Minister Sisisi Tolashe is on the podium and says we cannot underestimate the importance of social workers and this workforce is key in fighting all social ills. #Gvt2employsocialworkers.

Minister says the Covid 19 pandemic showed us more the importance of the social service professionals. #Gvt2employsocialworkers

Minister says we are not near where the NDP tells us of the need of social service professionals. #Gvt2employsocialworkers.

Minister acknowledges that "we have failed to absorb the social workers we have trained and we must be big enough to acknowledge this!" #Gvt2employsocialworkers

Minister says she will advocate for an IMC for the employment of social service professionals so that the importance of this workforce is elevated. #Gvt2employsocialworkers

Minister says we must move faster to employ our social workers and this is one of her priorities. "Please move forward. Make sure we absorb our social workers. We don't have time anymore!" #Gvt2employsocialworkers

The NDP projects that South Africa needs 55 000 social service professionals by 2030 to meet the demand for social services. In an aim to address the growing need, the Minister of Social Development will this morning lead the 2 day strategy session. #Govt2EmploySocialWorkers

"Objectives of the plan is developing, implementing a comprehensive and coherent funding, and deployment strategy that identifies funding sources and, allocates and distributes Social Service professionals according to the needs and gaps of the target population and ensures that

The office of the family advocate is on the podium and is saying their office needs social workers. #Gvt2employsocialworkers. "From justice we support this initiative!"

Correctional Services is here as well to testify about the importance of social workers at corrections. Deputy commissioner Molepo is on the podium. #Gvt2employsocialworkers

Ms Molepo says they are responsible for the of offenders so social workers are at the centre of Correctional Services. #Gvt2employsocialworkers

Correctional Services is saying that they are completing their structure and they are looking at making permanent social auxiliary services too. #Gvt2employsocialworkers

Correctional Services that the number of inmate population vs the number of social workers, it is clear that the social workers at correctional services are overwhelmed. #Gvt2employsocialworkers

“We gathered here to address and showcase to country why the workforce of this department is important and must be prioritised.” - Ms Lumka Oliphant, ADDG Corporate Support Services #Govt2EmploySocialWorkers

“With only five years left to fulfil the NDP’s Vision 2030, the need for implementation of the strategy on the employment of social service professionals is not only long overdue, but more urgent than ever,” said Minister Tolashe #Govt2EmploySocialWorkers

“When a social worker is present, the community thrives.” Discover how our social service workforce plays a critical role in strengthening communities! #Gvt2EmploySocialWorkers

“The strategy on employment of social service professions focuses on five key objectives, namely strengthening planning, recruitment, deployment, development and management of the workforce towards a more responsive social protection system” Min Tolashe #Govt2EmploySocialWorkers

“When a social worker is present, the community thrives.” Discover how our social service workforce plays a critical role in strengthening communities! #Gvt2EmploySocialWorkers