Eastern Cape Social Development MEC, Nancy Sihlwayi, said that 150 new social workers would be joining the Department.
She said appointment letters were presented to the recently graduated social workers who would be placed in various areas across the province.
MEC Sihlwayi said the additional appointment could not have come at a better time.
“We have witnessed an upswing in cases of child and women abuse. This implies that our services are needed more than ever. Social ills have become the next battlefield in our society. Therefore, these new recruits will certainly be on the frontlines in such a battle,” said Sihlwayi.
She said the central role that Social Workers play in the attainment of national priorities such as poverty alleviation and social cohesion, the social work profession was declared a scarce skill in South Africa.
“In 2007, the Department decided to invest in young people by funding their studies,” the MEC said.
“The social work studies could be done at all four universities in the province. Since the Social Work bursary was launched, more than 1700 students have benefitted and more than a 1200 graduates have been permanently employed.”
“This intervention has not only assisted in addressing the skills shortage, but has also contributed to job creation,” Sihlwayi said.
