Eastern Cape Social Development MEC Bukiwe Fanta condemns, strongly, a shocking incident in which a Social Worker was seriously injured after allegedly being stabbed by a woman who entered a government office complex at King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) in Mthatha.
The deeply worrying incident has caused distress among employees and members of the public who access essential services at the offices. The Department’s social workers perform a critical role in supporting vulnerable individuals, families and communities. MEC Fanta says the workers should be able to carry out their responsibilities in a safe and secure working environment. “We strongly condemn this violent attack on one of our dedicated employees. Our social workers serve communities under difficult circumstances and should never be exposed to violence while performing their duties. We wish the injured social worker a speedy and complete recovery and assure the employee and colleagues that the Department will provide the necessary support,” said Fanta.
The suspect was arrested immediately following the incident. The Department appreciates the swift response of the law-enforcement authorities and trusts that the matter will proceed through the criminal justice system. The Department will cooperate with the relevant authorities and provide any necessary information to assist with the investigation.
MEC Fanta extends her support to the injured social worker, the employee’s family and colleagues at the KSD offices. She further thanks emergency personnel, lawenforcement officials and all staff members who responded to the incident. Fanta calls on employees and members of the public to remain calm and allow lawenforcement officials to conduct their work. Violence, intimidation and threats have no place in public institutions, which exist to provide essential services to communities.
The Department is engaging with the Department of Public Works to review, urgently, security measures at the KSD Office Complex. These discussions include strengthening access control, improving visitor-management procedures and assessing other measures required to protect employees and members of the public. “The safety of our employees and service users remains a priority. We are working together with the Department of Public Works to identify security gaps and implement appropriate interventions. No employee should feel unsafe in the workplace, and no member of the public should be exposed to unnecessary danger while accessing government services,” said Fanta.
The MEC urges employees to remain vigilant and to report any security concerns, suspicious behaviour or threats through the appropriate internal and law-enforcement channels. The Department has made available its peer support and psycho-social assistance to all those affected by the incident. The Department recognises that social workers often deal with people experiencing severe emotional, social and personal difficulties. While service users must be treated with dignity and compassion, this must never be interpreted as permission to threaten, assault or endanger employees.
The Department remains committed to working with its stakeholders to ensure that social development offices are safe, accessible and conducive to the delivery of quality services.
Enquiries:
Director Communications
Mzukisi Solani
Cell: 082 375 7219
MEC spokesperson
Mpumzi Zuzile
Cell: 060 534 9349/ 072 550 9019
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