Attacks on Western Cape social workers persist

JOHANNESBURG - The MEC for Social Development, Jaco Londt, has strongly condemned the attacks on social workers in the Western Cape.

According to MEC for Social Development, Jaco Londt, 54 cases have been reported of social workers being attacked since the 1st of April 2024, to date.

Most of the attacks are occurring in Khayelitsha, Harare and Mfuleni.

He said the department provides psychosocial support to staff affected by the attacks.

“We have also raised the need for social workers to be classified as essential workers with National Minister Sisi Tolashe during the MEC meeting in February. The department has implemented various safety measures over the last few years and has allocated R15 million in the 2025/2026 financial year towards safeguarding of staff and DSD facilities.”

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is calling for crimes against social workers to be classified as a crime against the State.

The political party posed the question in Parliament on 21 August.

Londt added that social workers provide a service to the most vulnerable members of our communities. "Communities need social services, especially the most vulnerable, like children and the elderly. Staff are committed to serving these vulnerable residents, but we cannot have their lives being placed in danger by callous criminals.”