KZN COMMEMORATES INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL WORK DAY HONOURING CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE

By Trevor Khuzwayo and Mthobisi Mbanjwa 

• International Social Work Day brought together 500 participants in KwaZulu-Natal to celebrate social workers and their role in helping build resilient communities.
• This year’s theme focused on ‘Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Enduring Well-being’.
• Social Development MEC Mbali Shinga described social workers as agents of change dedicated to helping individuals and families overcome hardships.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development celebrated the contribution of social workers and highlighted their role in fostering stronger and more resilient communities during International Social Work Day.

The event, held at the Newcastle Farmers Hall in the Amajuba District on 18 March 2025, focused on ‘Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Enduring Well-being’.

International Social Work Day brought together 500 participants from government, non-profit organisations, statutory and professional bodies, schools of social work, and retired social workers, along with virtual attendees.

Social workers play a crucial role in society, providing essential services such as child protection, substance abuse rehabilitation, mental health support, and community development.

Addressing the gathering, the MEC for Social Development Mbali Shinga emphasised that social workers are not just professionals, but agents of change dedicated to helping individuals and families overcome hardship.

She reaffirmed the department’s commitment to supporting social work initiatives that bridge generational gaps and strengthen community solidarity.

Leading up to the event, districts across KwaZulu-Natal engaged in various community activities to raise awareness about social work services.

These included meet-and-greet sessions with social workers, pledge ceremonies reinforcing ethical commitments, health and wellness programmes, discussions on best practices in the profession, and outreach initiatives in schools. Indigenous games and cultural events were also organised to foster intergenerational connections and promote social cohesion. 

These activities provided direct engagement between social workers and the communities they serve, reinforcing the importance of early intervention, youth development, and mental health support.

The commemoration also served as a platform to share inspirational stories of individuals who have overcome significant challenges through perseverance, opportunity, and the support of social services.

One such story is that of Mary Zulu, a young woman from Mandeni whose passion for rugby was ignited on the dusty playgrounds of her childhood.

Despite a lack of formal opportunities for girls in the sport, she rose through the ranks, earning a place in the KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union’s Youth Training Centre programme.

Her dedication saw her represent South Africa in international tournaments across Africa and Europe.

While pursuing a sports science degree at University of KwaZulu-Natal, she balanced academics and rugby, and in 2025, she now stands on the brink of fulfilling her dream – securing a spot in the South African squad for the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England.

Another inspiring story is that of Mzuvelile Ndzeku, a young man from Sydenham, Durban, who faced a painful past marked by loss and hardship.

Placed in St. Theresa’s Child and Youth Care Centre in 2015 due to physical abuse, he later lost both parents during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Despite these difficulties, he excelled academically, completing his matric with five distinctions and earning accolades such as the Kusasa Mandela Award and the Dux Award.

His resilience and dedication to education secured him a place at the University of the Witwatersrand, where he is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering, with hopes of contributing to South Africa’s infrastructure development.

The event also featured a tribute to deceased social service practitioners, recognising their contributions to the field.

Panel discussions focused on the role of intergenerational solidarity in social work, with insights from representatives of South African Council for Social Service Professions and universities. 

Testimonies from individuals who benefited from social services underscored the profession’s impact on transforming lives.

The reaffirmation of the social worker pledge marked a commitment to ethical service, integrity, and continuous learning.

As South Africa continues to grapple with issues such as substance abuse, homelessness, and child neglect, stakeholders at the event emphasised the need for greater support for social workers.

They called for increased investment in training and resources, expanded outreach programmes, and improved mental health support for those working in the sector.