GAUTENG SOCIAL WORKERS SHINE ON GLOBAL STAGE

By Madali Chibambu.

• Seven school social workers from the Gauteng Department of Social Development have presented abstracts to the International School Social Work Conference.
• Their presentations showcased the innovative approaches, contextual challenges, and successful interventions that have been implemented in Gauteng’s local schools.
• The event offered a unique opportunity to connect, learn, inspire, and shape the future of school social work in South Africa, according to the social work manager in child care and restorative services, Sandra Madella.

Seven school social workers from the Gauteng Department of Social Development presented their abstracts at the second International School Social Work Conference held in Vanderbijlpark.

The three-day conference, hosted by the University of the North-West at its Vaal Campus from 10 – 12 September 2025, brought together academics, practitioners, and policymakers to exchange knowledge and innovations in the field under the theme “Unified for impact: Global innovations in school social work”.

The seven officials who represented Gauteng were Shela Rammutla, Prudence Morobe, Karabo Balopedi, Rowlene Mbhombi, Thokozile Moumakwe, Suzan Makamu, and Dina Lesesa.

The conference theme aligned with the department’s strategic goals of strengthening psychosocial support in schools, enhancing child protection systems, and promoting evidence-based practice.

Sub-themes included innovative practices in school social work, school social work in a digital world, advancing global collaboration, student well-being and school social work, and child protection in educational settings.

Social work manager in child care and restorative services, Sandra Madella, expressed pride in the officials’ achievement, saying: “This event offered a unique opportunity to connect, learn, inspire, and shape the future of school social work in South Africa.”

She added that the acceptance of the abstracts reflected the high calibre of work being done in Gauteng and positions the province as a contributor to international discourse.

Their presentations showcased the innovative approaches, contextual challenges, and successful interventions that have been implemented in Gauteng’s local schools.

Beyond academic recognition, the conference equipped participants with new tools, insights, and partnerships to strengthen service delivery across Gauteng’s school communities.

Morobe, who is from Mohlakeng in Randfontein, in the West Rand, described the opportunity as both humbling and empowering.

“I feel honoured that my abstract was selected.

“This platform allowed me to share findings from my 2023 master’s thesis, which explored the social challenges affecting learners’ academic performance in Mohlakeng schools,” she said.

It also gave her the chance to learn from global peers and bring back valuable knowledge to improve the department’s services.

For Gauteng, the participation of its officials was more than a conference; it was a strategic investment in its workforce, ensuring stronger psychosocial support, enhanced protection for learners, and a province well-positioned in global school social work.