PUT PEOPLE FIRST, NEW RECRUITS TOLD DURING FREE STATE INDUCTION PROGRAMME

By: Sara Kilani

• Recruits to the Free State Department of Social Development underwent an induction programme to learn about the department’s culture and values and become familiar with its policies and practices.
• At the core of the work of social workers and Department of Social Development staff are the Batho Pele principles of putting people first.
• The new recruits were encouraged to remain committed to their roles and to be resilient and adaptable to any challenges they may face.

The induction of newly appointed social workers and interns in the Free State equips them with a clear understanding of the Department of Social Development’s culture and values as well as its policies and practices.

The induction programme instils a strong sense of purpose and dedication in the new recruits that will enhance how social services are provided to the people most in need.

The Free State Department of Social Development recently conducted such an induction programme for newly appointed social workers who had been working during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The programme, facilitated by the department’s Human Resources Development Practitioner Mokgobo Nteo, was held in the Thabo Mofutsanyana District. Social workers attended the programme in Bethlehem for social workers, while interns took part in the programme in Clarens.

While the primary objective of the programmes is to equip the newly appointed professionals with an in-depth understanding of the department, it also provides a platform for Nteo to introduce the Batho Pele principles.

Batho Pele, which means ‘People First’, is a set of guidelines on how to provide good services to South Africa’s citizens.

During the sessions, Nteo emphasised the importance of a client-centred approach, ethical conduct, and collaboration with various stakeholders in the community.

Designed as an interactive forum, the programme allowed new social workers and interns to engage directly with an experienced human resources practitioner, ask questions, and share their expectations and concerns.

The sessions highlighted the challenges faced by social workers and interns in the Free State Province, including resource limitations and the difficulties of social issues.

Nteo stressed the need for resilience and adaptability in addressing these challenges and encouraged the recruits to remain committed to their roles.

The comprehensive training not only prepares professionals for their responsibilities but also instils a strong sense of purpose when serving departmental clients.