SOCIAL WORKERS REMINDED TO SERVE WITH INTEGRITY

By Phetoho Maja

• World Social Work Day, held on the third Tuesday of March, highlights social workers’ invaluable contribution to society’s most vulnerable people.
• In Duduza, on the far east rand of Gauteng, a special event was held as a reminder of the commitment social workers make to serve with integrity and advance social justice.
• A beneficiary of the foster care programme shared his heartfelt gratitude for the support he received from social workers during a difficult period in his life, describing their work as a beacon of hope.

The Emmaus Community Centre in Duduza, south of Springs in Gauteng, was filled with joyful melodies on 18 March 2025 as scores of social workers, proudly dressed in their green and black attire, came together to celebrate one of the most important days on their calendar, World Social Work Day.

Observed annually on the third Tuesday in March, this day highlights the invaluable contributions of social workers in caring for society’s most vulnerable individuals. It serves as a global platform to recognise the profession and its role in advancing social justice, equality, and well-being.

Established by the International Federation of Social Workers, World Social Work Day was first commemorated in 1983. Since then, it has grown into a momentous occasion to honour the dedication of social workers and auxiliary social workers who help individuals navigate challenges ranging from poverty to mental health struggles.

Speaking at the event, Lesego Mathebula, a social work supervisor at the Gauteng Department of Social Development’s Duduza Service Point, urged social workers to uphold their commitment to integrity and prioritise the needs of those they serve.

“Let us always remember the solemn declaration, which reminds us of our commitment to serve. This year’s theme underscores the importance of care and respect in building stronger societies for a better future,” she said.

Neo Sebiloane, a beneficiary of the foster care programme, shared his heartfelt gratitude for the support he received from social workers during a difficult period in his life.

“I am proud to stand here and testify that our social workers are a beacon of hope. The process we had to go through usually takes months, but thanks to my social worker, Nozuko Mvula, my case was escalated, and I received assistance within weeks,” he said.

The celebration was lively, with another beneficiary, a foster parent known as Tshepo The Guitarist, lifting spirits as he got the crowd on their feet in song.

World Social Work Day is not just a commemoration, it is a call to action, reminding social workers of their important role in transforming lives and building a more just society.