/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

Social workers operating in vulnerable communities, already at risk of attacks and hijackings while on duty, are now also facing extortionists demanding protection money. The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape urgently renews its call for the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development to classify these attacks on social workers as attacks on the state.

This information was revealed during a Standing Committee meeting on Friday, where the Provincial Department of Social Development, the provincial leadership of the South African Police Service (SAPS), the City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Directorate, and Government Motor Transport (an entity within the Department of Mobility) briefed the committee.

To address social worker safety concerns, the Provincial Department of Social Development (DSD)conducts daily check-ins with SAPS to assess risk levels in specific areas and determine whether it is safe for social workers to enter on a given day. The Department has also implemented internal safety protocols, including a buddy system where social workers are accompanied by a colleague or auxiliary worker when entering high-risk areas. Additionally, the Department collaborates closely with SAPS and the City of Cape Town’s LEAP officers, who provide security escorts when needed to ensure the safety of social workers.

Despite these measures, the Provincial DSD faces significant challenges. Budget constraints have hampered efforts to fully secure facilities, leaving staff vulnerable. In some instances, criminals have entered Social Development offices under the guise of seeking assistance, only to attempt robberies once inside. This compromises not only the safety of social workers but also the Department’s ability to serve those in need.

Over the past year, attacks on Social Workers have increased with the majority being recorded in the last year. 41 attacks have been reported, including six robberies and assaults, and 35 hijackings. These incidents have occurred primarily in areas such as Khayelitsha, Eerste River, Elsies River, Crossroads, Philippi, Gugulethu, Delft, Mitchells Plain, and Langa. The trauma experienced by social workers in these areas is profound, often affecting the entire team. Many social workers, most of whom are women, are reassigned to new areas after attacks due to the psychological toll, which disrupts service delivery to the communities that rely on them.

The Department’s safety measures, while necessary, have also led to increased operational costs. The R20 million spent on overtime to accommodate the need for two social workers per case in high-risk areas is straining the Department’s resources. Additionally, doubling up on cases reduces the overall number of cases that can be handled, stretching the Department’s already limited capacity.

Disturbingly, there have been incidents where Department staff have been severely injured. One staff member was shot in the neck while on duty, and another, who was off-duty at the time, was tragically killed. These attacks are not limited to social workers; other Provincial departments, face similar dangers in high-risk areas.

Despite the efforts of all stakeholders, SAPS has emphasised the need for greater community involvement to stop these attacks. Social workers are now regularly attending Community Policing Forum (CPF) meetings to foster closer ties with the communities they serve and to build a support network that can help protect them in dangerous situations.

Wendy Kaizer-Philander stated: “The DA once again calls on the National Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development to take immediate action by classifying these attacks on social workers as attacks on the state. Without national intervention and harsher penalties for those who target social workers, we risk losing more than just vehicles and resources—we risk losing the very people who provide vital social services to our most vulnerable citizens.

“We cannot allow those who dedicate their lives to serving others to continue working under the constant threat of violence.”

Issued by Wendy Kaizer-Philander, MPP - DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Social Development