Young social worker recognised for GBV activism

As Youth Month draws to a close, attention turns to young people making meaningful contributions to the healthcare system and the social services sector.

One of the young voices recently recognised for his hard work is Rodrick Mangaye, an Ekurhuleni Health District social worker stationed at Bertha Gxowa Care Centre.

Mangaye recently took third place in the best male GBV activist category at the 5th Annual Gender-Based Violence Awards on May 30.

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The award marked the young man’s first individual recognition in his professional career.

Reflecting on the win, Mangaye said the award showed that the work done by social workers and other stakeholders is appreciated.

“I feel encouraged because this gives me strength to move forward and continue to work hard towards giving service to the vulnerable, as these groups need service most from us,” said Mangaye.

Speaking about the award, Mangaye said he was initially unaware of the competition until his manager, Sr Hazel Moagi, who manages the centre, encouraged him to enter.

“I believe she saw something in me and in my work. She champions the programmes that we run from the centre. This award also recognises her valuable contribution, along with that of other colleagues. This is not my work alone,” he said.

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As a social worker, he reminds people that this work requires patience, compassion and an open mind, especially when working with vulnerable people.

Mangaye acknowledged that the award was not due solely to his efforts. “We have the Germiston GBV stakeholders that we partner with for various reasons. We are therefore able to offer a holistic approach to our clients,” he said.

“Remember that this job is not for everyone. You have to have the heart to deal with the most vulnerable people, the elderly and children. You have to treat people with respect, avoid secondary traumatisation of your clients and offer them dignified services,” he said.

Mangaye was inspired to pursue a career as a social worker following earlier events in his life.

“My mother died when I was in Grade 11. There were social workers who came into our lives and offered psychosocial support and every support we needed. The service was excellent,” he said.

He said receiving support during one of the most difficult moments of his life made him realise the importance of social work.

“It dawned on me that I was assisted, and this profession is about being there for someone during their vulnerable times and assisting them to find their feet again. I still see that social worker whenever I go home,” said Mangaye.

The experience inspired him to learn more about social work and pursue it as a career.

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“This job fulfils my heart. I began researching the career and seeking funding. After matric, I went to study at the University of South Africa, studying towards a Bachelor of Social Work, and graduated in April 2018,” he said.

After completing his studies, Mangaye did not wait long before entering the field. His first job was at the Teddy Bear Clinic, where he worked with children.

He said being exposed to sensitive cases for the first time was not easy, especially when working with children who were victims of sexual and domestic violence.

“Being in the field for the first time was not easy, having to deal with such sensitive cases. It is easy to suffer from vicarious trauma. I did debrief and got counselling from the employee health and wellness unit,” he said.

“It is not easy listening to stories of children who are victims of sexual or domestic violence,” he added.
After two years at the Teddy Bear Clinic, Mangaye moved to Bertha Gxowa Care Centre, where his work expanded to include people of all ages.

“The only difference is that at Teddy Bear you work only with children, and over here we work with everyone,” he said.

Mangaye credited Moagi’s leadership, work ethic and guidance for helping him grow professionally and become a better social worker.

At Bertha Gxowa Care Centre, Mangaye is involved in various awareness and outreach programmes to educate communities and support victims.

“We run awareness campaigns on different topics, such as bullying and GBV, door-to-door campaigns, school visits, organise marches against violence against children and women, visit churches and clinics, and train other nurses on how to handle victims of sexual abuse and offer first aid,” he said.

Sister Moagi said his recognition highlights the important role young professionals continue to play in supporting victims of gender-based violence, strengthening social services and restoring dignity to vulnerable people in communities.