Morris Gajoo, Newcastle Child Welfare chairperson, commented that ‘another year has sped by and despite the attainment of many achievements and successes, many challenges remain.’
He added that welfare policies in South Africa, like many other countries, are heavily influenced by global economic trends.
“Millions of people have trickled down into poverty in SA; this naturally suggests that caseloads of social workers, especially at child and family welfare organisations, have increased following the greater demand for services.”
He continued: “There is a strong correlation between poverty, unemployment, and child neglect. Poverty is one of the most important risk factors for child abuse and neglect and the consequent statutory interventions result in high workloads which social workers are unable to manage”
While the expansion of the Government grant system is seen as a poverty-alleviation measure, Gajoo warned that this presented further implications for child and family welfare organisations since an important risk factor for child abuse and neglect arises when a household family member is the recipient of a social security grant.
“In South Africa, a grant often has to cover the expenses of the whole family; thus, whenever large numbers of citizens receive social grants, the risk of child abuse and neglect increases,” he said.
While designated child and family welfare organisations are delivering statutory services, the funding model has not been adapted for these services.
Thus, organisations are expected to implement the principles of the Department of Social Development but do not receive the appropriate financial support.
“Even with the implementation of the Children’s Act, there has been no commitment by the state to fully fund the statutory services provided by NGOs. This lack of funding has resulted in a crisis approach.”
Gajoo concluded by thanking the dedicated staff at Child Welfare for their tireless efforts in keeping the centre operational despite the multitude of challenges, from lack of funding to high workloads.
“To my management committee, who throughout the year was a source of great inspiration and always eager to advise and provide assistance when and where required, a gigantic thank-you. Despite no monetary compensation, you gave freely of your time and skills,” he said.
Farieda Mia, head of Child Welfare Newcastle, said in her social workers report that a total of 1012 beneficiaries had come through the office.
The following services were rendered during the past financial year:
- 91 intake services
- 19 therapeutic services
- Supervision and reunification services were rendered to 288 children, and 144 statutory reports were compiled and submitted to the children’s court, the Department of Social Development, and other organisations.
Mia said that the organisation was fortunate enough to have met the targets by the DSD, and in some areas, even exceeded the targets.
She highlighted the various training and workshops the staff had attended over the past year that added to their expertise and knowledge.
She was pleased to welcome the newly appointed admin secretary, Veena Singh, stating that even though the work was vastly different from what she has been used to, she was fitting in very well.
“I can safely say that every member of staff gives their best to ensure that our beneficiaries get the help that they need.”
She also thanked their fellow service providers for joining hands with them and helping to ensure that together they can make a difference in the Amajuba District.
“A heartfelt thank you to our well-wishers, our local press, volunteers, and colleges from DSD, the presiding officer, Mr. Mbatha, and clerks of the Children’s Court, as well as other stakeholder forums, for their support and cooperation,” she concluded.
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