Govt to train more social workers

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Durban - The Department of Social Development is to set aside R256 million in the next financial year for a scholarship programme to train more social workers.

South Africa is still in dire need of more social workers to help address the social ills and government's five priority areas, according to Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini.

The minister was in Durban on Wednesday to address a conference hosted by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Representatives from the nine provinces will have the opportunity to address issues they face on a daily basis and network.

The delegates were able to relate to Dlamini because she has a history as a social worker.

"The shortage of social work professionals remains an issue of great concern to government. We must discuss how the social work profession can position itself to respond to the pressing challenges of our times," she said.

Dlamini acknowledged that social workers alone were not enough to deal with the many social problems prevalent in South Africa.

"We have undertaken and committed to train 10 000 Child and Youth Care Workers in the next three years in collaboration with the National Association for Child Youth Care Workers (NACCW)," said the minister.

The intention behind this initiative is to reach out to as many child-headed households as possible.

Dlamini asked social workers to embrace and respect child and youth care workers because they do extraordinary work. 

She also called for child and youth care workers to be registered so that the department can hold them accountable, more especially because they will be working with vulnerable children.

There are also plans to reach out to retired social workers for their input in training the youth in the field of social work.

"They will play a key role in mentoring the current generation of social work professionals, while also instilling the spirit of commitment and dedication among young social workers," said Dlamini.

The minister also touched on improving remuneration for social professionals in order to keep them in the country.

"The most notable and important elements of the occupation Specific Dispensation is a unique salary structure, improvement in career paths as well as recognition of relevant experience," she said. 

*The department has currently opened invitations for matric learners to apply for a social work scholarship. The closing date is end of October 2011. - BuaNews