Minister for Social Development, Ms Bathabile Dlamini will address the oath-taking ceremony of first year social work students at Wits University.
Social work has been declared a scarce skill in South Africa and the insufficient numbers of available social workers has made it difficult to deliver social services where they are needed. Moreover, the behaviour of many social workers in the country has left much to be desired – too many are accused of unprofessional behaviour, unethical behaviour, absconding work, and taking short cuts in their work and thereby not fulfilling their sworn duties to society.
Minister Dlamini’s address at the oath-taking ceremony therefore forms part of a concerted effort by the Department of Social Development to build an effective and caring social work profession. About 65 first year students will take the social work oath which recognises every human being’s unique value and potential, irrespective of origin, ethnicity, gender, age, beliefs, or socio-economic and legal status.
The Department of Social Development has provided scholarships for 8 569 social work students since 2007. Of these, 6 182 have graduated. The total budget allocation since 2007 for the scholarships amounts to R1, 381, 000, 000. The scholarship covers registration, tuition fees, books, accommodation and meals, stipends for practice and special equipment for students with disability.
Media is invited to cover the oath-taking ceremony.
Date: Thursday, 18 April 2013
Time: 12h30 – 14h00
Venue: Postgraduate Seminar Room, Faculty of Humanities, South West Engineering Building, East Campus
For media RSVPs contact:
Jaconia Kobue
Cell: 082 313 4673
Tel: 012 312 7793
For media enquiries contact:
Lumka Oliphant
Cell: 083 4848 067
Email: LumkaO@dsd.gov.za
