MEC DANTJIE PRAISES SOCIAL WORK PROFESSIONALS IN THE NORTH WEST

By Petrus Siko.

• A two-day indaba is underway in the Madibeng local municipality, aimed at improving social service delivery to communities.
• It is also seeking ways to foster a multi-disciplinary approach among social service professionals.
• In a world where disconnection and isolation are growing, social workers are the architects of unity, according to the North West MEC for Social Development, Dantjie.

The North West MEC for Social Development, Basetsana Sussana Dantjie, has conferred accolades on every social worker, social auxiliary worker, community worker, and volunteer for their dedication to uplifting individuals, families, communities, and children who are abandoned and on the streets.

MEC Dantjie expressed her sentiments to social services professionals at a two-day indaba currently underway at the Seasons Resort in Hartbeespoort Dam, under the theme: “Strengthening intergenerational solidarity for enduring wellbeing.”

The purpose of the indaba is to develop proposals and interventions aimed at improving service delivery to communities, fostering a multi-disciplinary approach among social service professionals, and creating a platform for sharing best practices, experiences, and case studies with academia.

“Social workers are the heartbeat of our social support system,” Dantjie said, adding: “They bridge generational divides, fostering connections that heal, empower, and sustain.

“In a world where disconnection and isolation are growing, social workers are the architects of unity.”

She noted: “Their work counters the health risks of isolation, from heart disease to dementia and many social ills, by weaving communities together through care, advocacy, and innovative programmes.”

The MEC emphasised the sterling work social service professionals perform, adding that the first-ever indaba to be held in the province is a testament to the government’s commitment to international collaboration.

By sharing best practices and learning from others, social service professionals strengthen their ability to address social challenges.

Dantjie highlighted the critical role social workers should play in enhancing intergenerational care, respect, and collaboration in building resilient communities and sustainable environments.

Social workers who attended the indaba raised their concerns and challenges, including the professionalisation of their craft.

One of the social workers at the indaba, Maggy Tshabile, said she was excited about having a platform where social workers could talk about their challenges and come up with lasting solutions.

“I would describe this indaba as a success, provided we come up with implementable resolutions with timelines.

“We do not need a talkshop. We want to see a day when community development practitioners are professionalised and registered with the South African Social Services Professional Council.

“We really appreciate what the MEC is doing,” Tshabile said.

A child and youth care worker from the JB Marks treatment centre, Nomalizo Gwabini, bemoaned the lack of recognition of their profession, urging the indaba to come up with resolutions that will capacitate them.

“We need to undergo training on child and youth care level 5, because the level 4 qualification will soon be phased out,” she said.

“This indaba should also vouch for danger allowance, occupation-specific dispensation, and uniforms.”

Three hundred delegates from Ngaka Modiri Molema, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, and Bojanala, including representatives from the North West University and the Independent Electoral Commission, are taking part in the proceedings, which are taking place on 21 August 2025 and 22 August 2025.