SACSSP CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP IN SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONS REGULATION

Staff Reporter

• The South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) celebrates its 25th anniversary on 7 November as a key regulatory body for social service professions in South Africa, marking a quarter-century of leadership in promoting standards, accountability, and ethical practice.
• This milestone initiative aligns with South Africa’s 30th year of democracy, emphasizing SACSSP’s role in supporting the country’s social service framework.
• To honor this achievement, SACSSP will host a virtual seminar on November 7, 2024, featuring leaders from the sector who will reflect on the Council’s accomplishments and discuss its future direction.

The South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) celebrates a significant milestone this year on 7 November with its 25th anniversary as the regulatory authority for social service professions in South Africa. This year’s theme, “25 Years of Leadership in the Regulation of Social Service Professions in a Democratic South Africa,” aligns with the country’s commemoration of 30 years of democracy, making this a momentous occasion to recognize the achievements and contributions of the SACSSP.

Founded through amendments to the Social Service Professions Act of 1978, SACSSP officially came into existence on June 8, 1999. This transformation reconstituted the former Council for Social Work, establishing SACSSP as a regulatory body overseeing social work and other social service professions. Since then, the Council has played a pivotal role in advancing and setting standards for these professions, ensuring accountability, competence, and ethical practice in South Africa’s social services sector.

To honor this journey, SACSSP will host a virtual seminar on November 7, 2024, from 14:00 to 16:30, providing a platform for both reflection and forward-looking discussions. The seminar, titled “25 Years of Leadership in the Regulation of Social Service Professions in a Democratic South Africa,” will bring together former Presidents and Vice-Presidents of the Council, Chairpersons of Professional Boards, and other distinguished leaders to discuss the importance of regulatory frameworks. They will share insights on the Council’s achievements over the past 25 years, examine current challenges, and highlight areas for future growth.

This initiative offers a unique opportunity for practitioners, students, and other stakeholders in social service professions to engage with sector leaders, gain insights into its progress, and participate in a question-and-answer session. Attendees are encouraged to reflect on the Council’s contributions, including upholding ethical standards and promoting professional development across the sector.

The SACSSP encourages attendees to confirm their participation by November 6, 2024, through an online registration form available on their website. A seminar link will be provided to registered participants beforehand, ensuring a fully virtual experience.

As SACSSP celebrates its legacy, it also renews its commitment to its motto, “Non Nobis – Not for Ourselves,” underscoring its dedication to serving the needs of the community and fostering a socially responsible society.