MINISTER PULE CONDEMNS ATTACKS ON SOCIAL WORKERS, CALLS FOR THEIR PROTECTION

By DSD News

• Minister of Social Development Dina Pule has condemned the harassment, intimidation, threats and violence directed at social workers carrying out their duties.
• The Department has called on communities and stakeholders to help protect social workers during Social Development Month, observed in October under the theme “Strengthening Families through Partnerships”.
• Members of the public who are unhappy with a social work intervention have been urged to use the Department’s official complaints channels rather than resort to violence or intimidation.

The Minister of Social Development, Ms Dina Pule, has condemned the harassment, intimidation, threats and violence directed at social workers while they carry out their professional responsibilities.

“The safety and dignity of social workers are non-negotiable,” said Minister Pule.
As South Africa observes Social Development Month under the theme “Strengthening Families through Partnerships”, the Department of Social Development has called on communities and stakeholders to help protect the professionals whose work supports vulnerable individuals, strengthens families and safeguards children.

Social workers serve on the frontline of some of society’s most difficult challenges. They protect children from abuse and neglect, support families in distress and help individuals access care and assistance. The Department noted that their ability to fulfil these responsibilities depends on safe working environments and on cooperation from the communities they serve.

According to the Department, no disagreement, frustration or dissatisfaction with a social work intervention justifies violence, threats or intimidation. It warned that attacks on social workers also compromise essential services, placing the children, families and individuals who depend on their support at even greater risk.

The Department acknowledged the sensitive and demanding circumstances in which social workers operate. Their work requires professionalism, compassion and sound judgement, often while dealing with conflict, trauma and deeply personal family matters. “They deserve to perform their duties without fear of harm,” the Department said.

Partnerships for safer service delivery
The Department said Social Development Month provides an opportunity to strengthen partnerships between government, communities, civil society and other stakeholders, and that these partnerships must also promote respect for social workers and safer environments for frontline service delivery.

It urged community members and leaders to reject violence and intimidation, support the reporting of incidents and work with officials to resolve concerns constructively. Members of the public who are dissatisfied with social work interventions are encouraged to use the appropriate departmental complaints channels.

The Department reaffirmed its commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to strengthen staff safety, encourage the reporting of threats and attacks, and support employees affected by violence.

“Protecting social workers is a shared responsibility. When we protect those who care for vulnerable individuals and families, we strengthen the social development system and its ability to serve communities,” the Department said.