Nomvelo Buthelezi’s passion for helping others was first sparked when her mother worked as a domestic worker at the Newcastle Crisis Centre.

Every day has its own challenges

Watching vulnerable people receive care and support planted the seed for her future career in social work.

“For me, joining the Crisis Centre was a miracle – a dream come true,” said Nomvelo.

While she was not qualified, she persevered, working hard and through her passion to help victims of crime and abuse, with the support of others, to succeed as a social worker. “Young people need to know that patience pays off. Never give up in life!”

She says ‘a typical day at the office is hard to describe, since every day has its own challenges.’ “Some days are good, and some days are miserable.

Most of my work involves listening to people’s stories about traumatic experiences. I need to make sure they feel safe,” explained Nomvelo.

Building community trust at the Crisis Centre

Her role at the Crises Centre is to provide support and protection for women and children who have experienced physical, emotional and sexual abuse.

Hence, the Centre provides shelter, care and emotional support for women and children who are abuse survivors.

Nomvelo explains that, when someone comes through the door, trust needs to be built and a safe and calm environment vital for the victim to share their experiences without judgement or misunderstanding. “When victims come to us, they are scared, anxious, or in shock,” Nomvelo said.

“It is important for survivors to know that the Centre is there to assist them and to make them feel safe.”

Being a social worker comes with many challenges, Nomvelo admitted.

Not every case ends in success. Some victims grow stronger and empowered, breaking free from abuse and moving forward with their lives.

Sadly, others return to their abusers despite the support and services provided by the Centre.

To cope with the emotional impact of her work, Nomvelo praises the Centre’s director, Mary Dobbie, for all her support. “She is our source of strength.

She always reminds me that even small steps can make a big difference.”

Making a difference in somebody’s life is what gives Nomvelo hope.

She recalled an instance where a young mother left an abusive partner after much counselling and support. The mother gained enough confidence to move back to the Eastern Cape to start a new life.

The woman’s thankfulness for enabling a new start made Nomvelo realise how powerful the Centre’s work is.

Nomvelo believes the worrying unemployment rate is the root of most problems in the community. Daily job loss causes families to fall into poverty, raising domestic violence and substance abuse.

“To counter this onslaught, the Centre works closely with the SAPS, Child Welfare, DSD, Magistrate’s Court, Clinics, and schools, to provide a holistic service to the people coming through the doors.”

Her experiences at the Crisis Centre have made Nomvelo more patient, humbled, and better equipped to confront the difficult realities of social work.

“I have learned to appreciate the strength of the victims who survive difficulties, and I believe it has made me more compassionate and grounded in my own life,” admitted Nomvelo.

Asked what she wished more people understood about the services the Centre provides and what the roles of social workers are, Nomvelo jokingly answered:

”I wish people could understand that our jobs as social workers are not just to sit in swivel chairs looking pretty and giving advice.”

Moreover, walking alongside the victims in their darkest times is how they help them rebuild their lives.

Nomvelo emphasises that the Crises Centre’s services are no quick fix, and wants the public to know that social workers do more than just paperwork and that the community needs to appreciate them.

She reflects that seeing survivors rebuild their lives is what gives her hope — both for the people she supports and for the community as a whole.

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