SOCIAL WORKERS PRAISED FOR PROVIDING TRAUMA SUPPORT FOLLOWING TRAGIC ACCIDENT

By DSD News

• Social workers provided trauma counselling and psychosocial support to learners, parents and the school community following a tragic road accident that claimed the lives of two learners and their driver.
• Roshunville Primary School commended the Department of Social Development for its compassionate and professional response during a period of bereavement.
• The Department has committed to continuing counselling and debriefing services to affected families throughout the healing process.

The Department of Social Development’s social workers have been praised for their swift and compassionate response in providing trauma counselling and psychosocial support to learners, parents and educators at Roshunville Primary School in the Mamusa Local Municipality following a tragic road accident that claimed the lives of two learners and their driver.

The accident occurred on 20 May 2026 on the road between Schweizer-Reneke and Amalia when the private vehicle in which they were travelling allegedly collided with a bakkie.

Roshunville Primary School principal, Itumeleng Morolong, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Department for deploying social workers to support the school community during a difficult period of grief and mourning.

“We sincerely appreciate the departmental social workers for dedicating their time, resources and expertise in providing much-needed support in the form of trauma counselling to learners and parents during our bereavement period,” said Morolong.
He added that the social workers’ professional guidance, emotional support and compassionate care had brought comfort and reassurance to both learners and parents.

“Their unwavering commitment to the wellbeing and dignity of individuals reflects the true spirit of service to humanity,” he said.

Responding to the commendation, North West MEC for Social Development, Basetsana Sussana Dantjie, said the Department remains committed to providing comprehensive and integrated psychosocial support services to vulnerable individuals, families and communities across the province.

She noted that the Department’s social service professionals are equipped to respond to trauma, emotional distress and a range of social challenges affecting communities. Their services are designed to support people throughout different stages of life and help them navigate difficult circumstances.

MEC Dantjie attributed the positive feedback to the effectiveness of the Department’s Re Thuse Re Go Thuse flagship programme, which aims to improve service delivery and ensure that communities receive assistance more efficiently.

“We are humbled by the words of appreciation from the school principal. We are used to receiving criticism from some community members. These accolades serve to give our officials courage to work hard and continue to make a difference in the communities,” she said.

The MEC further assured the affected families that social workers will continue to provide psychosocial support, counselling and debriefing services as they navigate the healing process following the tragic loss of their loved ones.

The intervention underscores the important role social workers play in helping individuals, families and communities cope with trauma, build resilience and begin the journey towards recovery during times of crisis.