Social workers listen to stories of pain, hardship and trauma, offering support and guidance to those who need it most.

But behind their selfless service lies a question often left unanswered: who helps the healers?

Nomcebo Myaka and Nontobeko Thusi, two dedicated social workers from Mandeni, know all too well the toll this profession takes on its practitioners.

“You help carry the emotional weight of others’ burdens and help others heal,” said Nontobeko.

The duo, who work at a Mandeni children’s home, help children navigate the toughest of circumstances. But despite their strength, they too carry their own struggles, challenges that many social workers face, yet rarely have a space to address. They recently hosted the inaugural Wounded Healers Luncheon at The Sunbird in Gingindlovu to fill this gap.

This event, held during Social Work Month in March, created a platform for 25 social workers to come together, share experiences and discuss important topics such as mental health wellness and financial management.

The luncheon provided an opportunity to build a supportive community.

“It’s important to have a space where we can connect with others who understand the unique challenges of our profession,” said Myaka.

“A community where we do not have to constantly be the ones giving, but where we can receive, share, and heal.”

Myaka’s journey into the profession is a testament to the resilience of social workers. Having lost her grandmother at the age of 11 and facing homelessness, she found herself under the care of social services. That experience shaped her life, leading her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in social work at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

“We become social workers because of our own life experiences. We work from a place of trauma and a desire to help others,” she said.

Nontobeko also emphasised that as therapy is expensive, events like this help to ease the load.

Professional social workers who would like to become part of the community can contact Nomcebo and Nontobeko at 074 266 7881 or 061 757 5967.

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