From: Limpopo Social Workers’ Forum Receive militant and heartfelt greetings to the umbrella forum of all Social Workers in Limpopo. Unionisation of Social Work The meeting held with the Department of Social Development was not only enlightening but an eye opener. The meeting made us realise that the struggle for cultivation of new possible grounds to pursue the major mandate of the October 2013 Imbizo is to remain rhetoric until Social work is unionised. We have therefore made a declaration to take a back seat if by April 2014 this Profession is not unionised. This is a commitment we have made because having a Union is the main evident solution to our people. Contemporary database We have learned with contempt that communication on issues relating to the struggle isn’t spread to majority of Socias on time. We therefore have created forms which seek to solidify database of members with options to receive updates through Facebook, Whatsapp, SMses, and emails. However, those who shall choose SMs option only shall receive brief/summarised messages instead of detailed update. The forum promotes that Socias atleast have either facebook account or an email, and those who are struggling to create or operate either of the 2 shall be assisted by our admin team. Socias are urged to welcome and fill in their details on these forms. New Social Work graduates and intern Social Workers The notion of the Department to use the route of Internship for every group of Social Workers upon their completion of studies remains disturbing to the forum. We therefore have learned that the Department of Social Development was never under administration as fuelled as scapegoats for condoning mediocrity by those who do not want to fulfil promises made to our people. The H.O.D has on the December meeting with us also concurred that Social Development has never been under administration. We have therefore urged the department to absorb all Social workers as per agreement from the contracts. We further overemphasized with the Department to do away with this tendency of treating newly graduate Social Workers as Auxiliaries of some sort. Social Work remains a noble profession and a scarce skill too, and therefore in fact; everyone who is a Social Worker in South Africa should be employed by government; and if employer is willing to listen, he/she must implement. In a nutshell, we are ready to rumble. Our own intern Social Auxilliary Workers We are perplexed if not mesmerised by the conduct of the Department led to them remaining mum about when our Social Auxilliary workers on contract with the department are going to resume with their permanent appointments. We engaged the employer on that regard and will continue doing so even when conditions are unfavourable. The administration of Social work in government is in crisis because of the absence of our people; and common sense should automatically dictate to employer as to who does the work left by our people. A fallen Commander A black cloud has fallen on the Social Work family. It is with regret to inform you of the passing away of Prof D.G Thabede a.k.a Dumisani; who was a militant Head of Department of Social Work at the University of Venda. Prof Taliban Thabede is known to be supporting the emancipation of Social Work evidently through SOWOSA and behind Unionisation of Social work. Coincidentally; Limpopo PTT leaders were discussing him and other strategic academics as people to be approached to accelerate the progress in the struggle. Reports on arrangements of both the Memorial service and the funeral will be communicated to all on this forum. Speculations are that the funeral service could be at Gauteng or Kwazulu Natal; and the forum is thus preparing willing Social to prepare payments. People willing to go are urged to SMs their Names and place (Local Municipality) of departure to 0826668679/ 0838790697. Further updates will be made as the week unfolds. In conclusion There have been critics over how the current PTT is handling issues; and critics are welcome although we encourage academic Social Workers to be constructive while exercising their right to do so. The current committee has a mandate given by you members, and the mandate shall be fulfilled within the confines of the law. Mojela Lefa Secretary General
Posted on: Mon, 20 Jan 2014 20:24:36 +0000
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