MEC MATHABO LEETO WELCOMES 128 NEWLY – APPOINTED SOCIAL WORKERS

83 of these Social Workers were absorbed on contract basis during COVID -19 Pandemic and remunerated R6 000 PM. Following Former Minister pronouncement to recruit Social Workers across all Province to reinforce the workforce and provide a range of social work services.

It is a significant milestone for the Free State government to see them being converted from contract to permanent. Department for Social Development in the province emphasized on the importance of having these selfless social workers who will serve the people of Free State with diligence and integrity.

According to MEC Mathabo Leeto we need social workers who will assist us to eradicate social ills such as poverty, unemployment. GBVF, Hunger, HIV & AIDS, etc. This is a momentous occasion not only for the individuals joining the profession but for the broader mission of the department to foster a more conscious, capable, and self-reliant society.

As we welcome you to this family of social development, I must make it clear that we have limited resources. So it is important to use them effectively towards fulfilling our communities expectations , improving service delivery and fighting social ills.Therefore these Social workers should be capacitated with necessary tools of trade to execute the tasks ahead of them.

During her address MEC Mathabo Leeto emphasized the critical role social workers plays every day in our communities. She highlighted that social issues such as Gender-Based Violence (GBVF ) and Substance Abuse needs selfless man and woman to work together. She also stressed that social workers must be willing to work 24/7, an alway be available and prepared to intervene in our communities societal problems. Our support as the department at all times, should demonstrate ongoing dedication and high level of professionalism.

MEC Leeto also spoke about the department’s responsibility to create sustainable livelihoods for South Africans, moving away from the country’s dependence on Social Development as a welfare state. The goal is to build a society where individuals no longer rely solely on welfare but can create their own opportunities for growth and success. As part of this vision, MEC Leeto urged the department to strengthen its research capabilities to assess the validity of social organizations and officials, ensuring that efforts align with the evolving needs of the communities they serve.

While Prof. N. Ncube reminded the new social workers that learning is an ongoing process. Despite their appointments, social workers must constantly strive to expand their knowledge, as the field of social work is dynamic and continuously evolving. Theory and research in social work, particularly in areas of social justice, are essential in addressing the complex and ever-changing challenges faced by individuals and communities. Social workers must embody integrity and uphold the values of justice to remain competent and capable in their roles.

With South Africa’s unemployment rate standing at a staggering high the appointment of these 128 social workers is more than just a filling of positions—it is a statement of the Department’s commitment to combating unemployment and promoting job creation. By providing employment opportunities in the social sector, the department not only helps reduce unemployment but also strengthens the social fabric of the country, ensuring that the most vulnerable members of society receive the care and support they deserve.

As these new social workers embark on their careers, they are joining a profession that is critical to the well-being of society. Their work will touch lives in profound ways, addressing urgent needs while fostering long-term social change. MEC Leeto’s vision for a result-oriented, sustainable future, where people can thrive independently, is becoming a reality with every step taken by the newly appointed social workers. Their dedication will play an instrumental role in transforming communities and improving the lives of individuals throughout the country.

In conclusion, the appointment of these social workers signals not only an investment in the future of social development but also in the future of South Africa. Through compassion, continuous learning, and a steadfast commitment to justice, they will contribute to building a more resilient and empowered society.