[WATCH] Disgruntled social workers say enough is enough
Social workers and social auxiliary workers from across the province marched to the Office of the Premier today (Tuesday) to hand-over a memorandum of grievances
POLOKWANE – The social workers said they attended a Social Work Indaba in Durban in 2014 to address their issues, but claimed their grievances fell on deaf ears.
They further claimed that the local government made empty promises, and this affected their work.
According to the memorandum, there is also a shortage of government vehicles and the ones that are available, are apparently not roadworthy.
The statement further reads, “We demand that park homes should not be used as they are not user-friendly for us or our patients. As social workers, we need to promote and maintain confidentiality; however this is difficult to maintain in park homes because they are not soundproof.”
The group want the Premier, Stanley Mathabatha, to intervene, saying they are “sick and tired of unfair practice in the workplace and the premier should investigate the matter.” Their demands include that level 10 social workers according to SAQA NQF requirements and level 6 auxiliary workers be appointed in the area.
They have given the premier seven working days to respond to their grievances.
The memorandum was received by Limpopo Provincial Spokesperson, Phuti Seloba, who said he will brief the premier, who had a commitment in Middelburg on the day, upon his return. According to Departmental Spokesperson, Adele van der Linde, they are aware of the problems experienced by social workers. She requested that they work with the department in solving these issues.
