Driven by the spirit of ubuntu, social worker Hlengiwe is making a difference at Umhlali Saps

While there are different ways to live out the spirit ubuntu, social worker Hlengiwe Khwela chooses to be the voice of abuse victims.

Describing herself as a firm believer in humanity, Khwela said abuse victims needed ubuntu more than anyone.

“Abused people are vulnerable. Being on their side and becoming their voice is the best thing one can do,” she said.

The 33-year-old is employed by Lifeline and was recently stationed at the Umhlali police station, where she is in charge of the trauma centre.

She matriculated at Bonela Secondary School in Durban and obtained her social work degree at the University of South Africa. She also holds a master’s degree in criminology and forensics.

Khwela deals with victims of gender-based violence and drug abuse, and works closely with schools safety coordinator, warrant officer Chaleen Ramlakan, to create awareness in 26 schools.

She also works with the family violence, child protection and sexual offences unit at the station.

The Waterloo resident began working at the Thuthuzela Care Centre in KwaDukuza in April and moved to Umhlali Saps in June.

Khwela said the number of rape cases where perpetrators were family members of the victim had shocked her. What frustrated her most was that family members often tried to cover up such cases.

“The other disturbing issue is drugs in schools. We have a serious problem with school pupils using Xanax and the impact it has on their families. Once the kids are addicted to this drug, they become uncontrollable and become a danger to their families.”

Teenage pregnancy was another issue she said needed urgent intervention.

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