Call for unity at Germiston social services breakfast

Solidariteit Helpende Hand hosted a breakfast networking session at The Social Hub in Germiston as the first leg of its East Rand Social Future Plan initiative.

The event brought together people working in the social services sector to share ideas, strengthen networks and equip one another with practical tools for the work ahead.

Discussions focused on understanding new legislation, building partnerships and finding ways to respond more effectively to the needs of communities.

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During the session, East Rand Regional Manager Mariolette Vorster presented the Social Future Plan 2026 and spoke about the state of social work and community support in South Africa.

She said she was addressing the audience not only as a social worker, but also as someone who has witnessed the struggles of children, parents looking for work, elderly people living in loneliness, and young people who have stopped dreaming and are simply trying to survive.

“We are living in a time of social crisis. But it is also, and this is important, a time of choice,” said Vorster.

“The choice to become overwhelmed and give up, or the choice to stand up and make a difference together.”

She said the social environment is under enormous pressure, with poverty, unemployment, violence, addiction, broken families, child neglect, trauma and hopelessness affecting many communities.

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“As social workers, we do not only see this in statistics; we see it in faces, in families, and in communities that are struggling,” she said.

Vorster also warned that while grants and relief budgets may be increasing, sustainable long-term solutions are often not prioritised.

“Help without development keeps people dependent. When people only receive, but are never restored, empowered and rebuilt, they eventually lose their dignity,” she said.

She stressed that real change does not happen from offices alone, but through communities working together in homes, churches, schools and neighbourhoods.

“If we honestly look at the condition of our country, we know that government alone will not be able to solve this crisis. We will need to stand together, think together and work together,” she said.

Referring to Ecclesiastes, she added: “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

She said communities are not built only through structures, but through relationships, and that social workers often serve as the link between people and the support they need.

“We connect people to support, children to safety, families to hope and communities to one another,” she said.

Vorster said social workers cannot do the work alone and need support from each other and from the communities they serve.

“At Solidarity Helping Hand, we believe in helping people in such a way that they can eventually help themselves, and ultimately help their own communities,” she said.

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She added that the organisation wants to help communities build support networks, develop sustainable funding models, and design programmes together.

“We do not only want to work for communities, but we want to work with communities,” she said.

“That is why we invite you today to join hands, not only with us, but with one another, so that together we can make a difference.”

Vorster ended on a hopeful note, saying hope is not just a feeling, but a choice to keep showing up, keep building and be part of the solution.

“It is a privilege to be called for a time such as this, to make a difference together,” said Vorster.

Among the guests in attendance was Amcare general manager Marihet Infantino, who represented the non-profit organisation alongside her team of dedicated staff members.

The Alberton-based organisation focuses on assisting vulnerable people affected by poverty, HIV/AIDS, domestic violence and old age.

“Our service areas include the communities of Greater Alberton, Eden Park, Phola Park, Greenfields and Thokoza. The organisation is registered with the National Department of Social Development,” said Infantino.

Infantino also highlighted that the organisation manages a gender-based violence shelter that can accommodate about 20 people at a time.

Speaking about the event, she said ,”This event was a highlight for us in the social services sector because we deal with a lot while receiving very little assistance from the government.

“This includes funding and resources. The networking sessions, such as these, are important because they create support systems for social workers who often face emotionally demanding situations.

“The stronger our network is, the stronger society becomes. We are able to share ideas, grow, and have someone to talk to and debrief with, even if it is over the telephone,” said Infantino.