The problem of shortage of social workers, clinical psychologists and nurses is not immune to Gauteng, it is a countrywide as well as an international problem. In public facilities, this is made worse by the remuneration packages that government offers compared to the private sector.
The department is currently working on an attraction and retention strategy for the scarce skills posts which will look at amongst other things, salaries, reducing workloads, improving working conditions and ensuring that workers have the necessary tools of trade.
Between January and April this year, the department employed 44 social workers and one was promoted. More posts of health specialists and social workers are being advertised and hopefully candidates will be found to boost service delivery in the province.
It is worth emphasising that although we experience more than average case workloads in some areas of our work, the situation does not amount to a crisis.
Enquiries:
Dr Sello Mokoena
Cell: 082 331 0786
