POLOKWANE – World Social Work Day is celebrated annually on March 15 and recognises the hard work and dedication of social workers for their service in our communities.

This year’s theme is ‘Co-building a new eco-social world: Leaving no one behind’. The idea of celebrating social workers dates back to 1983 when representatives of the International Federation of Social Workers advocated for social workers to be partners at the United Nations Headquaters in New York.

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Local social worker at the SAVF Martha Hofmeyr home Joyce Sadiki said the day is important because it raises awareness about social workers but also defends social justice and human rights.

Sadiki is a statutory social worker who works with adoption cases. She assists with placing children in foster care and she also helps in mediating disputes between parents for the best interests of the children involved.

“The best part of my job is when I get to meet a client’s needs and knowing that I did my best to assist someone who needed my help”.

Reflecting on how she became a social worker, Sadiki said she was introduced to the profession by a friend and studied through the University of South Africa. She said she gradually learnt to love the work she does.

“Growing up, I wanted to become a nurse because I liked the uniform more than anything but my friend got me interested in social work and with funding, I persued my studies in the field.”

Sadiki says she is happy with the support they get from the government, although she feels that they lack in providing adequate resources and viable policies to protect citizens.

Adding to what Sadiki said, assistant social worker Redeemed Zondo said she thinks it’s a good initiative to be celebrated because it gives a platform for social workers to share their journey and work together to achieve a common goal, which is to assist those in need.

She further advised those who may have an interest in the profession to be prepared to experience the highs and lows of it as the different experiences will better their approach in bringing about social change.

“Social work is an angelic profession that needs passion because we deal with social issues that test one’s patience and creativity level but we do do it diligently because we love it” said Zondo.