Social Worker Day, which was held on 18 March this year.
• Through her work in the Lejweleputswa District Municipality she is able to support vulnerable children who have experienced child abuse or neglect.

Atlehang Kelebogile Peleha is a 26-year-old social worker who is making a lasting impact in the lives of vulnerable children and families in the Thabong township, in the Lejweleputswa District Municipality, near Welkom in the Free State.

Peleha is one of the cohorts of unsung heroes acknowledged through the annual International Social Workers Day on the third Tuesday of March.

Atlehang joined other social workers who celebrated the international day on 18 March 2025 in Bloemfontein, hosted by the MEC of Social Development, Mathabo Leeto.

At just 26 Peleha, who was originally from Bloemfontein, has already found her calling in the field of social work.

“Social work has always been my passion,” she says, reflecting on her drive to help others that began at a young age.

Her inspiration came from Mme Dieketseng, a social worker at the Department of Correctional Services who showed her that even those who have committed crimes can be given a second chance.

Growing up, Peleha was drawn to the idea of helping others. “I’ve always liked helping people, even if it’s just the smallest thing. It fulfills my heart,” she explains.

This innate desire to make a positive impact led her to pursue a career in social work.

As a social worker in the Department of Social Development in the Lejweleputswa district, Peleha works tirelessly to support vulnerable children under the age of 21 who have experienced child abuse; neglect; or need foster care.

She provides family counselling and intervenes in cases of conflict between parents and children, working to understand the root cause of the issue.

When necessary, she and her team step in to remove children from harmful environments, but they always strive to help deal with the situation in the family so they can reunify children with their families.

Peleha emphasises the importance of investigations to determine if the environment has changed and whether it is safe for the child to return home or needs to be placed in a permanent safe home.

This dedicated young social worker is known for her willingness to lend a helping hand to all the department’s beneficiaries, regardless of their age or background.

“I’m a people person,” she says, “always willing to help, even if it’s not directly related to my unit.”

Her colleagues admire her ability to create a safe space for children and always conquer difficult cases.

Peleha’s journey in social work has been remarkable, despite the challenges she sometimes faces.

She attributes her success to creating a safe working environment and maintaining positive relationships with her colleagues. “I try to always stay in my lane, do what’s expected of me, and maintain a positive relationship with my colleagues,” she notes.

Working with children brings Peleha immense joy.

She believes that every child deserves a chance to overcome their challenges and reach their full potential. “They can get out of the challenges and do better than they’re treated,” she says.

Peleha has faced her fair share of difficult cases, but she remains open to learning and seeking advice from her colleagues. Her positive attitude and determination have earned her recognition from her peers, who believe she is truly called to be a social worker.

Outside of work, Peleha values the team-building activities that help her and her colleagues understand each other’s personalities beyond their professional roles.

Her words of encouragement to fellow social workers are simple yet powerful: “You’re doing a great job. Keep doing the best that you can to make a difference in the lives of the vulnerable.”

Peleha is a shining example of compassion, dedication, and selflessness, and her story serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring us to make a positive impact in our own communities.