CELEBRATING THE SILENT HEROES BEHIND OUR CHILDREN’S WELL-BEING

By Busi Kheswa

• ⁠Child and youth care workers are the unsung heroes who provide a steady, loving and supportive foundation to many of South Africa’s most vulnerable children.
• Child and Youth Care Week, which came to a close on Sunday, 11 May 2025, is a time to acknowledge their efforts in upholding the rights and dignity of the country’s children.
• Their work is deep and meaningful: helping make sure children in care are clothed, fed, kept safe, and supported in their emotional, social, educational, and spiritual development.

South Africa has just celebrated Child and Youth Care Week, from 5 to 11 May 2025, a time dedicated to honouring the often-unsung heroes who protect and nurture our country’s vulnerable children. These are the child and youth care workers who are at the heart of our efforts to build a caring and supportive society for all children.
This year’s theme, “Celebrating relational child and youth care practice: connecting around the world”, emphasises the global commitment to professionalising and uplifting child and youth care practice and highlights the unique and deeply relational nature of this work. It focuses on how child and youth care workers connect with children, often becoming the steady, compassionate presence so many young lives need.
In South Africa, this week also carries a special meaning as it coincides with the celebration of 31 years of freedom and democracy, with Freedom Day being held on 27 April.
As we reflect on our nation’s journey, we are reminded of the invaluable role played by child and youth care workers in upholding the rights and dignity of children, ensuring their care, protection, and development in environments that are stable, nurturing, and empowering.
The Gauteng Department of Social Development calls on all South Africans to take a moment to recognise and appreciate the vital contribution of these workers, who are more than just caregivers, they are mentors, protectors, educators, and advocates. They create environments in the child and youth care centres (affectionately known as children’s homes) that are not only clean and safe, but filled with love, structure, and opportunity.
According to Wikipedia, child and youth care is a profession that focuses on meeting the developmental needs of children and families in the context of daily life. Practitioners may work as direct caregivers, counsellors, supervisors, trainers, researchers, or in private practice, playing diverse roles across sectors and countries.
Globally, the profession is growing, with a strong network of practitioners committed to learning from each other and raising standards.
Here at home, child and youth care work was formally recognised as a regulated profession in October 2014 under the Social Service Professions Act 110 of 1978. It is also recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
No one may practice as a child and youth care worker or auxiliary without registering with the South African Council for Social Service Professions.
In practical terms, the work of a child or youth care worker is hands-on and deeply impactful.
They help ensure that children in care are clothed, fed, kept safe, and supported in their emotional, social, educational, and spiritual development. They are like mothers or sometimes fathers to children who may not have their own. They watch over little ones like a hen watches over her chicks, day and night. It is one of the most challenging yet profoundly fulfilling roles in the social service sector.
And yet, despite the significance of their contribution, many child and youth care workers remain unrecognised. This past week was a chance to change that – to shine a light on their tireless work and to express our gratitude.
As the Gauteng Department of Social Development, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all child and youth care workers in our institutions, in non-profit organisations, and across schools and communities. You are the quiet champions of change, guardians of hope, builders of futures.
Your work does not go unnoticed. Know that you are celebrated.
•⁠ ⁠Busi Kheswa is a communicator in the Gauteng Department of Social Development.