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The Standing Committee on Social Development in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament has unanimously resolved to approach the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ms Thembi Simelane, urging that attacks on social workers be classified as crimes against the state.

This resolution, spearheaded by the Democratic Alliance (DA), received cross-party support from members of the African National Congress (ANC), the Patriotic Alliance (PA), and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).

Recent briefings to the Standing Committee have revealed an alarming trend of social workers being targeted by criminal syndicates. Although no fatalities have been reported to date, the psychological and operational impact on these frontline workers has been severe. Heightened stress, trauma, and increased absenteeism have become widespread, compromising their ability to serve vulnerable communities. The Department of Social Development remains committed to supporting affected workers during this challenging period.

An integrated approach is being employed to combat these attacks, involving SAPS, LEAP, the Provincial Department of Community Safety, and City Law Enforcement. All attacks are promptly reported to the relevant authorities, with the Department of Social Development keeping track of all cases and regularly following up on progress.

MPP Wendy Kaizer-Philander said: “We want to thank the other parties in the committee who supported the DA’s resolution to write to the National Government and to fight for attacks on social workers to be classified as an attack on the state. It is of utmost importance to protect our social workers who work tirelessly to better our society. Any attack on a social worker is unacceptable and should be classified as an attack on the state so that harsher sentences can be applied.

We patiently await feedback from the National Government regarding this matter.”

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