NATIONAL SOCIAL WORK SUPERVISORS FORUM CONVENES IN GAUTENG

By Lorato Modisenyane

• The Gauteng Department of Social Development hosted the National Social Work Supervisors Learning and Support Forum from 4–6 February in Muldersdrift.
• Representatives from all nine provinces reflected on progress in strengthening supervision and advancing the uniform implementation of the Social Work Supervision Framework.
• The forum reinforced the critical role of supervisors in ensuring quality social welfare services and upholding professional standards.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development, in partnership with the National Department of Social Development, hosted the National Social Work Supervisors Learning and Support Forum from 4 to 6 February in Muldersdrift in the Western Corridor.
The forum brought together representatives from all nine provinces, providing social work supervisors and coordinators with a platform to reflect on progress made in strengthening supervision, share best practices and promote consistent implementation of the Social Work Supervision Framework across the country. The gathering also reaffirmed supervision as a cornerstone of quality social welfare service delivery.
Discussions created space for honest reflection on ongoing challenges faced by supervisors, including heavy caseloads, dual responsibilities, limited tools of trade, long travel distances and the growing complexity of social problems affecting communities.
Provincial representatives presented updates on the progress of their respective forums. Lerato Mekgwe, Chairperson of the Gauteng Provincial Social Work Supervisors Learning and Support Forum, highlighted significant achievements within the province.
She noted that Gauteng has established functional forums for both Social Workers and Social Auxiliary Workers, strengthening collaboration and professional support structures.
Mekgwe further shared that the two-year term of the 18-member Provincial Forum committee will conclude in July. During their tenure, the committee facilitated training sessions in the Southern and Western Corridors on the implementation of the Social Service Practitioners Act, including its regulations, scope of practice, professional conduct and the Code of Ethics in the Public Service.
Gauteng supervisors also participated in the Association of South African Social Work Education Institutions Conference held in the Free State, where research papers were presented.
“We have also established a Developmental Supervision Model through quarterly forums with NPOs to address compliance and registration matters in line with legislation,” she said.
In her address, Civil Legodu, Chief Director for Professional Services and Older Persons, emphasised the central role of supervision in maintaining service quality and professional accountability.
“Allow me to reiterate that without supervisors, the Department will not be able to realise its mandate. Colleagues, you are a critical cohort of our management team. You are the eyes and ears of the Department, and your responsibilities and roles should never be underrated by anyone,” she said.
Khumo Kgomoeswana, Acting Director for the Substance Abuse Programme, also addressed the forum, highlighting the importance of mental health and self-care among supervisors and frontline professionals.
“You cannot pour from an empty cup, so before taking care of others, make sure that you are in a good mental state,” she said, encouraging officials to avoid unnecessary conflict and office politics.
As part of the programme, delegates toured the Western Corridor Regional Office and later attended a gala dinner where certificates of attendance were presented.
Gauteng and the Free State provinces were awarded floating trophies in recognition of best-performing forums, consistency, functionality, reporting and outstanding activities.
The forum concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening supervision systems and supporting social workers who continue to serve vulnerable communities across the country.