The Department of Social Development (DSD) has revealed that the country needs 55 000 social workers to meet the demand for appropriate basic social welfare services in South Africa. However, only 17 500 are providing services to communities around the country.
The DSD has several programmes to improve the lives of citizens. The department said the desired outcome of these programmes is limited by the shortage of social workers and social auxiliary workers. They need at least 14 666 more workers to perform their social programmes
Social Worker Clyde Schroeder says that the country is faced with multifaceted challenges and that the lack of social workers will harm service delivery in communities.
Director of Centre For Care And Contact Candice Warner says the shortage of social workers is an issue that is rooted in government. This, as they believe that governments are meant to be at the forefront of the retention and retention of social workers.
A retention and retainment strategy drafted for implementation around two decades ago identified social work as a scarce skill. However, the plans were not implemented. This demonstrates that the government was aware of the challenges that may arise due to a shortage of social workers.
“We're almost two decades in since this policy was developed but this seems to be in my opinion a lack of capacity to implement these policies,” explained Warner.
They add that the influx of cases and the lack of support often leads to a state of burnout for social workers and has an impact on their mental health.
