News

Council News

ThisWeek@Council

Standing Together

This week we want to remind the Social Service Professions sector to take note that the request for public comments on the published Social Service Practitioners Draft Bill is 24 June 2020.

During this time when the national and world deals with COVID-19 a number of collaborative efforts emerged with key national strategic partners. However, admist these exciting developments that is shared on our social media platforms, it is noted that there are also some misunderstanding. Kindly take note the following collaborative efforts, which are geared at promoting workforce strengthening within the sector: COVID response training partnership with Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) through 3 non-governmental organisations.

Covid response partnership with HWSETA supporting the placement of newly qualified graduates with PAX AFRICANA.

COVID response internship program in partnership with National Department of Social Development, HWSETA and University of the Witwatersrand (WITS) Health Consortium for placement of 1,210 newly qualified graduates in Social Work to strengthen Social development and Health.

COVID response partnership with South African National Defence Force (SANDF) social work department for covid response social work reserve volunteer call.

Kindly take note of the adminstrative notice on alert level 4 business continuity issued on 22 May 2020.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS: REMEMBER: ALWAYS include a reference number when you make a payment. Nedbank details are as follows:

BANK DETAILS: NEDBANK ACCOUNT NO.: 1190739410 BRANCH NAME: MENLYN MAINE, CODE 198765

RECOMMENDED: COVID-19 Whatsapp: Say “Hi” to 0600 123 456 and stay informed. COVID-19 Hotline: 0800 029 999

Please share this news with your networks as well.

ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.

ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications (25 May 2020) NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves

South African Council for Social Services Professions 37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa Email: communications@sacssp.co.za Website: www.sacssp.co.za Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter: @SACSSP1

  ThisWeek@Council

ABOUT 15 MAY

This week’s focus have been on occupational health and safety matter as Council’s office blocks were deep cleansed (decontamination) in preparation for phasing in one third of staff members in near future. The Registrar and management team completed an alert level business continuity plan as part of the preparedness to return to our offices.

The Registrar gave a presentation on the Global Social Service Workforce Alliance webinar for safety and wellness of the social service workforce attended by about 500 social service practitioners from all over the world.

The International Day of Families, which was established by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly through a resolution (resolution (A/RES/47/237) in 1993 to promote awareness of issues relating to families, was celebrated on 15 May 2020. This year's theme was ‘Families in Development: Copehagen & Beijing+ 25’ to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Copenhagen Declaration and Beijing Platform for Action at a time of one of the most challenging global health and social crises due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is recognised that it is families who bear the burden of the COVID-19 global pandemic to protect family members, support children not in school at this time and continue with work responsibilities

Council urges everyone to recognise the importance of the family, in its many forms, and wishes for everyone to be safe as we continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and observe the national lockdown protocols.


UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:

REMEMBER:  ALWAYS include a reference number when you make a payment. Nedbank details are as follows:

BANK DETAILS: NEDBANK
ACCOUNT NO.: 1190739410
BRANCH NAME: MENLYN MAINE, CODE 198765


RECOMMENDED: COVID-19 Whatsapp: Say “Hi” to 0600 123 456 and stay informed. COVID-19 Hotline: 0800 029 999 

Please share this news with your networks as well.   


ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications (15 May 2020)

NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves


South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Website: www.sacssp.co.za Facebook: @OffialSACSSP Twitter: @SACSSP1

MEDIA STATEMENT

REF:1/20 | 4 May 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4 May 2020

COMPACT OF SOLIDARY TO MAKE MOMENTS MEANINGFUL: INTERNATIONAL CHILD AND YOUTH CARE WORKERS’ WEEK: 4 TO 10 MAY 2020

International Child and Youth Care Workers’ Week is celebrated globally in the first week of May. This year it is celebrated from today the 4th to 10th May under the theme “Making Moments Meaningful’’ emphasising the importance of meaningful professional engagements by child and youth care workers with children, youth, families, and communities.

Child and youth care work is a recognised social service profession in South Africa and the profession falls under the auspices of the South African Council for Social Service Professions’ (SACSSP) Professional Board for Child and Youth Care Work. Child and youth care workers at a professional and auxiliary level are required by law to register with the SACSSP in order to be licensed to practice their profession, similar to the other social service profession, social work, that also falls under the SACSSP. Currently (as on 31 March 2020), 80 child and youth care worker in the professional category of registration, 7,273 child and youth care workers in the auxiliary category of registration and 1,767 students in child and youth care work are registered with the SACSSP.

During International Child and Youth Care Workers’ Week the SACSSP joins many organisations, employers, service users and, most significantly, child and youth care workers in the country and across the globe to recognise and celebrate the role of this profession in social service delivery. In South Africa child and youth care workers practice in residential care settings such as child and youth care centres and in communities where they provide professional support to children and families, including child-headed households, children living and working on the streets, children in schools, to mention a few.

International Child and Youth Care Workers’ Week is celebrated in 2020 at a time where the world is dealing with the impact of COVID-19 on society as a whole. During this International Week the theme – Making Moments Meaningful – carries a critical message for the child and youth care work profession, and for society as a whole. The children of the world, and their families, experience a sudden change in the things that had everyday meaning to them (and everybody else), for example, relationships, routines, hygiene practices, safety, support networks, services and time and space to play. This is also the time where the interventions of, amongst others, child and youth care workers are not only needed but essential, to give meaning to a new way of living and doing through professional interventions and support.

The SACSSP calls during this week upon child and youth care workers to contribute their professional knowledge and skills not only to the children, families and communities that they work with, but also to the professional multi-disciplinary teams that they participate in. There is a need for a compact of social solidarity between social services professionals (child and youth care workers and social workers), health care professionals, educators, and others, during the time of COVID-19 to mitigate the impact of social distancing, isolation, risk and fear, and changing norms and routines on the psycho-social well-being of children.  

The South African Council for Social Service Professions would like to recognise the role of all registered child and youth care workers in using meaningful moments as part of their professional practice, while also wishing them an International Child and Youth Care Workers’ Week filled with more meaningful moments, especially during these challenging times in our country and the world.

For more information on International Child and Youth Care Workers’ Week visit https://www.cyc-net.org/CYCWeek2020.html

ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications

ENQUIRIES:

Lungelwa Mbuzo ( Ms) (Communications and Public Relations Practitioner)

060 983 3839

communications@sacssp.co.za

ABOUT THE SOUTH AFRICAN COUNCIL FOR SERVICE PROFESSIONS

The South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP/ Council) is a statutory body established in terms of section 2 of the Social Service Professions Act No. 110 of 1978 (the Act). Council has two professional boards under its auspices: the Professional Board for Social Work and the Professional Board for Child and Youth Care Work. Council, in conjunction with its two professional boards, guides and regulates the professions of social work and child youth care work in aspects pertaining to registration; education and training; professional conduct and ethical behaviour; ensuring continuing professional development; and fostering compliance with professional standards. It protects the integrity of the social service professions as well as the interest of the public at large. In order to safeguard the public and indirectly the professions, registration with Council in terms of the Act is a prerequisite before practising social work and child and youth care work. Registration is mandatory for social workers, social auxiliary workers, student social workers, student social auxiliary workers, child and youth care workers, auxiliary child and youth care workers, student child and youth care workers, and student auxiliary child and youth care workers.

GENERAL NOTICE 8 of 2020

REF: 3/7/6/1/8 | 6 May 2020

NOTICE TO:

ALL SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONALS (social workers, social auxiliary workers, student social workers, student social auxiliary workers, child and youth care workers, auxiliary child and youth care workers and student child and youth care workers)

 

CONTACTS FOR DIRECT ENQUIRIES

Notice is hereby given that registrants wishing to make enquiries must please direct their enquiries to the emails below, and not contact the Registrar, so as to receive immediate attention. 

Council’s banking details for any payments is: BANK DETAILS: NEDBANK, ACCOUNT NO.: 1190739410

BRANCH NAME: MENLYN MAINE, CODE 198765

Issued by: Ms. Langi LC Malamba

REGISTRAR

GENERAL NOTICE 5 of 2020

REF: 3/7/6/1/5 | 15 April 2020


NOTICE TO ALL REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKERS, SOCIAL AUXILIARY WORKERS, STUDENT SOCIAL WORKERS, SOCIAL AUXILIARY WORK LEARNERS, CHILD AND YOUTH CARE WORKERS, AUXILIARY CHILD AND YOUTH CARE WORKERS, STUDENT CHILD AND YOUTH CARE WORKERS

2nd REMINDER: PAYMENT PERIOD EXTENDED TO 30 APRIL 2020

President Ramaphosa declared a National State of Disaster in respect of the coronavirus pandemic, COVID-19 pandemic.  Some of the restrictions in place include social distancing which is a crucial strategy for reducing the spread.  Council shares the concerns with regard to the spread of COVID-19 and how it impacts ordinary South Africans.  As you may be aware, Council has extended payment of annual fees to 30 April 2020.

Kindly note that there will be no leniency on late payment of annual fees after the 30 April 2020. Non -payment beyond the 30th April will result in your name being de-registered and an application to be restored will attract penalties in addition to the outstanding annual fees. Removal from the Register shall mean that such a person shall not be legally allowed to practice the profession as contemplated in section 15 of the Act, and re-registration will require restoration of the person’s name on the Register at the prescribed additional costs and associated penalties.

 The Registrar wishes to thank all registrants who have paid their renewal of annual fees for the 2020/21 registration cycle on time. We also wish to thank those provincial offices of Departments of Social Development and Health respectively, who implemented the PHSDCBC resolution 3.

REMEMBER:  ALWAYS include a reference number when you make a payment. Please note that NEDBANK account will only accept your registration number as reference number and not ID numbers. Nedbank details are as follows:

BANK DETAILS: NEDBANK

ACCOUNT NO.: 1190739410

BRANCH NAME: MENLYN MAINE, CODE 198765

This will ensure that your payment is allocated against your name. We request social service practitioners to acquaint themselves with their registration number to avoid being sent back by the bank resulting in an overflow of calls requesting a registration number. Please see guidance provided below.

  1. Registered practitioners

Persons already registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professions must quote their registration number as a reference when making a payment starting with: 10- (for social work); 50- (for social auxiliary work); 70- (for child and youth care work); 90- (for auxiliary child and youth care work)

  1. Persons registering for the first time on the social work register

Persons who apply for the first time to be registered as a social worker with the South African Council for Social Service Professions must use the following reference number when a payment is made: 60 –plus the first 5 numbers of Identity Number (ID). For example, if your ID number is 980505 5482 082, the reference number will be 60 98050.

  1. Persons registering for the first time on the child and youth care register

Persons who apply for the first time to be registered as a child and youth care worker with the South African Council for Social Service Professions must use the following reference number when a payment is made: 18 – plus the first 5 numbers of Identity Number (ID). For example, if your ID number is 980505 5482 082, the reference number will be 18 98050.

  1. Existing students applying for professional registration

Students who are currently studying towards a social work or a child and youth care work degree who already have a registration number (from their second year of study) should use their student registration number as reference when making payment same as when the apply to register after completion of their studies as social worker, social auxiliary worker, child and youth care worker or child and youth care worker at auxiliary level.

  1. Continuing professional development (CPD)

Social service practitioners who are applying for accreditation of CPD programmes with Council must use the following reference number: 13 – The last 5 number of your Registration Number with the SACSSP. For example, if you are a social worker (with registration number 10-45231) or child and youth care work (with registration number 70-45231), the reference number will be 13 - 45231

  1. For enquiries please contact Finance department using the following email at: fintemp6@sacssp.co.za

Issued by: Ms. Langi LC Malamba

REGISTRAR

GENERAL NOTICE 4 of 2020

REF: 3/7/6/1/4 15 April 2020

NOTICE TO:

ALL SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONALS (social workers, social auxiliary workers, student social workers, student social auxiliary workers, child and youth care workers, auxiliary child and youth care workers and student child and youth care workers)

 

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS AND RISK IN RELATION TO SOCIAL MEDIA USE

Many social media tools are available for social service professionals including social networking platforms to improve or enhance professional networking and education. However, they also present potential risks to social service professionals, their clients and the profession. Distribution of inaccurate, unverified and poor-quality information; inappropriate photos, are some of the things that damage the professional image, breach client’s privacy, violation and licensing or legal issues.

It has come to the attention of Council that there is a Facebook group for child and youth care workers that has a membership of approximately 6000 users who at some point during the end of March 2020 shared and distributed child pornography material. These act of sharing and distributing children’s photos is illegal and cannot be tolerated amongst licensed practitioners who are supposed to protect children and their Rights at all times.

Council is urging social service professionals to always be vigilant on social media platforms and to refrain from participating in activities that further infringes the Rights and privacy of children. If you are caught continuing to participate in distribution of illegal and harmful content, know that your actions may lead to your license to practice being revoked and you may never be allowed to work in children’s spaces or as a child and youth care worker.

ISSUED BY: REGISTRAR, Ms Langi LC Malamba

ThisWeek@Coucil

NOT FOR OURSELVES

The Minister of Social Development on 24 March 2020 requested the Minister of Labour to include social service professionals into the list of persons providing essential services. Council also submitted recommendations in terms of section 3(c) of the Social Service Professions Act 110 of 1978 regarding matters that affect social service professionals to the Minister of Social Development for consideration.

Since the call for help, there has been short supply of protective kits to minimise the spread of the virus. Council with the assistance of HWSETA, supplied 3,000 anti-virus self-care kits; 2,956 sanitizers, 3,690 washable masks to over 30 NGOs mostly affiliate members of NACOSS; City of Ekurhuleni social development; Gauteng social development; SANDF social work unit; 16 shelters for Gender-based Violence survivors in Mpumalanga and 1 in Lenasia; six community based organisations across Gauteng working with the homeless and social workers in private practice.

The Registrar participated in a webinar on the 3rd April, on trauma counselling facilitated by ASASWEI, Dr Nadesan offered by Prof Alida Herbst of the NWU.

Council wishes all social service professionals who are leading from the front to continue their selfless work in good health. Remain safe and practise good hygiene and self-care at all times.


UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

PLEASE NOTE: As an extraordinary measure Council has extended payment of annual fees to 30 April 2020 (see General Notice 1 of 2020)

RECOMMENDED: COVID-19 Whatsapp: Say “Hi” to 0600 123 456 on stay informed. COVID-19 Hotline: 0800 029 999 

Please share this news with your networks as well.

ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.

ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications (3 April 2020)

NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves

South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za
Website: www.sacssp.co.za Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter: @SACSSP1

GENERAL NOTICE 3 of 2020

REF: 3/7/6/1/3                                                                                                                                                                            31 March 2020


NOTICE TO: ALL CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD) TRAINING PROVIDERS

The South African Council for Social Service Professions’ (SACSSP) Education, Training and Development division has noted with concern that accredited CPD training providers currently advertise their approved face-to-face group activities as online activities. There is quite a difference in the requirements for group activities and online activities as the online training needs to be managed by the provider on a specific platform where participation can be monitored and certain online tests incorporated.
It is not a problem if attendees participate through skype or other live platforms in CPD approved group activities.  However, SACSSP is concerned that social workers might pay money for “online training” and then the CPD points will not be acknowledged, as the training provider did not adhere to the requirements.
Kindly note that online training should be pre-approved for CPD points and that CPD group activities cannot be converted to online training without approval from the CPD panel. Participants may be included in live CPD group activities via skype.
This means training providers are providing training that they are not accredited for.
All training providers are kindly requested to refrain from this practice.

ISSUED BY: REGISTRAR, Ms Langi LC Malamba

GENERAL NOTICE 2 of 2020

REF: 3/7/6/1/2                                                                                                                                                                                         27 March 2020

NOTICE TO: 

ALL SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONALS (social workers, social auxiliary workers, student social workers, student social auxiliary workers, child and youth care workers, auxiliary child and youth care workers and student child and youth care workers)

ALL EMPLOYERS OF SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONALS

GUIDANCE FOR SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONALS AND THEIR EMPLOYERS ON SUSTAINED AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE DURING THE NATIONAL STATE OF DISASTER: COVID-19 PANDEMIC

1.1       The South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) recognises that the country is currently dealing with a complex situation that calls on social service professionals to be part of the response, but also to take care of themselves and their loved ones.

1.2       The SACSSP appreciates that Cabinet declared the COVID-19 pandemic as a national disaster in terms of the Disaster Management Act. On 23 March 2020 President Ramaphosa announced an escalation of local exposures which led to the enforcement of a nation-wide lockdown for 21 days with effect from midnight on Thursday 26 March.

1.3       The SACSSP recognises the importance of the measures introduced to combat the further spread of COVID-19 to the millions of South African citizens, as well as, people from other countries within our borders. Furthermost significant is the recognition of an important role to protect those most vulnerable and at risk, such as the elderly, children, people with compromised immune systems, amongst others.

1.4       The COVID-19 pandemic presents the country with a medical emergency that coincides with social and emotional challenges that impacts on the people of our country and the world. However, it is not only a health issue, but a societal issue that reaches the very core of human well-being.

1.5       The guidelines published in this General Notice aims to provide basic information and guidance regarding COVID-19. Social workers, social auxiliary workers, child and youth care workers (professional category), child and youth care workers (auxiliary category) and students in social work and child and youth care work are required to bring themselves up to date with the facts related to COVID-19 and the national response. Helpful links are provided at the end of this General Notice. This General Notice is divided into the following areas:

  • General guidance for all
  • Essential social services by social service professionals
  • Employers
  • Social service professionals
  • Professional ethics
  • Private Practice
  • Sources of information 
  1. General guidance for all
  1. If you feel sick and have an influenza-like illness stay at home (it may not be COVID-19. Check first with your medical practitioner). First take care of yourself. Do not go to work as you may pose a risk to your own health and the health of colleagues and clients.
  2. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  3. Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes. This also applies if you wear gloves.
  4. If you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a flexed elbow or tissue. Wash your hands after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
  5. Wash your hands regularly with soap and running water (for 20 minutes) or use hand sanitizer.
  6. Keep frequently touched common surfaces clean, i.e., telephones, computer equipment, etc.
  7. Do not use other workers’ phones, desks, office, or other work tools and equipment; if necessary, consider cleaning them first with a disinfectant. Also clean your own devices regularly.

(adapted from the CDC guidelines)

3          Essential social services by social service professionals

3.1       The SACSSP noted with appreciation that the Minister of Social Development announced on 24 March 2020 that she requested the Minister of Labour to include social service professionals into the list of persons providing essential services. Employers and social service professionals are encouraged to take note of any publication of this in the Government Gazette.

3.2       Social service professionals are reminded that they must carry an official form of identification (ID book or driver’s license) as well as the Permit to Perform Essential Service (Annexure C: Form 1) as published in Government Notice No. R. 398 of 25 March 2020 (Government Gazette 43148).

3.3       Any social service professional who is required to provide an essential service, subject to the regulations published in the Government Gazette or permission obtained through the relevant authorities, shall at all times carry his or her Practice Card issued by the South African Council for Social Service Professions. In the case where a social service professional does not have a Practice Card, he or she must have his or her registration number with the SACSSP readily available to provide to authorities upon request for the purpose of verification.

  1. Employers

4.1       Employers need to take responsibility for the health, safety and well-being of social service professionals on their employ and the following are recommended:

4.1.1    Information on COVID-19

  1. Provide factual information on COVID-19 to all staff, including administrative staff.
  2. Make information available in a manner that is accessible to staff members, whether at the workplace or at home, and update it regularly.
  3. Assist social service professionals in your employ with up to date information to respond to the needs of clients and communities in a professional and timely manner. Identify credible sources of information that staff should consult when they need more information on COVID-19 (see paragraph 8.1)
  4. Put in place measures that counter misinformation and fake-news, and act against those who wittingly spread misinformation.
  5. Keep staff abreast with all development related to COVID-19 in the place of employment.

4.1.2    Non-essential staff

  1. Ensure that non-essential staff adhere to the requirements related to the nation-wide lockdown.
  2. Remote working or teleworking from home is encouraged where it is practical and feasible.
  3. Employers need to extend all possible and reasonable support to such staff members.
  4. Non-essential staff should not be required to come into the office during the period of the nation-wide lockdown.

4.1.3    Essential staff (see paragraph 3)

  1. Only staff who are classified as essential staff, including social service professionals registered with the SACSSP, should work during period of the nation-wide lockdown.
  2. It is recommended that the work arrangement of essential staff be flexible, including working from home, teleworking or limited work time in the office (with only a maximum number of staff members at one time at the office), staggered work hours or rotational working days (where not all staff are at the workplace at the same time).
  3. In addition to the above, it is recommended that the work arrangements of essential staff in residential care facilities and institutions, be organised in such a manner that there is continuation of quality services, while precautions are in place to create a safe work environment.

4.1.3    General 

  1. Encourage health practices such as handwashing and basic hygiene. Ensure that soap and running water are available on the premises.
  2. Avoid unnecessarily meetings and if needed keep it short and in venues where there is ample fresh air and social distancing can be practised.
  3. Keep the workplace clean. Especially surfaces in common areas.
  4. Do not discriminate against staff or clients that show possible symptoms or have COVID-19.
  5. Support social service professionals and other staff with family responsibilities during this time.
  6. Recognise and accept that the country is experiencing an exceptional situation and employ more flexible, yet still professional, arrangements in the workplace. For example, there may be a need for more telephone contact with clients and social partners during these times, than face-to-face sessions, which may mean higher telephone bills, but less fuel costs.
  1. Social service professionals

5.1       Social service professionals are equally at risk to the COVID-19 virus and need to take all the necessary precautions for their health, safety and well-being, while continuing to render a professional service of a high standard.

5.2       Social service professionals should keep up to date with announcements published in the Government Gazette regarding COVID-19 and the stipulations related to the period of the nation-wide lockdown.

5.3       The SACSSP recommends the following for all social service practitioners:

5.3.1    Evidence based practice 

  1. Gain information on COVID-19 and the measures that you need to employ to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and the clients/communities that you serve.
  2. Ensure that the information that you have is correct and obtained from credible sources (see paragraph X and Council’s website). Every effort should be made to counter misinformation and fake news.

5.3.2    Responsive services 

  1. Ensure that you know who are most vulnerable and at risk to ensure that they are supported.
  2. Let all your clients know about alternative arrangements, if any, during this time, without letting them feel that they do not have access to any services. These may include telephonic counselling, contact via WhatsApp or SMS.
  3. The use of personal telephone numbers and/or email addresses to contact clients and their families are not encouraged. It is recommended that employers ensure that social service professionals who are required to be in contact with clients have access to resources that enable them to do so, e.g. rotation or scheduling of use of mobile phones.
  4. If you work in a residential care service such as a child and youth care centre, old age home, rehabilitation centre, residential care facilities for persons with disabilities, shelters, hospitals, hostels, or similar, take additional precautions, while continuing to provide a service. Always ensure that the residents are informed and know how service delivery will be maintained.
  5. Where members of families are not together for statutory care or other practical reasons, help them to make contact (via telephone, WhatsApp or similar) for assurance that their family members are fine. If such a member of the family is infected with the COVID-19, keep the family members informed remotely.
  6. Assist those specific groups that may not be able to access the general public information regarding COVID-19 has accessible information. These include children, people who are hearing or visually impaired, people with cognitive and/or intellectual disabilities, refugees, people (including children), living and working on the streets, among others.
  7. Participate in multi-disciplinary teams and responses so as to ensure that the rights of clients are protected and that psychosocial support services are provided.
  8. Postpone group work and community meetings until the period of the nation-wide lockdown has ended and the continuation of such activities are safe.

5.3.3    Professional supervision 

  1. The continuation of professional supervision is strongly encouraged during this time in particularly as social service professionals are facing a new unchartered territory in their profession.
  2. Social auxiliary workers and child and youth care workers registered in the auxiliary category who continue to provide services during this period still need supervisory guidance of a social worker or child and youth care worker registered on the professional category as prescribed in the respective regulations.
  3. The use of teleconferences, Skype or Zoom for supervision and group supervision are encouraged.
  4. Regular group supervision using the methods described above are encouraged as it will be beneficial for practitioners to share experiences and new approaches that emerge from this unique situation. Share ideas on how to manage and practice in innovative ways with your colleagues and create good practice.

5.3.4    Students in social work and child and youth care work

  1. The SACSSP recommends that the practicum or field instruction of students in social work and child and youth care work, whether at professional or auxiliary level, other than for students in the final year of study, be suspended until such time that the circumstances have normalised.
  2. The SACSSP recommends that training institutions and practice placement organisation engage in consultations regarding the continued practicums and field instructions of students in social work and child and youth care work be suspended for the period of the nation-wide lockdown for 21 days and that alternative arrangements be made for the accumulation of practicum hours after the situation has normalised.

5.3.4    Advocacy and awareness raising 

  1. Advocate and work together with other professionals for the participation of communities in the development of local plans and protocols.
  2. Advocate with and support your employer to continue to provide quality and timely essential services to all in need of such services
  3. Educate clients and communities on the prevention and protection measures (see resource links in paragraph X at end of the General Notice). This is critical to help with containment of the virus.
  4. Raise awareness amongst all involved on the impact of self-isolation, quarantine and on people’s social and emotional well-being. Affective disorders (e.g. Anxiety, fear and other negative emotions) may be more prominent during this time and need to be addressed through prevention and response programmes.

5.3.5    Universal Precautions

  1. Adhere to the basic precautions as indicated in paragraph 2.
  2. The World Health Organisation (WHO) does not recommend the wearing of rubber gloves as a precautionary measure as a person can still pick up COVID-19 while wearing gloves (when you touch your face. The WHO indicates that regularly washing your bare hands with running water and soap provides more protection that wearing rubber gloves. If a person wears rubber gloves, he or she still needs to adhere to all the precautionary measures.
  3. The World Health Organisations recommends that you do not need to wear a mask if you are healthy. It recommends that you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected COVID-19 infection or if you are coughing or sneezing. Further, the WHO indicates that if you wear a mask you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly, and that masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. See paragraph X for more information.

5.3.6    Self-care

  1. Self-care is important during these times. Your family and your clients need you to keep healthy and be well-rested.
  2. Make sure that you get enough rest.
  3. While providing essential services, it is equally important to spent time with your family.
  1. Professional ethics

6.1       All social service professionals registered with the SACSSP are required to adhere to the professional code of ethics applicable to his or her profession. These codes of ethics apply notwithstanding the period of national disaster and the enforcement of a nation-wide lockdown for 21 days.

6.2       The SACSSP recognises that this is an extraordinary period with unique challenges for the professions. Social service professionals need guidance and protection as they explore new territories of working using alternative formats including technology.

6.3       Supervisors should provide guidance and support to help social service professionals to deal with new ethical dilemmas.

6.4       Employers need to assist through adaptation of policies to accommodate new ways of working, without compromising ethical standards.

6.5       Any ethics related questions may also be sent to the SACSSP at the following address only: regofficer@sacssp.co.za  

  1. Private Practice

7.1       Social service professionals in private practice need to ensure that they abide by the requirements associated with the period of national disaster and the enforcement of a nation-wide lockdown for 21 days.

7.2       Services provided through private practice that are not essential, should be suspended or adapted (see paragraph 5) until such time the circumstances have normalised.

  1. Sources of information

8.1       Social service professionals are encouraged to consult some of the following websites for more accurate information on the COVID-19 coronavirus:

GOVERNMENT OF SOUTH AFRICA webpage on COVID-19

https://www.gov.za/NovelCoronavirus

NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR COMMUNICABLE DISEASES (NICD) webpage

http://www.nicd.ac.za/

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

https://sacoronavirus.co.za/

WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION webpage on COVID-19

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Wearing of gloves and masks

https://www.who.int/images/default-source/health-topics/coronavirus/wearing-gloves.png

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks

The workplace and COVID-19

https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/getting-workplace-ready-for-covid-19.pdf?sfvrsn=359a81e7_6

UNICEF’s webpage on COVID-19

https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/covid-19

Online quiz: Fact or fiction: How much do you know about the coronavirus disease (COVID-19)?

https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/fact-or-fiction-how-much-do-you-actually-know-about-coronavirus-covid-19

Social Service Workers Mitigating the Impact of COVID-19

http://socialserviceworkforce.org/resources/blog/social-service-workers-mitigating-impact-covid-19

Ethical Exceptions for Social Workers in Light of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Physical Distancing

https://www.socialworker.com/feature-articles/ethics-articles/ethical-exceptions-social-workers-in-light-of-covid-19-pandemic-physical-distancing/

International Federation for Social Workers webpage on COVID-19

https://www.ifsw.org/

https://www.ifsw.org/updated-information-on-ifsw-and-the-covid-19-virus/

Psychological interventions for people affected by the COVID-19 epidemic

https://app.mhpss.net/?get=354/psychological-interventions-for-people-affected-by-the.pdf

Addressing Mental Health and Psychosocial during the COVID-19 Outbreak

https://www.mhinnovation.net/resources/addressing-mental-health-and-psychosocial-during-covid-19-outbreak

United States National Association of Social Workers (NASW) webpage on COVID-19

https://www.socialworkers.org/Practice/Infectious-Diseases/Coronavirus

8.2       More resources will be uploaded on the SACSSP website (www.sacssp.co.za).

  1. The South African Council for Social Service Professions, the Professional Board for Social Work, Professional Board for Child and Youth Care Work and staff wishes to express their sincerest appreciation for the role that social service professionals are going to play during the lockdown period, protecting the rights of all people as part of the core professional groupsthat responds to COVID-19.

 

ISSUED BY: REGISTRAR, Ms Langi LC Malamba

SACSSP MONTHLY eBULLETIN MARCH 2020

SACSSP Monthly eBulletin for MARCH 2020 is out. Click here to access it here
AS WE ENTER MARCH 2020

The Professional Board for Child and Youth Care Work (PBCYC) held its 39th meeting on 27 and 28 February 2020 in Pretoria. A range of topics were covered in the robust discussions, and significant milestones were reached. Amongst the topics that were discussed is the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) policy that was approved by Council; the term of office for the current Council and the two Professional Boards which is coming to an end next year in June; voter education prior to nominations and elections; compliance to the Act by practitioners. Social service professionals seem not to be aware that annual fees are payable on or before the 1st January of every year as prescribed in the Social Service Professions Act 110 of 1978. The implied period of grace is creating a serious challenge for finance because practitioners wait until the 31st March to make payments which prevents the Finance department from reconciling payments and issuing receipts on time. Notices will be sent out highlighting those clauses which lead to deregistration such as paying late, not updating particulars etc. A statement with more outcomes of this meeting will be issued shortly.

Social service professionals in Mpumalanga are invited to a registration outreach session to be held on 10 March 2020. Venue details will follow soon. The registration help desk will be on call to attend all registration related enquiries on the day.
UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Please note that all annual fees must be paid at a NEDBANK branch or online via internet banking as the office is busy with new registration matter.
Bank: NEDBANK ‖ Account number: 1190739410 ‖ Branch Name: MENLYN MAINE ‖ Branch Code: 198765
Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications (28 February 2020)
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
STATEMENT ON 45TH MEETING OF PROFESSIONAL BOARD FOR SOCIAL WORK

5 March 2020
The Professional Board for Social Work held its 45th meeting from 13 to 14 February 2020 in Pretoria. As usual the meeting was well attended. The meeting focused on the strategic matters related to the mandate of this Professional Board. The Professional Board noted the approval of the following policy documents which Council ratified during their 56th meeting:
  • Continuing Professional Development (CPD) policy
  • Quality assurance tool for Bachelor of Social Work
  • Norms and standards for Bachelor of Social Work
The Professional Board discussed extensively the need to develop guidelines for private practise so as to safeguard the social work profession and service end users from independent /private practitioners who may not be registered or affiliated to recognised professional associations. Furthermore, such practitioners may lack adequate work experience or supervision. Draft guidelines for private practise will be presented to the Professional Board before circulating to affected parties for feedback.
On the 44th statement of this Professional Board it was mentioned that certain SADC countries like Lesotho, Botswana and Zimbabwe requested Council’s assistance with the registration of their students in South Africa as well as support or guidance with establishing their own Professional Councils/Boards in their respective countries. To date there has been contact made with the universities of Lesotho, Botswana, Swaziland, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. A roundtable dialogue will be organised in due course to look at qualification alignment between respective qualification authorities and councils on higher education in the respective countries.
The Professional Board took note of the organisational report based on quarter 3 that was presented by the Registrar. While major progress has been made, a major concern is that practitioners seem not to be aware that annual fees are payable on or before the 1st January of every year as prescribed (regulation 7(5)). The notable confusion is the clause on deregistration “if money is not collected within 3 months from the time it was due (Section 20 (1) (d)). The implied period of grace is creating a serious challenge for finance because practitioners wait until the 31st March to make payments which delays Council’s Finance department from reconciling payments and issuing receipts on time. Notices will be sent out highlighting those clauses which may lead to deregistration such as paying subscriptions late, not updating particulars etc. The term of office for the current Council and the two Professional Boards is coming to an end next year in June; voter education and/or awareness will take place prior to nominations and elections. The Board also noted the intention to investigate the possibility of on line voting.
It was reported that from October 2019 to February 2020 the number of social service professionals registered within the social work register is 4739. The Professional Board took a resolution during their 43rd meeting that all registered specialists on Council’s database will be subjected to compliance audits and letters will be issued to all non-compliant practitioners. The registrations division conducted an audit to check compliance to section 4(1) and 9(1) of the regulations 8-4 on the registrations of speciality in adoption work. All 67 practitioners who are on the database registered as adoption specialists were assessed and 44 are in good standing, 2 no longer practise and 21 have not responded to the compliance letters sent to them. All 21 social service practitioners who have not complied will be deregistered and be reported to the Department of Justice.
The Professional Board noted the importance of reviewing the Policy Guidelines for Course of Conduct parallel with the Code of Ethics and Rules relating to Acts or Omissions of social service professionals which shall constitute unprofessional or improper conduct. A joint task team comprising members of the Professional Conduct Committee from both Professional Boards will convene in March 2020 to finalize the document that will be presented to Council for ratification during their meeting in April 2020. The Board resolved that the Policy on Fit and proper Person should be located within the Registrations Committee.
Progress was reported on the education, training and development’s Probation task team which convened to review regulations for specialisations. The Supervision task team is busy working on the exit level outcomes (ELOs) on the assessment criteria. An audit of post graduate qualifications is in progress, all universities in the country were sent letters requesting information.
Five institutions of higher learning offering BSW degrees will be quality assured and the first QA site visit will take place in June 2020.The committee has worked on social auxiliary work norms and standards and the document will be submitted to the Professional Board before it is circulated to the accredited social auxiliary work training providers for consultation.
The Professional Board received a presentation relating to Forensic social work qualifications from Professor Cornelia Wessels a representative from the University of North West Potchefstroom Campus. She mentioned that her institution offers a short programme in Forensic social work (prerequisite is a Bachelor of Social Work on NQF level 8) and a Master’s programme. For more information about these qualifications you can visit the university’s website on this link http://health-sciences.nwu.ac.za/psychosocial/social-work

Issued by: SACSSP Communications
ENQUIRIES:
Communications & Public Relations Practitioner
South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Office: +27 12 356 8300 | Direct:+27 12 356 8302 Email: communications@sacssp.co.za
Website: http://www.sacssp.co.za Facebook:@OfficialSACSSP Twitter:@SACSSP1
ABOUT THE SOUTH AFRICAN COUNCIL FOR SERVICE PROFESSIONS
NOT JUST ANOTHER WEEK

On 17 February 2020, fifteen unemployed individuals commenced their 12 months internship programme and amongst them there are seven (7) Bachelour in Social Work graduates and the other eight (8) have qualifications such as National Diploma in Marketing, National Diploma in Legal Assistance, BA Communications, BA Youth Development and BCom Accounting. The interns received an induction on the mandate of Council. We wish the interns all of the best with their internship.
On the same date, a Registration Open Outreach Session led by the Registrar, supported by two registrations officials, a Council and a Professional Board Member, took place at Leliebloem Child and Youth Care Centre in Cape Town. Focus was amongst other issues on the SACSSP elections 2020/21; value of professional registration; continuing professional development (CPD) and code of ethics. Robust engagements took place and the Registrar and the two Members, Ms Allsopp and Ms Zingu, answered questions posed. A total of 195 social service professionals heeded the call and the last practitioner was served at 19h05. The registration helpdesk attended to 119 enquiries, with 35 certificates and 28 receipts processed. The Registrar also supported the oath taking ceremony of 2nd year social work students at the University of Stellenbosch. Key to Registrar’s presentation was to create awareness around the obligations and responsibilities that comes with being a registered social service professional and the code of ethics.
On 21 February 2020, Council’s management had a benchmarking meeting with the South African Pharmacy Council to build relations and to share best practise.
UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Please note that all annual fees must be paid at a NEDBANK branch or online via internet banking as the office is busy with new registration matter.
Bank: NEDBANK ‖ Account number: 1190739410 ‖ Branch Name: MENLYN MAINE ‖ Branch Code: 198765
Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications (21 February 2020)
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
SACSSP MONTHLY eBULLETIN FEBRUARY 2020

SACSSP Monthly eBulletin for February 2020 is out. Click here to access it here
Meet @ LELIEBLOEM

he Professional Board for Social Work (PBSW) held its 45th meeting on 13 and 14 February 2020 and dealt with pertinent issues that affect the social work profession. The Continuing Professional Development (CPD) policy that was approved by Council will be implemented from 1 March 2020, and is available on the Council’s website: www.sacssp.co.za. Amongst the Professional Board’s priorities during the remainder of their tenure is to conduct quality assurance site visits in five Higher Education Institututions. Lookout for a detailed statement to be issued soon.

Social service professionals in the Western Cape are invited to a registration OPEN outreach session on 17 February 2020 that will focus on amongst other issues the upcoming Council and Professional Boards’ elections 2020/21; professionalisation; value of professional registration; CPD and codes of ethics. Council and Professional Board Members as well as the Registrar will be present to meet and engage with practitioners. The OPEN session will take place at Leliebloem Child and Youth Care Centre in Cape Town, led by the Registrar from 8h30 until 11h30 when she will leave to join Stellenbosch School of Social Work team, and later address the 2nd year social work students. The registration help desk will remain open until 19h00 to accommodate those who might only be able to seek assistance in relation to registration queries after 16h00. All social service professionals - social workers, child and youth care workers, social auxiliary workers and also community development practitioners - are welcome.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Professional Board for Social Work is encouraging CPD service providers to develop CPD accredited training on gender based violence (GBV).
Please note that all annual fees must be paid at a NEDBANK branch or online via internet banking as the office is busy with new registration matter.
Bank: NEDBANK
‖ Account number: 1190739410 ‖ Branch Name: MENLYN MAINE ‖ Branch Code: 198765
Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications (14 February 2020)
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
ETHICS, PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT & YOU

During the past two years Council noted with concern an increasing number of complaints of unprofessional or improper conduct against social service practitioners. The complaints were related to negligence in the performance of professional duties; ill-treatment of clients; dishonesty; failure to keep records of services rendered; engaging in private practice work without approval of the primary employer; fraudulent activities involving the submission of claims to medical aid schemes for services not rendered; and social grants. In a recent disciplinary inquiry in KwaZulu-Natal a social worker was found guilty of unprofessional or improper conduct of defrauding a medical aid scheme of more than R1 million by submitting claims of services not rendered. The penalty imposed in terms of section 22(1)(c) of the Social Service Professions Act 110 of 1978 was the immediate cancellation of her registration and that she is not allowed to practice social work anymore.

Council published, the particulars of persons found guilty of unprofessional conduct by the South African Council for Social Service Professions during the period July 2018 to June 2019 after a disciplinary inquiry that was instituted in its 2019 Newsletter and these will also be published in the Government Gazette as contemplated in regulation 22(10)(b) of the Regulations regarding the conducting of inquiries into alleged unprofessional conduct (Government Notice R 917 in Government Gazette Number 25109 of 27 June 2003).

Council, as part of its obligation to promote ethical conduct amongst social services practitioners, is providing workshops on the codes of ethics for social service practitioners, free or charge. Employers, social service practitioners, professional associations and other interested parties are encouraged to make use of this opportunity and can direct all enquiries (and invitations) to the Professional Conduct Manager at profconmanager@sacssp.co.za or profcond2@sacssp.co.za
UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Professional Board for Social Work is encouraging CPD service providers to develop CPD accredited training on gender based violence (GBV).
Council’s new banking details as follows: Bank: NEDBANK
‖ Account number: 1190739410 ‖ Branch Name: MENLYN MAINE ‖ Branch Code: 198765
Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications (7 February 2020)
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
65 DAYS

Social service professionals have an ethical obligation and legal responsibility to register and remain registered through the well-timed payment of their annual fees, as required by the Social Service Professions Act 110 of 1978.
Annual fees are payable to Council on or before 1 January every year, but not later than 31 March. If you have not paid your fees, please do it without delay.
Here is a reminder of the annual fees payable for 2020. Below are annual fees payable
Social workers R444.00
Child and youth care workers R444.00
Social auxiliary workers R222.00
Auxiliary child and youth care workers R222.00
Specialities in social work fees for adoption social work R444.00

If you have already paid your annual fees and you have not received your receipt for 2020 please send your proof of payment with your registration number and nature of query in the subject line to regtemp1@sacssp.co.za.
UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Council’s new banking details as follows: Bank: NEDBANK
‖ Account number: 1190739410 ‖ Branch Name: MENLYN MAINE ‖ Branch Code: 198765
Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY:SACSSP Communications (27 January 2020)
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
SACSSP MONTHLY eBULLETIN DECEMBER 2019

SACSSP Monthly eBulletin for December 2019 is out. Click here to access it here
LOOKING BACK @ 2019

Another successful year draws to a close. It is amazing how much has been achieved by Council this year receiving the title deed to the new office block at number 33 Annie Botha street, which is adjacent to the existing office block; changing of our bank to NEDBANK, which provides the most cost effective banking options for Council; revamping of Council’s website (though still in progress) and the IT system which has started with connecting the two buildings; the new system of payment of annual fees for social service practitioners employed in the Departments of Health and Social Development; and the very positive meeting with the Minister of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu.
The staff had their year-end function on 6 December 2019, which is an annual affair to appreciate employees for the hard work done.
On 11 December 2019, Council hosted a delegation from SOS Children’s Villages, Ethiopia. Amongst other issues, the delegation was empowered on Council’s legislative mandate and the professionalisation of child and youth care work.
We offer our sincere thanks for all your support and constructive feedback throughout the year and we wish to have many more successful milestones with you in the coming year.
May your festive season and 2020 be filled with peace, love and happiness.
The next ThisWeek@Council will be published on 17 January 2020.
UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Council’s new banking details as follows: Bank: NEDBANK
‖ Account number: 1190739410 ‖ Branch Name: MENLYN MAINE ‖ Branch Code: 198765
Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications ( 13 December 2019)
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
TIMES GONE BY

On 24 November 2019, the Registrar, Ms Langi Malamba, was a panellist at the South African Black Social Workers Association (SABSWA) reunion where a strategic programme for further engagements was discussed. This reunion was intended to be a get together of former members of this association which has since ceased to exist. Most members have made phenomenal contributions to reforming the social welfare and developmental service and policies in our country. Former members revisited their past engagements; documented their experiences and nominated a task team which will further explore ways of shaping the current social welfare and developmental spectrum. Council’s registration helpdesk attended to 30 enquiries and issued 7 restoration certificates and 7 receipts.
If you have not received your receipt for 2019/2020 please send your proof of payment with yourregistration number and nature of query in the subject line to regtemp1@sacssp.co.za.
REMEMBER: Always include a reference number when you make a payment.
UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Council’s new banking details as follows: Bank: NEDBANK
‖ Account number: 1190739410 ‖ Branch Name: MENLYN MAINE ‖ Branch Code: 198765
Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications ( 29 November 2019)
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves

STATEMENT ON JOINT MEETING OF PROFESSIONAL BOARD FOR SOCIAL WORK AND PROFESSIONAL BOARD FOR CHILD AND YOUTH WORK 29 November 2019

On 18 November 2019, the Professional Board for Social Work (PBSW) and the Professional Board for Child and Youth Care (PBCYC) held its 2nd joint session in Pretoria, co- chaired by the chairpersons of the two Professional Boards, Ms Sharon Follentine and Ms Aziwe Magida.
The purpose of this 2nd joint meeting was to:
  • Identify areas of collaboration
  • Explore and share best practices
  • Model unity by affirming that the two Professional Boards are allied professions who will support, enhance, respect and protect each other’s professional identities, skills sets and autonomy
  • Optimise opportunities for working in an integrated way on the level of policy, practice and research
Given the exploratory nature of the 2nd meeting, the agenda was fairly widespread but understandably too extensive, and covered amongst others, informative presentations by both the Health and Welfare SETA as well as the South African Qualifications Authority on their roles and responsibilities in relation to Councils’.

Also on the agenda were issues of deep concern to the Professional Boards because of the implications they hold for registrants and the social services sector as a whole. These included allegations of child trafficking by social service practitioners; the unemployment of social service practitioners; the funding crisis in the NGO sector and delays in funding transfers by their main sponsors and donors; quality assurance; continuing professional development and the possibility of an expanded notion of confidentiality and disclosure as an ethical consideration given our diverse cultural contexts. Whilst some of these matters require further deliberation, recommendations were made in respect of others. For example, it was recommended that Council’s Transformation Committee complete the project on Integrated Case Management or transfer responsibility to another task team if it falls outside of their mandate. It was also recommended that a report be requested on the investigations that were conducted into the allegations of child trafficking so that those who are found guilty can be dealt with in terms of the Social Services professions Act. The two Professional Boards felt that opportunities for developing best practices existed through the following platforms:
  • Hosting joint conferences
  • Sharing documents and other relevant information and training opportunities, as well as jointly
  • engaging in policy processes
  • Jointly conducting quality assurance site visits
  • Holding joint road shows
  • Writing joint articles
  • Issuing joint communiques
The Professional Boards concluded the meeting by confirming the need for and importance of such joint meetings being institutionalised, preferably twice per year.

Issued by: SACSSP Communications
ENQUIRIES:
Communications & Public Relations Practitioner
South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Office: +27 12 356 8300 | Direct:+27 12 356 8302 Email: communications@sacssp.co.za
Website: http://www.sacssp.co.za Facebook:@OfficialSACSSP Twitter:@SACSSP1
ABOUT THE SOUTH AFRICAN COUNCIL FOR SERVICE PROFESSIONS
OPEN DAY

On 7 November 2019 the Education Training and Development Division Manager, Ms Eunice Vilakazi, attended the Gauteng Department of Social Development’s provincial quarterly Victim Empowerment Forum and presented on the roles and responsibilities of social auxiliary workers. It was attended by social auxiliary workers, social workers, social work supervisors and centre managers.
If you have not received your receipt for 2019/2020 please send your proof of payment with your registration number and nature of query in the subject line to regtemp1@sacssp.co.za . If you do not have access to the internet or cannot access our website, you can also send us your contact details (if they have changed since you last registered, or have not received any communication from Council) since January 2019 to verifications@sacssp.co.za 

REMEMBER: Always include a reference number when you make a payment.
UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
OPEN DAY! There will be an open day on 20 November 2019 from 9h00 at Council’s office (37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria). Our registration helpdesk will be at work and registration applications and issuing of receipts will be done instantly provided all documents are in order. Nedbank, our banking partner, will also be available on the day to give you detailed information about their products and services, and to answer any questions that you might have. Council’s new banking details as follows: Bank: NEDBANK ‖ Account number: 1190739410 ‖ Branch Name: MENLYN MAINE ‖ Branch Code: 198765
Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications ( 8 November 2019)
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
STATEMENT ON 44TH MEETING OF PROFESSIONAL BOARD FOR SOCIAL WORK

29 October 2019

The Professional Board for Social Work held its 44th meeting from 10 to 11 October 2019 in Pretoria. Achievements since 2016 and current developments were discussed. The Professional Board noted the regulations and policies that were approved by Council during its 55th meeting in September 2019, notably regulations defining the scope of practice for social work; regulations for adoption as a specialisation; the policy on continuing professional development (CPD); CPD standards and guidelines; and the Professional Conduct Dispute and Appeals policy. As the CPD Policy is now approved it will be gazetted and a notice will be issued to stakeholders before its implementation.

The Professional Board received a report from the Education Training and Development committee and comments for the assessment criteria for the Bachelor of Social Work were received and will be consolidated by the committee before being circulated to the Professional Board for final feedback. The Board noted the opportunity for a possible partnership on training for specialisations through the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). This will be further explored at the next Professional Board meeting to be held in 2020, where QCTO will be invited to present and shed light on the development of qualifications for specialisations.
The Professional Board received an update on a meeting that was held with Schools of Social Work during the ASASWEI conference on norms and standards for the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from the chairperson Ms Follentine. Another matter dealt with was the screening of students as there are concerns from the Professional Board as well as placement agencies (where students do their practicum) about the quality of students. It was discovered that screening of students differs from university to university. The Schools of Social Work recognise the challenge and are continuing to improve their screening processes within available resources and constraints. The concerns around police clearance as a requirement when a student is registering for their second year of study, was also discussed. Regarding training for specialisations, it was reported that universities offer training on a number of specialisations but are not using the same terminology as the Professional Board for Social Work. The chairperson discovered that none of the universities are offering a Postgraduate qualification in School Social Work and will probably not do so in the near future either. The Professional Board recommended a need to liaise with training institutions before declaring areas of specialisations and to advocate for training to be broader than what universities currently offer. Private institutions to be made aware of these areas of opportunity to develop some training material.

The Professional Conduct Committee worked extensively on the Reviewed Policy Guideline for Course of Conduct, Code of Ethics and Rules for Social Workers and the Regulations for responsibilities of employers. The Professional Board will review these documents before they are submitted to Council for approval in the 56th meeting to be held in November 2019.
The Professional Board noted that the Registrar’s Committee on Professional Conduct (RCPC) has been phased out, the Professional Conduct Panel will take over to assist the Professional Conduct Committee in terms of analysing the cases before referral to Committee for Preliminary Inquiry (CPI)
The Professional Board received an operational report from the Registrar and appreciated the progress being made, especially the numerous stakeholders engagement invitations (for presentations on the work of Council) that are received from government departments and non-governmental organisations. One of the outcomes of these engagements includes the allocation of a persal code in terms of the Public Health and Social Development Collective Bargaining Council (PHSDCBC) resolution 3 of 2019 signed with Department of Social Development and Department of Health. The Professional Board is appealing to registrants to pay their annual fees as stipulated in Regulations 7, clause 5, sub regulation (1) which states that “prescribed annual fees are payable by each practitioner before or on 01 January of every year” . 02 January until 31 March is a grace period and Council cannot give any further extensions. Please note those covered by the Bargaining Council resolution 2 and 3 should not pay directly as the annual fees will come off their salaries. A notice of implementation date will be issued.
It was also noted that the number of certificates that have been dispatched have increased; almost 1800 certificates have been dispatched in the second quarter. Restorations have also gone up. There has been an increase in the requests for verifications from employers, 3680 verifications were done in the second quarter (July-September).
The Professional Board appreciated that Council was represented at the ASASWEI conference. During this conference there was an interest from other SADC countries, notably from Lesotho, Botswana and Zimbabwe for assistance with establishment of their own Professional Bodies and their request for Council to assist, support and share best practice. The Professional Board took a resolution that a round table dialogue with university representatives from SADC will take place during the first quarter of 2020.

The Professional Board noted the change of bank by Council from ABSA to NEDBANK.
The Professional Board noted the workshop that will take place from 13, 14 and 15 November 2019 to be hosted by the National Department of Social Development to finalise the Regulations for Social Service Practitioners Bill which the deputy chairperson Ms Alida Strydom will attend.
The Professional Board concluded its 44th meeting by reflecting on the work that has been done and what needs to be prioritised in the remaining months of its tenure. During the remaining 12 months the Professional Board will prioritise conducting quality assurance visits at Hugenote College and 3 of the reaccredited Bachelor of Social Work programs. The incoming Board will have to develop a 5 year schedule to conduct quality assurance site visits to other training institutions, including TVET colleges to ensure that norms and standards are adhered to.

Issued by: SACSSP Communications
ENQUIRIES:
Communications & Public Relations Practitioner
South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Office: +27 12 356 8300 | Direct:+27 12 356 8302 Email: communications@sacssp.co.za 
Website: http://www.sacssp.co.za  Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter: @SACSSP1
UP TO DATE ?

It is important to verify and update your details with Council on a regular basis
  1. Visit www.sacssp.co.za
  2. Click on “Login” at the bottom right corner of the website page.
  3. Insert your registration/Council number as your “username”.
  4. Insert you SA ID/passport for “ID Number”
  5. Insert your password (if you’ve forgotten your password, request for new one by following the instructions – it will be send to your the email address registered with Council).
To view your status with Council’s Register
  1. Visit www.sacssp.co.za
  2. Click on Search The Register
If you do not have access to the internet or cannot access our website, you can also send us your contact details (if they have changed since you last registered, or have not received any communication from Council) since January 2019 to verifications@sacssp.co.za 

If you have not received your receipt for 2019/2020 please send your proof of payment with your registration number and nature of query in the subject line to regtemp1@sacssp.co.za 

REMEMBER: Always include a reference number when you make a payment.
UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
ADVERTISMENT: As North-West University we would appreciate your feedback in our online survey to ensure that we continue to meet your needs. Responses will remain confidential. Click on this link to complete the survey: here
Council’s new banking details as follows: Bank: NEDBANK ‖ Account number: 1190739410 ‖ Branch Name: MENLYN MAINE ‖ Branch Code: 198765
The ABSA account will no longer be active from 1 November 2019.
Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications ( 25 October 2019)
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
STRENGTH IN UNITY

The Registrar attended on 16th October a consultation session on student placements that was organised by Department of Health for universities and social work managers at academic hospitals.

On 18 October 2019, Council convened a dialogue attended by 50 social workers from the South African Police Service, Department of Health, Department of Social Development, Department of Defence, Unisa, PRASA, social workers in private practice and social workers from the Office of the Family Advocate, amongst others, on the value of professional associations for social service professionals at the South African Police Service Tshwane Police Academy. The Registrar, Ms Langi Malamba, started the discussion by asking social workers to remember where the journey of social work started and to imagine a society without social workers. The topics that were discussed reflected on the state of affairs affecting the social service sector in South Africa and how to better reposition the role of social worker associations within the country. Empowerment of communities and promotion of social justice was discussed as one of the core business of social work. Challenges that face the profession such as lack of resources, lack of recognition of the profession by organisations, lack of awareness of services offered by social workers, quality of supervision (and supervision by non-social workers) were also raised.

Council call on social workers to organise themselves, so as to have a unified collective voice that can offer sustainable professional support in the interest of their profession. Social workers are called upon to attend future dialogues and organised structures like South African Occupational Social Workers' Association (SAOSWA) and Employee Assistance Professional Association (EAPA) as well as student social work associations can contact the SACSSP's communications office for more information (communications@sacssp.co.za).

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
ADVERTISMENT:
As North-West University we would appreciate your feedback in our online survey to ensure that we continue to meet your needs. Responses will remain confidential. Click on this link to complete the survey: here
Council’s new banking details as follows: Bank: NEDBANK ‖ Account number: 1190739410 ‖ Branch Name: MENLYN MAINE ‖ Branch Code: 198765
Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications ( 18 October 2019)
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
READ ALL ABOUT US

Newsletter 1 of 2019 is available here or on our website (follow the link on the homepage). Download your version and share with your colleagues. It includes messages from the President of Council as well as the Registrar; a reflection on the work of Council, the Professional Board for Social Work and the Professional Board for Child and Youth Care Work; interesting articles on environmental justice and the responsibilities of social service professionals, the reasons why some professions are regulated, the importance and value of CPD for the child and youth care work professional, the concept, value and use of ecometrics in social work, and the interface between social work and child and youth care work in multi-disciplinary teams. The Newsletter also goes behind the scenes in the professional conduct division, focuses on school social work in South Africa and reviews an interesting book on the political economy of social welfare in Africa.

On 10 and 11 October 2019 the Professional Board for Social Work held its 44th meeting in Pretoria. A range of topics were discussed and achievements and developments since the previous meeting in August 2019 were noted. Lookout for a detailed statement to be issued next week.

From 1 to 10 October 2019, 19 certificates were returned. It is advisable to constantly track your mail so as to avoid future costs of reposting. This link provides the list of all returned mail. If your name appears on this list, please send an email to mailclerk@sacssp.co.za .

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
ADVERTISMENT: As North-West University we would appreciate your feedback in our online survey to ensure that we continue to meet your needs. Responses will remain confidential. Click on this link to complete the survey: https://www.questionpro.com/t/APiUnZfIy0 
Council’s new banking details as follows: Bank: NEDBANK ‖ Account number: 1190739410 ‖ Branch Name: MENLYN MAINE ‖ Branch Code: 198765
Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications ( 11 October 2019)
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
THIS WEEK'S TO DO LIST

On 1 October 2019, the Professional Conduct Manager, Mr Hitler Sekhitla, delivered Council’s message of support at the launch of the Gauteng Department of Social Development’s Provincial Supervisors’ Learning and Support Forum. The message emphasised the importance of supervision of social workers as part of Council’s mandate to protect and promote the interest of the social service professions and the ethical responsibilities of social workers, in particular supervisors in practice settings. On the same date, the Registrar, Ms Langi Malamba, addressed the Department of Health’s district social workers on “ethics- a personal journey of self reflection”, at Weskoppies Hospital.
On the 3rd, the Registrar addressed the University of Venda’s Institute of Gender and Youth studies’ strategic planning session led by the HOD, Dr R Raselekoane on the mandate of Council and the prospects of registration of the youth in development qualification with Council.
On 4 October 2019 the IT and Business Re-Engineering Committee held its 11th meeting in Pretoria. A range of topics were discussed such as the records management, digitisation, utilisation of Council buildings and the roll out of the IT system. The challenges around email and telephone responsiveness were once more addressed and creative ways explored to mitigate the problems.
Newsletter 1 of 2019 will be published next week and we hope you will enjoy it. Some of the interesting articles in this newsletter are a reflection of three years with the 4th Council, environmental justice and social service professionals; why our professions are regulated, CPD and we go behind the scenes in the Professional Conduct Division. UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
ADVERTISMENT: As North-West University we would appreciate your feedback in our online survey to ensure that we continue to meet your needs. Responses will remain confidential. Click on this link to complete the survey: here 
Council’s new banking details as follows: Bank: NEDBANK ‖ Account number: 1190739410 ‖ Branch Name: MENLYN MAINE ‖ Branch Code: 198765
Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications ( 4 October 2019)
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
WE STAND TOGETHER

On 23 September 2019 the Professional Conduct Manager, Mr Hitler Sekhitla, Professional Conduct Officer, Ms Annah Madonsela, and the Registration Officer, Ms Jacobeth Somo, conducted a registration project and the promotion of ethical conduct for 120 child and youth care workers in the Thabo Mofutsanyane District, Free State, hosted by the Provincial Department of Social Development. Child and youth care workers from Kestell, Arlington, Vrede, Senekal, Reitz, Memel, Harrismith, Maqekung, Phamong, Maseleng and Department of Social Development attended. We also issued 50 registration certificates on the day.

On 26 to 27 September 2019, the Professional Conduct Division convened the joint Professional Conduct Task Team of the Professional Board of Social Work and Professional Board for Child and Youth Care Work. The purpose of the task team was to develop the draft regulations regarding the responsibilities of employers of social service practitioners, review the Code of Ethics for social workers and develop the practice manual for child and youth care workers. The draft documents will be presented in the Professional Boards’ meetings scheduled for October 2019 and later at Council’s meeting in November 2019.

On 27 September 2019 Council joined a public service march against gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa that was organised by the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA). The march started at Church Square in Pretoria and proceeded to the Union Buildings. During the march, public servants and government leaders committed themselves to a pledge in line with public service policies offering recourse for sexual harassment in the workplace, victimisation and unsafe working conditions. A torch lighting ceremony in honour of women who died as a result of gender-based violence was also held on the lawns of the Union Buildings.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Council’s new banking details as follows: Bank: NEDBANK ‖ Account number: 1190739410 ‖ Branch Name: MENLYN MAINE ‖ Branch Code: 198765
Email addresses for direct enquiries: ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications ( 27 September 2019)
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
SACSSP MONTHLY eBULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2019

SACSSP Monthly eBulletin for September 2019 is out. Click here to access it here
STATEMENT ON 43RD MEETING OF PROFESSIONAL BOARD FOR SOCIAL WORK

30 September 2019

The Professional Board for Social Work held its 43rd meeting from 20 to 21 August 2019 in Pretoria. The Professional Board elected a new chairperson and a deputy chairperson since Dr Marie Kruger resigned as chairperson due to other pressing commitments. Ms Sharon Follentine, who was the deputy chairperson, was elected as the Chairperson of the Professional Board and Ms Ida Strydom as the Deputy Chairperson.
Professional Board for Social Work noted that 220 social workers, 230 social auxiliary workers, 511 student social workers, 401 student social auxiliary workers registered with Council during the first quarter (April to June) 2019 and that during the same period 115 social workers registered for specialities in social work (adoption, occupational and probation social work). The Professional Board took a resolution that all social workers registered for speciality with Council’s will be subjected to compliance audits and notices will be issued to those who do not comply.
The Professional Board confirmed the decision taken during the meeting with the National Department of Social Development on 27 June 2019 regarding Code of good practice and responsibilities of employers of social service practitioners that needs to be consulted nationally. It was also noted that the Code of good practice provides for Council to investigate employers and the outcome of such investigations would be in a form of nonbinding recommendation until such time the draft Social Service Practitioners Bill is finalised and approved. The amended policy on ‘fit and proper’ requirement was approved by the Professional Board and the Professional Board agreed that it is important to consult with the Professional Board for Child and Youth Care Work on this policy it has bearing on the registration of child and youth care workers. The policy will be submitted to the Professional Board for Child and Youth Care Work for comments and consideration before it is submitted to Council for final approval. The Professional Board noted the importance of reviewing the policy guidelines for course of conduct parallel with the code of ethics and rules relating to acts or omissions of social service professionals which shall constitute unprofessional or improper conduct. A joint task team composing of Members of the Professional Conduct Committees of both Professional Boards was formed to finalise the three documents by end September 2019.
The education, training and development committee worked on the quality assurance tools for both Bachelor of Social Work qualification and Social Auxiliary Work qualifications. The Professional Board reviewed the Bachelor of Social Work qualification document and the amended quality assurance tool will be submitted to the Professional Board for approval before it is send to Council for final approval. Social auxiliary work qualification quality assurance tool is being finalised and will be submitted to the Professional Board for comments.
The Professional Board noted the progress made on the amended Continuing Professional Development Policy and Continuing Professional Development Guidelines and Standard Operation Procedure. Amended documents with all comments will be finalised soon and be submitted to the Professional Board for approval before they are served before Council for final approval at their meeting in September 2019. Based on the new curriculum requirements, a resolution was taken by the Professional Board that an NQF level 8 qualification will be regarded as the only qualification that will inform the registration of an international certified social worker with Council.
The Professional Board concluded its meeting by expressing appreciation to the Members and staff for their contribution in preparation of the fruitful meeting.

Issued by: SACSSP Communications
ENQUIRIES:
Communications & Public Relations Practitioner
South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Office: +27 12 356 8300 | Direct:+27 12 356 8302 Email: communications@sacssp.co.za
Website: http://www.sacssp.co.za Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter: @SACSSP1
GENERAL NOTICE 7 of 2019
REF: 3/7/6/1/8
NOTICE TO ALL REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKERS, SOCIAL AUXILIARY WORKERS, STUDENT SOCIAL WORKERS, STUDENT SOCIAL AUXILIARY WORKERS, CHILD AND YOUTH CARE WORKERS, AUXILIARY CHILD AND YOUTH CARE WORKERS AND STUDENT CHILD AND YOUTH CARE WORKERS CHANGE OF BANK ACCOUNT TO NEDBANK
1. The South African Council for Social Service Professions has changed its bank account to NEDBANK with immediate effect. Council has reviewed several options and resolved at its 55th meeting that Nedbank provides the most cost-effective banking options, including lower bank charges.
2.All social service practitioners registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professions are requested to use the new NEDBANK bank account for all payments such as registration fees, annual fees, restoration fees, fees for status reports and duplicate registration certificates, continuing professional development (CPD) application fees, among others. The new banking details are as follows:
Bank: NEDBANK
Account No.: 1190739410
Branch Name: MENLYN MAINE
Branch code: 198765
3. IMPORTANT: The ABSA account will no longer be active from 1 November 2019.
4 Social service practitioners may also pay their fees at the following Pay@Networks:
Ackermans, Flash Traders, JD Group & PEP Stores
Massmart
Pick n Pay & Boxer
Shoprite Checkers
SPAR / Blue Label Kiosk
SPAR Direct
Top it Up
Masterpass
Snapscan
Zapper
5.1 Registered practitioners
5.1.1 Persons already registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professions must quote their registration number as a reference when making a payment starting with:
10- (for social work);
50- (for social auxiliary work);
70- (for child and youth care work);
90- (for auxiliary child and youth care work)
5.1.2 Please note that NEDBANK account will only accept your registration number as reference number and not ID numbers. This will ensure that your payment is allocated against your name. We request social service practitioners to acquaint themselves with their registration number to avoid being sent back by the bank resulting in an overflow of calls requesting a registration number. Practitioners can also go online to obtain their registration numbers from Council’s website ( http://www.sacssp.co.za or http://sacssp.mm3.co.za/public/Find ). This will also allow you to check your registration status and to verify your personal information so that Council is able to reach you.
5.2 Persons registering for the first time on the social work register
Persons who apply for the first time register as a social worker with the South African Council for Social Service Professions must use the following reference number when a payment is made:
  • 60 – plus the first 5 numbers of Identity Number (ID). For example, if your ID number is 980505 5482 082, the reference number will be 60 98050.
5.3 Persons registering for the first time on the child and youth care register
Persons who apply for the first time register as a child and youth care worker with the South African Council for Social Service Professions must use the following reference number when a payment is made:
  • 18 – plus the first 5 numbers of Identity Number (ID). For example, if your ID number is 980505 5482 082, the reference number will be 18 98050
5.4 Existing students applying for professional registration
Students who are currently studying social work and child and youth care work who already have a registration number (from their second year of study) should use their student registration number as reference when making payment for when the apply to register after completion of their studies as social worker, social auxiliary worker, child and youth care worker or child and youth care worker at auxiliary level
5.5 Continuing professional development (CPD)
Social service practitioners who are applying for accreditation of CPD programmes with Council must use the following reference number:
13 – The last 5 number of your Registration Number with the SACSSP. For example, if you are social worker (with registration number 10-45231) or child and youth care work (with registration number 70-45231), the reference number will be 13 - 45231
6. For enquiries please contact Finance department using the following email at: fintemp6@sacssp.co.za or fintemp7@sacssp.co.za
NO MAIL?

On 12 September 2019, the Professional Conduct Manager, Mr Hitler Sekhitla presented the Code of Ethics for social work to 29 social workers employed by Child Welfare in Stellenbosch. The participants also took the opportunity to highlight areas in the Code of Ethics which they are of the view needed to be updated.
From 13 September to 18 September 2019, 44 certificates were returned. It is advisable to constantly track your mail so as to avoid future costs of reposting. This link provides the list of all returned mail. If your name appears on this list, please send an email to mailclerk@sacssp.co.za.
On 20 September 2019 Council was represented at a psycho-social collaboration symposium on harm reduction in working with people who use drugs held at the University of Pretoria. This symposium was organised by the university, COSUP (Community Orientated Substance Use Programme) and City of Tshwane municipality. Amongst the topics that were discussed was the code of ethics for social workers. Mr. Hitler Sekhitla presented the mandate of Council and emphasised the value of professional registration and actions taken against unregistered persons, the importance of continuing professional development for practitioners and internal Council procedures followed regarding the investigations of complaints lodged against social workers.
Everybody is looking for that perfect diary. The SACSSP surveyed practitioners and designed a diary that will allow you to track your appointments, deadlines and tasks, while at the same time record statistics, kilometres travel and even overtime. All on one page – every day! Click here for more information.
UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Council’s new banking details as follows: Bank: NEDBANK ‖ Account number: 1190739410 ‖ Branch Name: MENLYN MAINE ‖ Branch Code: 198765
Email addresses for direct enquiries: PLEASE use the correct email address and do not copy other email adress,unless invited to do so.
Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications ( 20 September 2019)
IT'S IN THE GAZETTE
The Amended regulations for child and youth care workers, auxiliary child and youth care workers and student child and youth care workers made under the Social Service Professions Act 110 of 1978 was published in Government Notice 1164 of 2019 (published in the Government Gazette No 42697 of 13 September 2019) and takes effect immediately. Please note that these Regulations amend the Regulations for Child and Youth Care Workers, Auxiliary Child and Youth Care Workers and Student Child and Youth Care Workers published under General Notice No. 38135 of 2014 (GNR 838 of 31 October 2014) and should be read together. The Amendment Regulations can be downloaded on the government’s website www.gov.za or click here for a direct download.
Each week Council receives a number of returned mail due to non-collection. From 1 July 2019 until 6 September 2019, 113 social work certificates, 43 social auxiliary work certificates, 13 student social work certificates and 3 child and youth care work certificates were returned. It is advisable to constantly track your mail so as to avoid future costs of reposting and calls to Council inquiring about the status of posted documents. Below is a link of all returned mail http://www.sacssp.co.za/documents/SACSSP%20RETURNED%20CERTIFICATES%20JULY%20TO%20SEPTEMBER%202019.pdf. If your name appears on this list, please send an email to mailclerk@sacssp.co.za.
Help us to avoid this through easy tracking.:
  1. Council sends an sms with a tracking number to you when mail is dispatched to you.
  2. Track your mail sent through South African Post Office by simply typing your tracking number on SAPO’s track and trace http://sms.postoffice.co.za/TrackingParcels/ and see how far it is.
REMEMBER: South African Post Office keeps unclaimed mail for 30 days and returns it to the sender (Council). When unclaimed mail is returned back to Council, a registrant is liable for the reposting costs.
UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
NEW BANK ACCOUNT: Council has a new bank account. For all payments to Council please use the new banking details as follows
Bank: NEDBANK ‖ Account number: 1190739410 ‖ Branch Name: MENLYN MAINE ‖ Branch Code: 198765

A detailed General Notice will be issued by the Registrar regarding this and methods of payment.

Email addresses for direct enquiries: PLEASE use the correct email address and do not copy other email adress,unless invited to do so.
Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications ( 13 September 2019)
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
A NEW BANK ACCOUNT

This week we finalised the process of changing Council’s bank account to NEDBANK. All social service practitioners registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professions are requested to note that Council’s bank account will change to Nedbank from 1 November 2019. From this date all payments such as registration fees, annual fees, restoration fees, fees for status reports and duplicate registration certificates, continuing professional development (CPD) application fees, among others, should only be paid into the NEDBANK account below. (The ABSA account will no longer be active from this date).

Bank: NEDBANK ‖ Account number: 1190739410
Branch Name: MENLYN MAINE ‖ Branch Code: 198765
Please look out for the General Notice that will be issued by the Registrar with more details regarding this and methods of payment.
REMEMBER: Always include a reference number when you make a payment.
UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Email addresses for direct enquiries:
Registration related enquiries: regtemp7@sacssp.co.za
Finance enquiries: elvis@sacssp.co.za
CPD or any education and training related enquiries: cpd@sacssp.co.za
PLEASE use the correct email address and do not copy other email addresses,unless invited to do so.
Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications ( 6 September 2019)
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
COUNCIL@ASASWEI

The Registrar, Ms Malamba, and Communications practitioner, Ms Mbuzo, attended the Association of South African Social Work Education Institutions (ASASWEI) conference held at the University of Cape Town from 27 to 29 August 2019. The theme of the conference “promoting healthy human relationships” is aligned to the 4th theme of the Global Agenda for Social Work. The Registrar delivered greetings from Council and the two Professional Boards to the 267 delegates from various institutions of higher learning across the world and key stakeholders in social work profession in attendance. In her presentation the Registrar challenged delegates to reflect on social patterns that inhibit them from having positive human relationships at home and in the workplaces. Stimulating topics were presented by various academics and social work practitioners leading to robust engagements and debates. The Chairperson of the Professional Board for Social Work, Ms Sharon Follentine,also had the opportunity to engage with all heads of the Schools of Social Work after the conference was closed officially by the outgoing ASASWEI President, Prof Adrian van Breda. An important opportunity created by the conference is the dialogue amongst social workers on the need to mobilise the social work fraternity into a vibrant and sustainable association.

The Professional Board for Child and Youth Care Work held its 37th meeting from 28 to 29 August 2019. The Professional Board reflected on the work that has to be finalised within the 18 months left in their term of office. More details will be shared on the statement to be issued soon.
UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Email addresses for direct enquiries: PLEASE use the correct email address
Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications ( 30 August 2019)
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
DOEK ON FLEEK

On 20 and 21 August 2019, the Professional Board for Social Work held its 43rd meeting in Pretoria. A range of topics were discussed and significant milestones were reached. A statement on the outcomes of this meeting will be issued shortly.

On 23 August 2019, the Professional Conduct Manager, Mr Hitler Sekhitla, and the Professional Conduct Officer, Ms Annah Madonsela, presented the Code of Ethics for newly employed social workers of the Gauteng Department of Social Development, as part of their induction and orientation programme. A total of 103 social workers from the Johannesburg Metro, Sedibeng and West Rand Regions attended respectively. Council commends the Gauteng Department of Social Development for investing time and resources to capacitate these cadres as they begin their new journey as practitioners. We congratulate the participants in their employment and wish them well in their endeavours.

On 23 August 2019, staff at Council’s office celebrated Women’s Month under the theme “Doek on Fleek” as a symbol of courage and that there were those who went before us who fought for equal rights, the vote, equal pay and the right to self-determination. Nedbank partnered with Council on this event and presented on financial wellness. A representative from the Cancer Association of South Africa also presented on different cancers affecting women and the importance of regular self-examination or clinical examination in early detection for enabling effective treatment and a better chance of recovering from cancer.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Email addresses for direct enquiries: PLEASE use the correct email address
Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications ( 23 August 2019)
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
GENERAL NOTICE 6 of 2019

REF:
3/7/6/1/7
14 August 2019

NOTICE TO ALL REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKERS AND SOCIAL AUXILIARY WORKERS

FIT AND PROPER REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL REGISTERED PRACTITIONERS: CPD AUDITS AND REGISTRATION

The SACSSP is embarking on a process of monitoring compliance with regards to CPD as prescribed by section 3 and 14 B(c) of the Social Service Professions Act no 110/1978. CPD is linked to registration and Council may on recommendation of the Professional Board remove you from the Register if you do not meet SACSSP’s CPD standards as contained in the CPD policy.

The monitoring will be conducted via an audit that requires you to meet the CPD standards, namely:
  • Carry out regular CPD and keep a record of what you do in the way that is most convenient for you (CPD profile or POE).
  • Carry out different kinds of learning activities as per CPD policy.
  • Think about how your CPD might improve your practice and benefit your service users (clients/ public).
  • Take part in an audit if we ask you to. The Board audits a random sample of each profession at every registration renewal.
The process of inviting CPD profiles will commence in September 2019. If you are selected as part of the random sample for audit, we will send you information about completing your CPD profile. You will need to complete and send us your profile by your annual subscription renewal deadline date. If circumstances mean that you cannot take part in an audit, you can make a request to the Registrar to defer your audit. You will have approximately 2 months to complete and send us your profile. A simple step by step guide will be issued so that if you are selected for the audit, you know what is expected of you and also what to expect of the process.

Your support in this initiative will be highly appreciated.

Issued by: Ms. Langi LC Malamba

REGISTRAR
YOUR COUNCIL AT WORK

The SACSSP secreatariate closed off to the public on 7 and 8 August 2019 to allow processing of registration applications pending finalisation. A total of 348 registration applications, including status reports and applications for restorations, were finalised. We urge all registrants who received communication regarding their applications to act on that communication.

The Education, Training and Development International Qualifications panel reviewed four (4) applications for consideration to be registered with Council. The outcomes will be communicated to the applicants as soon as all verifications are completed. The Education Training and Development Committee of the Profesional Board for Social Work conducted assessments on social auxiliary work learning material (NQF level 5). The outcomes of this assessment process will be published soon.

The Registrar, Ms Malamba, held a consultative session with the management team of the South African Defence Force (SANDF) social work unit to look at ways to support the 167 practitioners employed within the Department of Defence and to understand their everyday work related challenges and challenges with the SACSSP.

The Communications and Public Relations practitioner at Council attended a two day National Communicators Forums organised by the National Department of Social Development. The key focus of the National Communicators Forum is to provide a platform to share progress, best practise and networking opportunities for communicators of the Department of Social Development, its entities and key stakeholders. The Minister of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu, graced this event and addressed communicators. In her address she emphasised the important role communicators play in bringing the nation together.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
SPECIALITIES: 17 August 2019:Ms Eunice Vilakazi, Council’s ETD Manager, is addressing all social workers interested in learning about the value of specialities in social work and the requirements needed to apply.
https://www.saaswipp.co.za/NewsEvents/Events
Email addresses for direct enquiries:
Registration related enquiries: regtemp7@sacssp.co.za
Finance enquiries: elvis@sacssp.co.za
CPD or any education and training related enquiries:
cpd@sacssp.co.za Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications (09 August 2019)
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
#WOMENSMONTH2019

Council celebrates the bravery of women who marched to the Union Buildings on August 9, 1956, to protest against the Apartheid pass laws. Under the theme “25 Years of Democracy: Growing South Africa Together for Women's Emancipation”, the Women’s month campaign was launched on 1 August 2019 in Pretoria by the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities.

The theme ties together the success story of South Africa, with the gains women have made since the dawn of democracy in 1994. It also reminds citizens of the social compact that is required to break down the multiple barriers and threats that women, young women, and women with disabilities still face.

As advocates of social justice, social service professionals must continue to ensure that all people have equal access to the resources and opportunities that allow them to meet their basic needs.

Kindly note that the office will be closed off to the public on the 7th and 8th to allow the administration to process the high volume of applications pending finalisation. Registrants who wish to get hold of the office should use the email addresses listed below.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Email addresses for direct enquiries:
Registration related enquiries: regtemp7@sacssp.co.za
Finance enquiries: elvis@sacssp.co.za
CPD or any education and training related enquiries:
cpd@sacssp.co.za
Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications (02 August 2019)
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
DIY-REGISTRATION STATUS

The Registrar, Ms Malamba, the Professional Conduct Division Manager, Mr Sekhitla, and Member of the Professional Board Social Work, Mr Ntuli, held a high level meeting with the Head of the Nelson Mandela University’s Department of Social Work, Prof Soji and her team. They also met the placement agencies and supervisors for 4th year social work students and participated in the oath taking ceremony for the 4th year students.
Council is receiving a lot of enquiries regarding registration status. Did you know that you can check your registration status on Council’s website www.sacssp.co.za by following these two steps?
  • Click on Search the Register at the bottom of the screen of the website
  • Insert your name/surname/registration number. Results will reflect registered practitioners.
If your name does not appear when you search and you have not received any communication from Council since April 2019, please send your full contact details to verifications@sacssp.co.za. Also if you have not reveived your practice card for 2019/2020 please send your proof of payment with your registration number and indicate nature of query in the subject line to regtemp1@sacssp.co.za; or regtemp6@sacssp.co.za 
UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Email addresses for direct enquiries:
Registration related enquiries: regtemp7@sacssp.co.za
Finance enquiries: elvis@sacssp.co.za
CPD or any education and training related enquiries: cpd@sacssp.co.za
Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications (26 July 2019)
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
SACSSP MONTHLY eBULLETIN MAY 2019

SACSSP MONTHLY eBulletin for May 2019 is out. Click on the link below to access it here
THE GREATEST GIFT

This week the nation and the world celebrated Nelson Mandela International Day and Council’s staff gave their ‘67 minutes’ in honour of Nelson Mandela at the Tshwane Leadership Foundation, a non-governmental organisation in the inner-city of the Tshwane Metropolitan Area working with women and girls at risk (including victims of domestic violence), homeless people, children and economic development of people, amongst others. Our staff assisted in cleaning the shelter for the residents, where after a workshop on ethics was also conducted with 23 social workers, student social workers, social auxiliary workers and child and youth care workers working for the organisation.
On 15 July 2019, Council conducted a workshop attended by 47 child and youth care workers and social workers from public and NPO sector on registration and ethics at Enerst Malagas Treatment Centre in Nelson Mandela Bay. Council commends the collaborative efforts of child and youth care centres in and around Port Elizabeth who collaborated in organising this workshop, which makes Council’s vision “social service practitioners united in service excellence” a reality. Council encourages other child and youth care centres throughout the country to follow this collaborative approach and invite Council to conduct similar workshops.
Council salutes all social service professionals for the significant role they play in communities and the lives of vulnerable groupings. To all social service professionals, as we celebrate 10 years of Nelson Mandela International Day, let’s remember Tata’s inspiring words - “There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to helping others without expecting anything in return”.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
If you do not have access to the internet or cannot access our website, you can also send us your contact details (if they have changed since you last registered, or have not received any communication from Council since January 2019 to verifications@sacssp.co.za
Email addresses for direct enquiries:
Registration related enquiries: regtemp7@sacssp.co.za
Finance enquiries: elvis@sacssp.co.za
CPD or any education and training related enquiries: cpd@sacssp.co.za
Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South Afr
ican Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications (19 July 2019)
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
#NATIONBUILDING

The National Association of Child and Youth Care Workers (NACCW) 22nd Biennial and the 4th CYC-NET World Conference 2019 took place in Durban from 2 to 4 July 2019 under the theme Nation-Building- One Child at a Time. The 1,400 delegates in attendance included representatives from all nine provinces, youth from the Isibindi programme as well as international delegates. This conference provided delegates including youth, who had their youth conference parallel to the biennial conference, an opportunity to outline their challenges and progress made since the the last conference in 2017.
The President of Council, Dr Maria Mabetoa, shared progress made by Council and pledged Council’s commitment to continue advocating for the sector on a number of pertinent issues including increased access to more institutions of higher learning to offer a degree in Child and Youth Care. The chairperson of the Professional Board for Child and Youth Care Work, Ms Aziwe Magida, highlighted some of the work done by the Professional Board, for example the amendments of Regulations to include recognition of 4 year BTech degrees at NQF level 7 for registration at professional level. This amendment also extends the sunset clause for child and youth care workers registered at auxiliary level by virtue of the RPL policy, to get their FET certificates within a further 4 years – i.e. 7 years from initial promulgation of the Regulations – to 2022. The Registrar, Ms Langi Malamba, was a panelist on a live webcast under theme Nation Building: The Role of Child and Youth Care Workforce in Child Protection and Violence Prevention. Delegates were also able to raise their queires with Council and 102 registration related enquiries were recorded.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Email addresses for direct enquiries:
Registration related enquiries: regtemp7@sacssp.co.za
Finance enquiries: elvis@sacssp.co.za
CPD or any education and training related enquiries: cpd@sacssp.co.za

Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications ( 05 July 2019)
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
DID YOU KNOW...

you can update your contact details online by following these easy steps?
  1. Visit www.sacssp.co.za
  2. Click on Login on the home page of the website
  3. Insert your registration/Council number as your “username”
  4. Insert your SA ID/ passport number
  5. Insert password (if you have forgotten your password, request for a new one by following the instructions- it will be sent to the email address registered with Council).
  6. Check your details and update where necessary.
If you do not have access to the internet or cannot access our website, you can also send us your contact details (if they have changed since you last registered, or have not received any communication from Council) since January 2019 to verifications@sacssp.co.za 

If you have not reveived your practice card for 2019/2020 please send your proof of payment with your registration number and nature of query in the subject line to regtemp1@sacssp.co.za; or regtemp6@sacssp.co.za 

Council received a donation of boardroom furniture thanks to AECOM SA PTY LTD.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Email addresses for direct enquiries:
Registration related enquiries: regtemp7@sacssp.co.za
Finance enquiries: elvis@sacssp.co.za
CPD or any education and training related enquiries: cpd@sacssp.co.za

Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications ( 28 June 2019)
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
BE CONNECTED

Council continues to experience high numbers of returned mail which could not be delivered at the correct postal addresses. Please help us to reach you by sending an email to verifications@sacssp.co.za with the following personal details:
  1. Full names and surname
  2. ID Number
  3. Registration number with Council
  4. Email address
  5. Postal address (including postal code)
  6. Physical address
  7. Cell phone number
  8. Name of employer
  9. Contact number of employer
The Committees for Communications & Public Relations and the IT & Business Re-Engineering held their meetings on 18 and 19 June 2019 at Council’s offices in Pretoria. These Committees dealt with a range of matters relating to improved stakeholder engagements and the total overhaul of Council’s IT system to make it more userfriendly and interactive. More developments will be shared on this platform.

We appreciate the feedback, complaints and compliments related to our services we are receiving through the suggestion box placed at our reception area. Your concerns raised are monitored and are being addressed by the relevant divisions . We encourage registrants to make use of this platform as it helps us to improve our service.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Please use the following email addresses for direct enquries:
New registration applications: archive1@sacssp.co.za
Certificates : mailclerk@sacssp.co.za
Receipts: regtemp1@sacssp.co.za / regtemp6@sacssp.co.za
Status report: regofficer3@sacssp.co.za
Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications ( 21 June 2019)
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
STATEMENT ON 37th MEETING OF PROFESSIONAL BOARD FOR CHILD AND YOUTH CARE WORK

14 June 2019

The Professional Board for Child and Youth Care Work held its 37th meeting from 14 to 15 May 2019 in Pretoria at the newly acquired office block. During the meeting the Professional Board deliberated extensively on the NQF level 4 learning material that will be phased out in in 2024 due to its poor quality. Last year in November during the 34th meeting of the Professional Board one of the key matters for engagement was a review of the current NQF level 4 learning material for child and youth care work commissioned by the HWSETA. The Professional Board had further engagements with HWSETA and a service provider to develop the new learning material for the Level 5 qualification was appointed by HWSETA. The Professional Board also welcomed the positive partnership formed with both the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and the HWSETA in all their processes involving the child and youth care work professionalization. A task team was formed to address some concerns with SAQA and HWSETA relating to the extension period of NQF level 4.

The Professional Board noted the progress made by the newly appointed HWSETA service provider, National Association of Child Care Workers (NACCW) in reviewing the NQF level 5 learning material which is to be finalized by 31 July 2019. The education, training and development division has received more than 10 applications from service providers who want to offer this NQF level 5 training and an assessment tool to guide such an assessment is being developed by the Professional Board. A resolution was taken by the Professional Board that subject matter experts in Gauteng province be utilized with each assessment panel chaired by one education training and development committee member.

Professional Board received feedback that continuing professional development (CPD) policy has been submitted to Council for approval through a round robin, and once it has been approved the sector will be notified.

Progress made by the professional conduct division whose mandate is to promote and guide the standard of professional conduct for social service professionals and the professional conduct committee was appreciated by the Professional Board. The committee held its workshop from 27 to 28 March 2019 where focus was to workshop members on Social Service Professions Act, relevant Rules and Regulations, roles of Committees and establishment of committee for Preliminary Inquiry and for disciplinary hearings. Draft Policy Guidelines for Course of Conduct, Code of Ethics and Rules for child and youth care workers, auxiliary child and youth care workers and student child and youth care workers were discussed. The Professional Board is reviewing these documents that will guide child and youth care workers and comments from the sector will be requested soon.

The Professional Board noted the activities that took place during Child and Youth Care Week 2019 which was celebrated from 6 to 12 May 2019 under the theme “I am, because you are”. Messages of support from the Registrar, members of Council and the Professional Boards for Child and Youth Care and Social Work were widely circulated to celebrate child and youth care workers and their work. Amongst other organisations that joined in the celebrations is the National Association of Child Care Workers (NACCW) in Kimberley, who promoted service delivery through professional engagements with families to ensure effective and efficient service delivery according to the needs identified.

The Professional Board concluded its 37th meeting by expressing appreciation to the members and staff for their participation.

ssued by: SACSSP Communications
ENQUIRIES:
Public Relations and Marketing Officer
South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Office: +27 12 356 8300 | Direct:+27 12 356 8302 Email: communications@sacssp.co.za
Website: http://www.sacssp.co.za Facebook: @ OfficialSACSSP Twitter:@SACSSP1
GENERAL NOTICE 3 of 2019
REF: 3/7/6/1/3
14 June 2019

NOTICE TO ALL REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKERS, SOCIAL AUXILIARY WORKERS, STUDENT SOCIAL WORKERS, SOCIAL AUXILIARY WORK LEARNERS, CHILD AND YOUTH CARE WORKERS, AUXILIARY CHILD AND YOUTH CARE WORKERS AND STUDENT CHILD AND YOUTH CARE WORKERS

IDENTIFICATION OF UNREFERENCED PAYMENTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR PERIODS 2017, 2018 AND 2019; AND VERIFICATION OF PERSONAL INFORMATION ON THE REGISTERS.

The South African Council for Social Service Professions wishes to express its sincere appreciation to all registrants that always make timely annual payment of their membership fee in the prescribed format – (Each payment must be referenced using the practitioner’s unique registration number); and those who update their change of details. Regulation 7, clause 5, sub regulation (1) – Annual fee: states that “prescribed annual fees are payable by each practitioner before or on 01 January of every year”.

  1. We have noted with concern that a high number of registrants continue to make payments into Council’s bank accounts without proper reference numbers, (your Practice Number as it appears on your practice card).

    Unidentified payments have a negative effect on both the accounts of Council and the professional status of the paying registrant because despite the payment, finance is unable to reconcile payment to your profile, therefore you cannot be issued with a practice card or proof of registration. This may also consequently lead to your status reflecting as de-registered on the Register. This exacerbates the accumulation of unidentified funds in the SACSSP account because finance must await submission of proof of payment and the verification thereof before an accurate allocation of your payment can be effected.

    We therefore humbly request the following:
    1. Practitioners who have made payments between the periods 2017 to 2019, and never received a practice card MUST please inform Council by sending all their proof of payments to the designated email addresses.
    2. Please use the emails below to send your proof of payment (POP) by indicating your registration number and nature of query in the subject line to: regtemp1@sacssp.co.za ; or regtemp6@sacssp.co.za
    3. Allow finance time to allocate these payments correctly and to issue you with a valid practice card.Remember that it is illegal to practise if your registration with Council is not up to date!
  2. Council continues to experience huge numbers of returned mail or undelivered documents which could not be delivered at the last known address of a registrant. Regulation 7, clause 9, sub regulation (1) – (2) : “Change of name and change of residential and postal address” states that (1) “within three(3) months of any change of name, every social service practitioner shall notify the registrar in writing of such change of name and supply supporting evidence thereof”

    (2) Every Social service practitioner shall notify the registrar in writing of any change in residential and postal address within six(6) weeks of such change”.

    Please help us to be able to reach you by sending an email to verifications@sacssp.co.za with the following personal details:
    1. Full names and surname
    2. ID Number
    3. Email address
    4. Postal address (including postal code)
    5. Physical address
    6. Cell phone number
    7. Name of employer
    8. Contact number of employer
ISSUED BY: REGISTRAR, Ms Langi LC Malamba
GENERAL NOTICE 2 of 2019

REF: 3/7/6/1/2
7 June 2019

NOTICE TO ALL REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKERS, PERTAINING TO THE RESULTS OF THE ELECTION OF ONE SOCIAL WORKER TO SERVE ON THE SOUTH AFRICAN COUNCIL FOR SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONS (SACSSP)

In accordance with Regulation 15(14) of the Regulations relating to the election of Members of South African Council for Social Service Professions made under the Social Service Professions Act 110 of 1978 notice is herewith given of the results on the election of one social worker in accordance with section 5(1)(a) of the Act:

Candidate Registration number Votes received
Bezuidenhout, Lee Ann 10-32259 0
Manthosi, Frans Lesetja 10-33929 9
Pretorius, Luce 10-33178 4
Roestenburg, Willem Jan 10-07690 45
Tsotetsi, Sibongile Freda 10-23670 4
Van Der Westhuizen, Werner Lukas 10-17492 11
Yende, Felleng Annacleta 10-15293 3

The candidate with the most votes, Roestenburg, Willem Jan (10 – 07690), will serve on the 4th South African Council for Social Service Professions and the 4th Professional Board for Social Work as an elected member from 2019 to 2021 with immediate effect from the date of publication of this notice in the government gazette.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all registrants who participated in the election process, and we congratulate and welcome Prof Roestenburg.

ISSUED BY: REGISTRAR, Ms Langi LC Malamba
WANTED: Correct contact details

Council has managed to send all the receipts by means of email to all registrants who have paid their annual fees using the correct reference numbers i.e. registration number, and has begun with the posting of the original receipts through the post office.There is quite a number of registrants who used incorrect reference numbers when they paid their annual fees, which means we are unable to identify them and send receipts. If you have not received your receipt, please send your proof of payment with your registration number and query in the subject line to facilitate prompt service to you. to regtemp1@sacssp.co.za or regtemp6@sacssp.co.za. Remember that it is illegal to practice if your registration is not up date.

Council continue experiencing huge numbers of returned mail which could not be delivered at the correct postal addresses. Please help us to be able to reach you by sending an email to verifications@sacssp.co.za with the following personal details:
  1. Full names and surname
  2. Registration number with Council
  3. Email address
  4. Postal address (including postal code)
  5. Physical address
  6. Cell phone number
  7. Name of employer
  8. Contact number of employer
We join South Africans to congratulate the new Cabinet, and especially welcome to the new Minister of Social Development, Honourable Lindiwe Zulu, and Honourable Henrietta Bogopane-Zulu who was reappointed as Deputy Minister of Social Development.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Earn 5 CDP points attending this workshop about social work ethics and professional character. Learn some useful tools and engage in discussing some ethical dilemmas. See here for more information
Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications ( 31 May 2019)
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
READY FOR NEW WEBSITE?

You may have noticed that Council’s website (www.sacssp.co.za) has been down for the past three weeks. We are busy revamping the website so that it can be useful and easy to navigate for all registrants and the public. Council’s staff together with the Communication and Public Relations Committee were busy (and still are) reviewing the documents and content to ensure that it is up to date and meet our branding requirements. The basic structure will remain the same, with some additional features and some extensions. Where applicable, information that pertain specifical to social work or child and youth care work is organised together for each profession.

We will ‘launch’ the new website on 29 May 2019. After this we will continue to add material and information aiming to have everything on the website by 30 June 2019 at the latest. Thanks for your patience and bearing with us while we build this brand new website.

The Professional Boards for Social Work and Child and Youth Care Work held their regular meetings on 14 and 15 May 2019 and 21 to 22 May 2019 respectively. The Professional Boards deliberated on key issues affecting the professions they are responsible for. More about these meetings will be shared through statements to be issued by next week.

This week we are joining the country and the world to congratulate President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa on his election as the 5th President of the Republic.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Email addresses for direct enquiries:
Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications ( 24 May 2019)
PROJECT FIND

Council’s Finance division is currently busy with a special project to track the unidentified payments in preparation for deregistration process. Unideintified payments are due to deposits of fees being made without any reference number, which make it impossible to trace a payment back to an individual. We will keep you up to date on the progress of this project. Contact us if you have paid your fees and have not received a receipt (and double check on your deposit slip whether there is a reference number – your registration number).

Elections of a social worker in terms of section 5(1)(a) of the Social Service Professions Act 110 of 1978 to fill a vacancy on Council closed on 7 May 2019. We sincerely appreciate the sector for participating in these elections. The next step is the counting of the votes, followed by a verification by the auditors, which will happen in the next weeks. The name of the elected Member will be published in the government gazette. Be on the lookout.

The Education, Training and Development Committee of the Professional Board for Social Work convened a meeting from 9 to 10 May 2019 reviewing the learning material for social auxiliary workers which will be tabled at the Professional Board for Social Work meeting scheduled for 21 to 22 May 2019.

The world is still celebrating International Child and Youth Care Workers Week (6 to 12 May 2019). Please share your celebratory events to communications@sacssp.co.za

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
THANK YOU to all social workers who casted their votes for a Member to serve on the 4th Council.

Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications (10 May 2019)
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves

STATEMENT ON THE 55th MEETING OF SOUTH AFRICAN COUNCIL FOR SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONS

REF:
2/1/2/8
14 May 2019

The South African Council for Social Professions held its 55th meeting on 29 and 30 April 2019 in Pretoria. Council welcomed two new members who were appointed by the Minister to fill vacancies on Council. Ms Octavia Malombo, is appointed as the representative nominated by trade unions which represent employees engaged in developmental social welfare services and Mr Fani Xaba is appointed as the representative nominated by business in accordance with sections 5(1)(c)(iv) and 5(1)(c)(v) of the Social Service Professions Act 110 of 1978.

Council noted the progress made with regard to occupation of the new property, adjacent to the current building, and appreciated that it will allow for improvement in the servicing of registrants and expansion of the IT system.

Council deliberated extensively on the matter pertaining to registration of a specialty in adoption social work. Council continued to be engaged on this matter and a special task team was empowered to attend to this together with the Professional Board for Social Work.

Council received an operational report from the Registrar and appreciated the progress being made, especially that there is currently no backlog in the registration of social service professionals. During the last 3 months 553 social service professionals were registered.

Council noted that during the past 3 months, the Committee for Preliminary Inquiry (CPI) handled 55 matters pertaining to complaints related to professional conduct while the Disciplinary Committee dealt with 16 cases. Council appreciated the feedback that during the past 3 months, the backlog in disciplinary hearings was cleared.

Council noted with concern the escalating bank charges relating to over the counter payments of annual subscriptions. Council again urged the Registrar to inform all registrants about the different cost effective alternative methods of payment such as ATM deposits, EFT (internet transfers) payments or credit/ debit card payments or, using Sage Pay only. Council expressed appreciation towards all registrants who paid their annual fees for 2019/2020 by 31 March 2019. Council also approved the move to a new banking institution. Details will be shared once the transition Implementation plan has been developed and approved.

Council reiterated that employers of social service professionals registered or deemed to be registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professions need to be informed of the implications for employing a person who is not registered as required by law. It was emphasised that the employer has an obligation to ensure compliance with the Social Service Professions Act 110 of 1978 when social service professionals are employed.

Council received reports from the Professional Board for Child and Youth Care Work and Professional Board for Social Work on key matters for Council to note and/or endorse. Council noted with appreciation that the Professional Board for Child and Youth Care Work has finalised the Code of Ethics for child and youth care workers and will be submitting it to Council for approval. Council approved the revised Regulations for specialties in clinical social work, forensic social work, and occupational social work as well as the draft Regulations for school social work, supervision in social work and social work in health care which will be submitted to the Minister of Social Development to publish in the Government Gazette for public comment. Council also approved the Assessment of International Qualifications and Registration Policy that was submitted by the Professional Board for Social Work.

Council received feedback that its PAIA Manual will be published to the public on its website as required in terms of section 14 of the Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000.

Council received feedback on the progress being made for the upgrade of its IT infra-structure and systems that will be implemented during the 2019/18 financial year. It was noted that the upgraded system will significantly improve core services such as registration, payments, education and training and customer care. Council further noted the progress being made on the revamping of its website, which will be under construction during May 2019. Council requests that registrants and the public be patient during this construction period and should follow the directives on the webpage if they have urgent enquiries.

Council noted that social service professionals who have reached the age of 65 years and are not in full time practice may apply for exemption of payment of annual fees. This is not automatic, and persons who wish to remain registered but be exempted from paying annual fees need to obtain the prescribed application form from Council and apply in writing.

Council received a presentation from the Department Higher Education and Training regarding enrolments for courses in social work. It was noted that 16 universities are currently providing a degree course in social work from which 3,069 graduated in 2017. Council noted with concern that there was a drop in the enrolment for the degree in social work from 18,308 in 2016 to 15,053 in 2017.

Council received a presentation from the Department of Social Development on the development of the draft Social Service Practitioners Bill and the costing related to its implementation. Council noted and appreciated the progress being made, especially the fact that the Bill will be published for public comment as soon as it is approved by Cabinet.

Council concluded its 55th meeting by reflecting on the progress made since it inauguration as well as the significant work that still needs to be done to ensure that it meets its mandate towards the professions and the public. Council appreciated the constructive engagements and critique by registrants as it assist towards improving its service delivery.

A SALUTE TO VETERANS

The Registrar and managers attended a roundtable hosted by UNISA that focussed on the foundations and emerging issues in social work. The family of Dr Ray and Dorah Philips were present to receive the Posthumous Baobab Award for their grandparents, who were the founders of Jan H Hofmeyer School of Social Work, the first institution to train Black social workers in South Africa. The institution which was closed by the Apartheid government in 1958 gave rise to great leaders such as Dr Bregalia Bam, Mrs Zanele Mbeki, Dr Motsuenyane and Mrs Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. The message from these veterans who were present is that the spirit of activism and advocacy must be reinvigorated amongst current and emerging practitioners so that the presence of social work can be felt. We salute these great daughters and sons of the soil. The Registrar flagged the critical areas of concern which affect the social service professions sector such as poor recognition, low salaries, poor working conditions, OSD, amongst others.

This week we see the advent of events to mark International Child and Youth Care Workers Week (#cycweek2019). We emcourage practitioners to observe the entire month of May as child and youth care workers month. All child and youth care workers must be registered to practice. Avoid practicing illegaly and contact Council to make things right if you still have not been registered. Employers of child and youth care workers are urged to observe the prescription of the Social Service Professions Act 110 of 1978, and employ ONLY registered practitioners. It is your responsibility to support your staff to comply.

Halala child and youth care workers, phambili!


UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
ADVERT: Earn 5 CDP points attending this workshop about social work ethics and professional character on 12 June 2019. Learn some useful tools and engage in discussing some ethical dilemmas. See here for more information or email learnaboutethics@gmail.com for more information. (This advertisement was paid for by the advertiser)
Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications ( 3 May 2019)
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
SACSSP MONTHLY eBULLETIN MAY 2019

SACSSP MONTHLY eBulletin for May 2019 is out. Click on the link below to access it here
INTERNATIONAL CHILD AND YOUTH CARE WORKERS WEEK

This week, 6 to 12 May 2019, is International Child and Youth Care Workers Week. Download the Poster here or retype https://indd.adobe.com/view/94e0be71-f247-490a-acf4-65b51b2ef6a0 and put it up your office and community.

The theme for International Child and Youth Care Workers Week 2019 is ‘I am, because you are’.

Follow activities where Council and the Professional Board for Child and Youth Care Work are involved in International Child and Youth Care Workers Week on our Facebook page or Twitter - #SACSSP #cycweek2019.

Please see messages of support from members of Council and the Professional Boards on this link.Click here
ThisWeek@Council #ETHICS

On 23 April 2019, Council’s Professional Conduct Division Manager conducted a workshop on the Code of Ethics for Social Work held at Rosebank College, Braamfontein, Johannesburg. The workshop was attended by 10 social workers employed by Rosebank College as student relations managers based at the eight campuses across the country. Amongst other functions, Rosebank College offers the following social services to students: counselling, community engagement, social awareness and education and stakeholder relations. Key to Council’s workshop was to create awareness around the obligations and responsibilities that comes with being a registered social service practitioner; demystify the perceptions that Council is there to de-register social service practitioners. Council is looking forward to further strategic partnerships with Rosebank College.

On 24 April 2019 the Registrar, Ms Langi Malamba, delivered a key note address at the University of Witwatersrand where 54 students registered as student social workers as prescribed by section 17A(1)(2) of the Social Service Professions Act 110 of 1978 made the Solemn Declaration to honour the intergrity of the profession and adhere to the ethical code for social work.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
7 May (15h00) is the closing date for submission of ballot papers by social workers for the election of one nominee to serve on the 4th South African Council for Social Service Professions. Ballot papers were mailed, sadly we have received a sizeable number of undelivered ballots. Please remember to update your postal and contact details on the website, or send the details via email.

Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications ( 26 April 2019)
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
SACSSP MONTHLY eBULLETIN APRIL 2019

SACSSP MONTHLY eBulletin for April 2019 is out. Click on the link below to access it here
THE WEEK AFTER 31 MARCH

This week the Registrar with staff monitor the Registers to verify payments of annual fees after the closing date of 31 March. It was noted with concern that a significant number of practitioners failed to observe the official dates to pay annual fees as prescribed by the Social Service Professions Act 110 of 1978 . Regulation 5(1) states that the “the prescribed annual fee payable by each registrant (social worker, social auxiliary worker or child and youth care worker) shall be paid before or on 1 January of every year”. The period of grace extended by Council was from the 2nd January to the 31st March every financial year. Persons who have paid their annual registration fee after 31 March 2019 are liable for a late payment fine and restoration fee. A notice and invoice for the restoration fee and late payment fine will be sent to all such registrants so that they may bring their accounts up to date and their status may be cleared. Remember, it is illegal to practice without being licensed to practice. Employers will also be made aware regarding this requirement to assist in ensuring compliance.

This week also the administration has started the process of renovating the newly acquired building in anticipation of starting to occupy the new office block.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:one
Thank you to all social service professionals for paying your annual fees on time.
Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications ( 5 April 2019)
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
CYC@ProfConduct

On 27 and 28 March 2019 an inaugural workshop was held on professional conduct for Members of the Professional Board for Child and Youth Care Work and Council in preparation for their roles and responsibilities in the newly established Committee of Preliminary Inquiry (CPI) and Disciplinary Hearing Committee (DH) for Child and Youth Care Work. The workshop focussed on the relevant provisions of the Social Service Professions Act 110 of 1978, Regulations for Child and Youth Care, Rules Relating to Acts or Omissions which constitute unprofessional or improper conduct of child and youth care workers, Code of Ethics and Regulations relating to conducting inquiries into alleged unprofessional conduct and disciplinary inquiries. The workshop emphasised the need for Council to amongst other provisions enforce section 15 and 16 of the Social Service Professions Act without exception and that those who practice child and youth care work profession or provide training in child and youth care work must be registered as required by the Act or face the sanctions that can be imposed in accordance with Act if they do not comply.

Employers of child and youth care workers are encouraged to convene workshops on professional conduct and ethics in child and youth care work and are welcome to invite Council to assist. Such invitations should be addressed to the attention of the Professional Conduct Manager, Mr Hitler Sekhitla at profconmanager@sacssp.co.za .

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Thank you to all social service professionals for paying your annual fees on time.
Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications (1 April 2019)
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves

STATEMENT ON 41st MEETING OF PROFESSIONAL BOARD FOR SOCIAL WORK

The South African Council for Social Professions’ Professional Board for Social Work held its 41st meeting from 26 to 27 February 2019 in Pretoria. The meeting focused a on the core business of the Professional Board and progress made since its 40th meeting held in October 2018.

The Professional Board noted with concern the number of unidentified payments made by registrants who omit to put their registration details as reference. A comprehensive strategy and a draft plan from Finance, registration and IT will be drafted to address this matter. The Board is appealing to all practitioners who have not made their annual fee payments by 22 February 2019, when new fees were published, to do so urgently before the deadline of the 31 March 2019. Follow link below to access the gazetted fees regulations  https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/201902/42240gon221.pdf. 

It was reported that as of 26 February 2019, 32 009 social workers, 10 986 social auxiliary workers, 17 225 student social workers and 11 211 student social auxiliary workers were registered with Council. Registration department received 1 399 new applications from January to 25 February 2019, 685 were registered and 714 could not be processed due to outstanding documents. The Professional Board requests applicants to act on the communication they receive from Council regarding the status of their applications. From 2017 to 2019 February 2019 there were 2 944 certificates of social workers, social auxiliary workers and student social workers that were returned. The Professional Board is appealing to all professionals who have applied and have not as yet received their certificates to check their names on the link below, and contact Council
https://www.sacssp.co.za/content/documents/SACSSP_RETURNED_CERTIFICATES_2016_TO_2019.pdf 

The departments of education, training and development and Registrations attended to 589 new applications relating to adoption specialisations. Applicants who did not meet the requirements were requested to submit portfolios of evidence (POEs) to support their applications and to prove years of experience and adoptions related trainings they may have attended.

Draft regulations for the following areas of specialisations: adoption, clinical, forensic, occupational, social work in health care, social work supervision and school social work, have been developed and comments invited from the sector. Council gave comments which were incorporated in the final draft. The Professional Board is busy finalising the criteria for these specialisations and the final draft regulations will be presented to Council for approval during their meeting of 20 & 30 April 2019. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) policy inputs from the sector including online training have been incorporated and the draft document will be circulated for broader comments once standard operating procedures and guidelines are approved early in April 2019.

During the Professional Board meeting held in July 2018 the Professional Board raised a concern about the poor quality of the learning materials developed for social auxiliary work at NQF Level 5. During this meeting, a resolution was taken that three experts in the field will assist with the final assessment of the material before it is approved. The Professional Board is pleased to announce that HWSETA has appointed a new developer and is busy rewriting the learning material.

The Professional Board commended the Professional Conduct department for clearing the backlog of 18 Disciplinary Hearings from 2015 and 2016. Professional Conduct Dispute and Appeals Procedure and Protocol has been finalised and the Professional Board is reviewing it, once approved by the Professional Board it will be presented to Council and circulated to the sector for comments. Be on the lookout for that.

The Professional Board has drafted a response to the scope of Practice of Psychologists which overlaps to the scope of practise for social workers. This response will be presented to Council and will be circulated to the sector to note the work done so far. The final document will be shared with key stakeholders: Department of Health, Department of Social Development, HPCSA and Competition Commission in relation to the Act and the definition of a health care practitioner and the impact on the role of social workers.

The Professional Board concluded its meeting by expressing appreciation to the Members and staff for their participation and wished all social work professionals a happy World Social Day on 19 March 2019.

Issued by: SACSSP Communications
ENQUIRIES:
Communications & Public Relations Practitioner
South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Office: +27 12 356 8300 | Direct:+27 12 356 8302 Email: communications@sacssp.co.za
Website: http://www.sacssp.co.za Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter: @SACSSP1
#WSWD2019 CELEBRATED

Council celebrated World Social Work Day on 19 March 2019 with social workers, social auxiliary workers and student social workers in different parts of the country under the theme “Promoting the Importance of Healthy Human Relationships”. Council made history with the translation of the World Social Work Day poster into all 11 South African languages, which was shared with the International Federation of Social Work (IFSW) to share on its media platforms.

President of Council, Dr Maria Mabetoa, and Prof Adrian van Breda, Member of the Professional Board for Social Work, attended an event organised by the National Department of Social Development in honour of social workers working within the department. Dr Mabetoa thanked social workers for the wonderful work they do in communities and led the solemn declaration (oath taking) by all registered social workers to recommit to the code of ethics that guides their professional conduct. The Registrar attended social work conferences and events hosted by the Gauteng Department of Social Development, the Limpopo Department of Social Development (Capricorn District and Greater Sekhukhune District), University of Limpopo and UNISA where she presented messages of support on promoting positive healthy human relationships in the workplace. Council’s Professional Conduct Manager, Mr Sekhitla, led the oath taking event at University of Fort Hare (East London and Alice Campuses).

In support of World Social Work Day, the University of Western Cape and Howard University (USA) jointly hosted a seminar on 12 March 2019 where they also honoured 26 social work veterans who are 70 years and older, with the oldest recipient being 84 years.

Council thanks all social workers and social auxiliary workers for their empathy, respect and service excellence to clients, their families, colleagues and for upholding the intergrity of the profession.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
IMPORTANT: 31 March 2019 is the final date to pay your annual fees.
Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications ( 26 March 2019)
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
RETURNED CERTIFICATES

Each week Council receives a number of returned mail due to non-collection. Help us avoid this by ensuring that we have your correct postal address and other contact details as well as through easy tracking. Just follow these easy steps:
  • Council sms a tracking number to you when mail is sent to you.
  • Track your mail sent through South African Post Office (SAPO) by simply tracking your number on SAPO’s track and trace system http://sms.postoffice.co.za/TrackingParcels/  and see the status of the mail send to you.
  • Remember : South African Post Office keeps unclaimed parcels for 30 days and thereafter returns it to the sender.
A large number of Registration Certificates were returned to Council due to incorrect postal addresses. Simple follow the link below (if you have not received your Registration Certtificate) which indicates the record of all retuned certicates from 2016 to 2019.
https://www.sacssp.co.za/content/documents/SACSSP_RETURNED_CERTIFICATES_2016_TO_2019.pdf 
If your name appears on these lists kindly contact Council on 012 356 8300 or email customercare@sacssp.co.za On 15 March 2019 chairpersons of all the South African Council for Social Service Professions’ section 9 and 10 Committees and management attended the budget review and strategic plan meeting where priority items for the current financial year and next financial year were presented and discussed.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Please note: 31st of March 2019 closing date is only applicable to professionals who are already registered, who are due to pay annual fees and not for new applications.New applicants have the whole year to submit their applications, provided that they are not practising.
Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications (15 March 2019)
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
SACSSP MONTHLY eBULLETIN FEBRUARY 2019

SACSSP MONTHLY eBulletin for February 2019 is out. Click on the link below to access it here
GET YOUR GAZETTE

On 15 February 2019, Council reported that Regulations on the Fees payable by social service professionals were signed by the Minister of Social Development. Council is pleased to announce that these regulations are now published in the Government Gazette. You can read more about these regulations here: https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/201902/42240gon221.pdf 

All receipts and practice cards for 2019/2020 financial year will be issued by 30 April 2019 provided one has used a correct reference number when paying. Should you have paid on or before 31 March 2019 and not received your receipt and practice card, kindly visit the Council’s website (www.sacssp.co.za) and verify your contact details including your postal address, alternatively send an email to regtemp1@sacssp.co.za or phone use at 012 356 8336.

The Professional Board for Child and Youth Care held its 35th meeting from 19 to 20 February 2019 in Pretoria where, amongst others, the Code of Ethics for child and youth care workers and International Child and Youth Care Week, normally celebrated internationally in the first week on May, were discussed. The Professional Board for Social Work held its 41st meeting from 26 to 27 February 2019 in Pretoria attending to matters pertaining to the screening process when registering for a speciality in adoption social work and other specialities; registration status of the sector; and the accreditation of training providers offering qualifications in social auxiliary work. More about these meetings will be shared in the statements to be issued within the next week.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Remember, even if you do not receive an invoice, you are still obliged to pay before 31 March 2019. Always use your unique registration number when you pay starting with 10- (for social work); 50- (for social auxiliary work); 70- (for child and youth care work); and 90- (for auxiliary child and youth care work). This is the only way we can track a payment against your name.

Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications (1 March 2019)
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
FOCUS ON ACTION

This week, a panel of adoption and child protection subject matter experts congregated in Pretoria to conduct assessments in accordance with the Regulations relating to the registration of a speciality in adoption work published in Government Notice 449 (Government Gazette 19930 dated 16 April 1999) of 576 applications by social workers received from 7 provinces. If found eligible and competent, these social workers will be registrered for the speciality in adoption social work.

The Registrar, together with a number of provincial managers of the Department of Social Development attended the review workshop on progress made with the implementation of the intergrated plan of action for social service professionals that was held in Boksburg from 13 to 15 February 2019. The resolutions of the 2015 Social Work Indaba was top on the agenda. Other important discussion points were infrastructure and tools of trade for social service professionals in the department. Advocacy will be heightened for the Child and youth care sector as well as the plight of unemployed social workers and a strategy to address the plight of unemployed social workers will be communicated soon. A national steering on the 2015 Social Work Indaba resolutions was re-established to fast-track the implementation of the resolutions. Council and the Department of Social Development pledged to work closely together to address the identified gaps.

The Minister of Social Development, Honourable Suzan Shabangu, approved the Regulations relating to the new fees payable by all social service practitioners for 2019/2020 on 1 February 2019. A General Notice detailing the new fees payable and the Government Gazette number for the Regulations on the new fees will be shared once the Regulations are published.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Remember, even if you do not receive an invoice, you are still obliged to pay before 31 March 2019. Always use your unique registration number when you pay starting with 10- (for social work); 50- (for social auxiliary work); 70- (for child and youth care work); and 90- (for auxiliary child and youth care work). This is the only way we can track a payment against your name.

Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications (15 February 2019)
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
DASHING INTO DECEMBER

Council was invited by the Department of Social Development to a work session from 29-30 November 2018 in Johannesburg on the new Post Graduate Diploma (NQF Level 08) in Supervision for Social Service Practitioners. Council’s education, training and development manager, Ms Eunice Vilakazi, accompanied Ms Mahlangu-Luthuli representing the Professional Board for Child and Youth Care Work, Mr Harris representing the Professional Board for Social Work and Ms Sithole representing the South African Council for Social Service Professions. The Universities of Limpopo, Nelson Mandela, Western Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal also attended and presented their plans on offering this qualification. More developments about this diploma will be shared once available.

The Registrar, Ms Malamba, and Ms Follentine, Member of the Professional Board Social Work met with the Western Cape Department of Social Development on the 4th December 2018 for a stakeholder session where meaningful decisions were taken for the betterment of the social service sector and notably child and youth care work employees within the department.
On 06 December 2018, education, training and development division conducted oral examinations for international qualification applicants. Five (5) applicants were interviewed from United States of America, Lesotho, Namibia and two from Zimbabwe.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
MSA’s Bachelor of Child and Youth Care is endorsed by the South African Council of Social Service Professions. Completion of the degree will enable graduates to apply for registration as professional Child and Youth Care workers. here

Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications
7 December 2018
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves

BOARD NOTICE

REF: 12/15
30 November 2018

NOTICE TO ALL REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKERS, SOCIAL AUXILIARY WORKERS, STUDENT SOCIAL WORKERS AND SOCIAL AUXILIARY WORK LEARNERS OUTCOME OF THE NOMINATION PROCESS TO ELECT A MEMBER TO SERVE ON THE 4TH (FOURTH) COUNCIL (SACSSP) AND THIRD PROFESSIONAL BOARD FOR SOCIAL WORK (PBSW)

Dear Colleagues

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to all those members who exercised their constitutional right by nominating preferred candidates, and a special ‘thank you’ to registrants who accepted the nominations.

This communication serves to update the sector on the outcome of the nominations process to fill the vacancy on Council as was gazetted on 6th October 2018, in terms of the provisions of section 6(1) (g)(i) and 6(2) of the Social Service Professions Act regarding the election and appointment of members of the Council who were appointed in terms of section 5(1)(a) as prescribed.

The following registrants were duly nominated.
Name of candidates Registration number
Mr Frans Lesetja 1033929
Mr Werner Lukas van der Westhuizen 1017492
Mr Willem Jan Horninge 1007690
Ms Leena Lee-Ann Bezuidenhout 1032259
Ms Sibongile Freda Tsotetsi 1023670
Ms Refilwe Valerie Hlongwane 1028219
Mr Ndivhuho Baldwin Netshiavha 1019629
Ms Felleng Annacleta Yende 1015293
Ms Luce Pretorius 1033178

The ballot papers with names and photos of the above candidates will be circulated in preparation for elections. A notice will be circulated soon, be on the lookout for that. If your postal address has changed in the last 2 months and you haven’t updated with Council, please urgently send your new details via email to elections@sacssp.co.za to ensure that the ballot papers are sent to the correct address.

Issued by: Ms. Langi LC Malamba
REGISTRAR
STATEMENT ON 34TH MEETING OF PROFESSIONAL BOARD FOR CHILD AND YOUTH CARE WORK
The South African Council for Social Professions’ Professional Board for Child and Youth Care Work held its 34th meeting on 01 to 02 November 2018 in Pretoria.

As is usual, the meeting was well attended and all members engaged in the rigorous discussions held on the agenda items, displaying both commitment to the field of child and youth care work and a sense of cooperation and teamwork as a Professional Board. Members worked well beyond the meeting hours to be sure to complete the comprehensive agenda. A sense of urgency is felt by the Professional Board as members are cognisant of the need to move the child and youth care work field forward in a tangible manner so that registrants feel the positive impact of being now a regulated workforce. The Professional Board is aware of the many challenges being faced by child and youth care workers and is seeking to address the systemic issues that contribute to such challenges.

One of the key matters for engagement was a review of the current NQF level 4 learning material for child and youth care work commissioned by the HWSETA. In reviewing the learning material being used by many service providers of the TVET: Child and Youth Care Work, it was noted that a bridging course will be needed to assist graduates of the certificate to obtain the new qualification which will be at NQF level 5. The Professional Board will have further engagements with the HWSETA to discuss the implementation of the bridging course. The Professional Board is fully involved in the process of commissioning a service provider to develop the new learning material for the Level 5 qualification. The Professional Board also welcomed the positive partnership formed with both the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and the HWSETA in all their processes involving the child and youth care work professionalisation. It was agreed that a workshop with all QCTO accredited training providers will be arranged by the QCTO to make training providers aware of the statutory mandate of the Professional Board in relation to learning material development and the provision of training that meets the standards of the Council and the Professional Board.

A further area of considered attention was in relation to creating the mechanisms for child and youth care workers to have their continuous professional development recognized. The meeting focused on refining a policy to govern the continuing professional development of child and youth care workers. The Board hopes to introduce the requirement of continuing professional development as soon as the administrative processes in the secretariat of the Council are ready to manage the administrative load. This will mean that child and youth care workers will be recognized for the added activities they undertake for their professional development. The Continuing Professional Development policy (CPD) was finalised by the Professional Board during the meeting and a draft CPD policy will be circulated to the sector for comments by the end of this week.

Two further focus areas of the meeting included the ongoing concern about the manner in which child and youth care workers are limited with regard to their employment and upward mobility opportunities. Intense discussion took place on the process of advocating in this regard with the Department of Social Development, and a refined strategy on the matter has been devised.

The Professional Board further spent time on the matter of the registration of child and youth care workers. The Professional Board was very pleased to note that the administrative bottlenecks which have slowed down the processing of applications have been addressed and that in future, registering applicants will be much swifter and smoother. The Professional Board noted the current statistics of 7322 child and youth care workers registered with Council, which it noted was encouraging, but nonetheless represented only a portion of the child and youth care workers in practice. Different means of communicating with the sector to put across the importance of registration were discussed, and all means of communication, including roadshows, will be used to ensure that child and youth care workers recognized that it is no longer legal to be working as a child and youth care worker without being registered. The Professional Board further noted the continuing trend in some provinces where the Department of Social Development continues to advertise child and youth care work positions without requiring compulsory registration with SACSSP. The Professional Board noted the document entitled “Regulations for the Social Service Professions Act 110 of 1978: Fees payable by social workers, child and youth care workers, social auxiliary workers, student workers Amendment Regulations”, which was published on 19 October 2018 in Notice 1129(Government Gazette No 41982). Comments on the document were required by 18 November 2018. The Professional Board for Child and Youth Care concluded its meeting by expressing appreciation to members and secretariat for work done since the beginning of the year and identified items to be prioritised in the 2019/20 financial year.

Issued by: SACSSP Communications ENQUIRIES:
Public Relations and Marketing Officer
South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Office: +27 12 356 8300 | Direct:+27 12 356 8302 Email: communications@sacssp.co.za
Website: http://www.sacssp.co.za Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter:@SACSSP1
SACSSP MONTHLY eBULLETIN NOVEMBER 2018

SACSSP MONTHLY eBulletin for November 2018 is out. Click on the link below to access it here
CELEBRATIONS & REGISTRATIONS

On 15 November 2018, registration division attended the Gauteng NACCW biennial general meeting at the Girls and Boys Town Child and Youth Care Centre in Randfontein, Johannesburg. This general meeting was attended by 39 child and youth care workers from different centres. Registrations manager, Mr Vincent Hlabangana, presented on the value of professional registration with Council; what a portfolio of evidence (POE) is and who has to do a portfolio of evidence; the code of ethics for child and youth care workers; and an update on the draft continuing professional development policy, which will be circulated to the sector for comments soon. During the meeting, the registrations helpdesk handled 16 enquiries, issued nine receipts and three certificates.

On 16 November 2018, education training and development division with the Registrar presented ethics and CPD policy to 45 social workers at the City of Ekurhuleni municipality .

Don’t miss out! On 28 November 2018 from 15h00 to 16h00, the Registrar, Ms Langi Malamba, chairperson of the Professional Board for Social Work, Dr Marie Kruger, and chairperson of the Professional Board for Child and Youth Care Work, Ms Aziwe Magida, will be speakers on Global Social Service Workforce Alliance webinar about the role of Council in supporting social service professionals. Ms Zeni Thumbadoo, vice-chairperson of the Professional Board for Child and Youth Care Work, will be moderating the session. To participate in this webinar you have to register on https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5275776043068718595 .

You can visit www.socialserviceworkforce.org/webinars to view recordings and summaries from past webinars.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications
16 November 2018
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves

South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za 
Website: www.sacssp.co.za Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter: @SACSSP1
TALKING ETHICS

On 6 November 2018, the Professional Board for Social Work’s Professional Conduct Committee convened a consultative workshop on the draft Policy Guideline for Course of Conduct, Code of Ethics and Rules for Social Workers. The Registrar Ms Langi Malamba, highlighted areas to consider when revising the draft policy, notably the following: netiquette (rules for acceptable online behaviour); use of social media for personal and professional purposes; parameters for using technology for supervision and councessling; ethical considerations for confidentialty when working in multi-disciplinary teams or other settings such as the police service; military or hospitals; supervision and management issues; confidentiality in modern day work environments, for example in open plan offices.

Social media which has taken the world by storm was incorporated in the draft policy. It was agreed to separate the policy and guidelines so that they are aligned to the norms and standards. The Committee envisage to also have the text of the oath/solemn declaration in the policy focusing on ethics for social workers, social auxiliary workers and students, that will be signed together with the registration certificate in their places of work or during oath taking at university so that the employer and the public know what to expect from a social worker and social auxiliary worker. A revised draft of the policy and guidelines will be circulated to the sector for further comments soon. Social workers and social auxiliary workers can look forward to a more user-friendly policy and guidelines.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications
9 November 2018
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves

South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za 
Website: www.sacssp.co.za Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter: @SACSSP1
GENERAL NOTICE 11 of 2018 RETRACTION

REF:11/15

12 November 2018

NOTICE TO ALL REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKERS, SOCIAL AUXILIARY WORKERS, STUDENT SOCIAL WORKERS, SOCIAL AUXILIARY WORK LEARNERS, CHILD AND YOUTH CARE WORKERS, AUXILIARY CHILD AND YOUTH CARE WORKERS AND STUDENT CHILD AND YOUTH CARE WORKERS

RETRACTION OF CLOSURE OF OFFICE FOR FUMIGATION IN TERMS OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT 85 OF 1993

The South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) wishes to inform all social service professionals and members of the public that Council’s offices will not close early on Friday 16 November 2018 as previously communicated on General Notice 11 of 2018 which was published on 6 November 2018.The office will function as normal and the fumigation will take place on 17 November (Saturday) 2018.

We apologise for any inconvenience that this may have caused you.

Issued by: Ms. Langi LC Malamba
REGISTRAR
THE PAST 40 HOURS

The Registrar, Ms Langi Malamba, gave a keynote address to about one hundred child and youth care workers in Galeshewe, Northern Cape, on the 27th of October 2018. She focussed her address on ethical considerations for social service professionals and integrated multi-disciplinary approaches.

Council’s Information Technology and Business Re-engineering Committee held its 8th meeting this week in Pretoria. Amongst the issues discussed was the consolidated business processes of Council and the revamping of the website, which has started. A public notice will be circulated when the transition from the current to the new revamped website takes place. On 1 and 2 November 2018 the chairpersons of all of the South African Council for Social Service Professions’ section 9 and 10 Committees and management attended the budget review meeting where priority items for this financial year were presented, reviewed and dicussed.

The Professional Board for Child and Youth Care Work held its 34th meeting this week as well, where the proposed policy on continuing professional development (CPD) was discussed. The Profesional Board agreed that the draft policy will be circulated by the 9th of November for comments and inputs from child and youth care workers. More about this meeting will be shared in the statement to be issued within the next week.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications
02 November 2018
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves

South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za 
Website: www.sacssp.co.za Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter: @SACSSP1
SACSSP MONTHLY eBULLETIN OCTOBER 2018

SACSSP MONTHLY eBulletin for October 2018 is out. Click on the link below to access it here
AMBASSADORS OF THE PROFESSION

South African Police Service (SAPS) held its ‘Wellness Indaba 2018’ from 24 to25 October 2018 with the theme ‘a journey to a healthy work space’ at the SAPS Tshwane Academy. SAPS is one of the critical stakeholders that employ social service professionals, notably occupational and forensic social workers. The Registrar, Ms Langi Malamba, presented on ethics and governance to 50 occupational social workers during one of the breakaway sessions. She encouraged them to reflect on where their social work professional journey started, when they took an oath during their second year and prophesied to the world that they will uphold certain standards and values. She had this to say: “As ambassadors of the profession, you are charged with definite responsibilities. You subscribe to professional conduct and a code of ethics. Professionals hold each other accountable about professional conduct and Council is mandated by the professions through the Social Service Professions Act 110 of 1978 to ensure adherence to the ethical code. The way you talk, dress, who you associate with and what you post on social media will always be linked to the profession”.

The Registrar urged the practitioners to be strategically aligned at all times as they have an ethical obligation to unearth opportunities for research within their workplace and their communities. In closing she emphasised the value of selfcare so that they can be effective in their service rendering.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications
26 October 2018
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves

South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za 
Website: www.sacssp.co.za Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter: @SACSSP1
SACSSP MONTHLY eBULLETIN OCTOBER 2018

SACSSP MONTHLY eBulletin for October 2018 is out. Click on the link below to access it here
REGISTER, THEN PRACTISE

If you are not registered as a child and youth care worker or social worker (at professional or auxiliary level) you are legally not allowed to perform any duties that fall within the scope of child and youth care work or social work. Councils’ secretariat has two child and youth care registration outreach events on 27 October 2018. One is in Umtata, Eastern Cape (for more information contact Ms Nobulungisa Mpikwa on 039 256 1910) and the other one Kimberley, Northern Cape (for more information contact Mr Lucky Jacobs on 053 874 9360). If you are a child and youth care worker and not registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professions yet, please bring the following documentation to add to your application (application forms will be available at the venues):
  • Certified copy of your HWSETA certificate or BTECH degree or related qualification;
  • Original academic record;
  • Certified copy of you ID document and/or marriage certificate;
  • Copy of your job description and letter of employment or contract of employment;
  • Proof of payment for registration (if you have made payment already to Council). If not, a registration payment of R220.00 can be paid via Speed Point at the venue.
Ms Julia Zingu, Member of Council, was guest lecturer for 2nd year social work students this week at the University of the Western Cape where she shared with the students information on the role of the South African Council for Social Service Professions, the code of ethics for social work and the interpretation of oath taking at 2nd year level.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
  • Comments are invited from the sector on the amendments to the Regulations regarding the fees payable by social workers, child and youth care workers, social auxiliary workers, student workers before or on 18 November 2018. Download at: Click here
  • Email addresses for direct your enquiries.
  • Registration related enquiries (new applications, registration certificates, restoration, change of particulars and status report): procurement@sacssp.co.za or archive1@sacssp.co.za
  • Finance enquiries (receipts, invoices and statements): elvis@sacssp.co.za  or regtemp1@sacssp.co.za.
  • CPD or any education and training related enquiries: cpd@sacssp.co.za. 
Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications
19 October 2018
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves

South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za 
Website: www.sacssp.co.za Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter: @SACSSP1
STATEMENT ON 40th MEETING OF PROFESSIONAL BOARD FOR SOCIAL WORK

Ref: 2/2/1/4/8

15 October 2018

The South African Council for Social Professions’ Professional Board for Social Work held its 40th meeting from 9 to 10 October 2018 in Pretoria. The meeting focused on the core business of the Professional Board and progress made since its 39th meeting held in July 2018.

The Professional Board reflected on their stakeholder meeting with National Coalition for Social Services (NACOSS) on 8 August 2018 and various concerns were raised regarding the subsidy non-governmental organisations are receiving as well as the workload and working conditions of social service professionals. The Professional Board took a resolution to look into these concerns as they are part of bigger concerns related to the professions and will draw attention to these issues to heads of departments of the provinces affected.

The Professional Board took note that outstanding disciplinary hearings have been reduced to 5 (five). The Professional Board anticipates to finalise these before the end of this financial year.

The Professional Board identified specific gaps on the Policy on the Fit and Proper Person Requirement and is busy reviewing the policy and will share the revised version with the sector early next year. Due to low response from the sector on the revised Policy Guideline for Course of Conduct, Code of Ethics and Rules for Social Workers document that was circulated for public comments, the Professional Board decided to establish a national working group representing associations in social work as well s employers of social workers (government and non-governmental) for more inputs and finalise the document.

The Professional Board noted the problem that is experienced by various settings because of lack of a clear and detailed scope of practice for the social work profession. The Professional Board together with Association of South African Social Work Education Institutions (ASASWEI) is reviewing the scope of practice for social work and will submit it to the Minister of Social Development to be published in the Government Gazette for public comment.

The proposed regulations for social workers to specialise in adoption social work, clinical social work, forensic social work, occupational social work, social work supervision and social work in health care were approved by the Professional Board and will be presented to Council for approval. Assessors and moderators of these specialities will be recruited to develop the rubric for assessments.

The Professional Board reviewed and incorporated the comments received from the sector on the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Policy for Social Workers and Social Auxiliary Workers and the final revised document will be submitted to Council in November 2018 for approval. Once approved, the policy will be made public. The new Council on Higher Education (CHE) standards which replace the Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs) have been aligned and the Quality Assurance Tool for a Bachelor of Social Work has been revised. The quality assurance tool will be submitted to higher education institutions for comment.

The Professional Board concluded its meeting by expressing appreciation to the Members for a fruitful 2018 and staff for their hard work.
Issued by: SACSSP Communications

ENQUIRIES:
Public Relations and Marketing Practitioner
South African Council for Social Services Professions
Office: +27 12 356 8300 | Direct: +27 12 356 8302 | Email: communications@sacssp.co.za
FOCUS ON ACTION

The Professional Board for Social Work held its 40th meeting from 9 to 10 October 2018 in Pretoria. The Professional Board dealt with a range of matters related to stakeholder engagement; review of policies pertaining to the profession; approval of the proposed regulations for six specialties in social work to be presented to Council; workload and working conditions of social service professionals; finalisation of outstanding disciplinary inquiries; the scope of work for social work; amongst others. A statement on this meeting will be issued shortly.

Mr Mzikayifani Vilakazi (Member of Council), Dr Stutterheim (chairperson of the Professional Board for Social Work’s professional conduct committee) and the Registrar attended the North-West University Vaal Campus oath taking ceremony for 2nd year students.

Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications
12 October 2018
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves

South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za 
Website: www.sacssp.co.za Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter: @SACSSP1
COMMUNICATION MATTERS

Council’s Communications and Public Relations Committee, established in terms of Section 10(a) of the Social Service Professions Act 110 of 1978 to facilitate communication between the office and stakeholders held its 11th meeting on 04 October 2018. The Committee reviewed and analysed communication platforms and tools; identified and recommend approaches to improve communications at all levels of Council; and determined key areas that need to be prioritised as part of Council and the Professional Boards communication. The Communications and Public Relations Policy which is aimed at ensuring that communication at all levels of Council is transparent, effective and responsive to the needs of the sector was discussed at length. The redesign of Council’s current website was discussed and the work on this will be commence soon. The revamped website will ensure user experience will be easy and effortless. The revamping will result in the website being down for a short while and the registrants and the public will be informed in this regard.

The Committee appreciates and acknowledges all the comments received on all communication platforms as they help Council to measure satisfaction, identify highlighted gaps or areas of concern and also inform on ways in which council can improve.

The Registrar attended a regional Child and Youth Care Work conference in Cape Town on 2 October and her focus was on ethical obligations, the mandate of Council and the value of registration. The mandate of Council and the Professional Boards, and the employer obligations to staff were also discussed in the context of employer code of good practice and the advocacy work conducted by the Professional Board for Child and Youth Care Work.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
  • On 9 to 10 October 2018 is the 40th meeting of the Professional Board for Social Work, lookout for a statement after this meeting.
  • Email addresses for direct your enquiries.
  • Registration related enquiries (new applications, registration certificates, restoration, change of particulars and status report): procurement@sacssp.co.za  or archive1@sacssp.co.za
  • Finance enquiries (receipts, invoices and statements): elvis@sacssp.co.za  or regtemp1@sacssp.co.za.
  • CPD or any education and training related enquiries: cpd@sacssp.co.za.
Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications
05 October 2018
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves

South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za 
Website: www.sacssp.co.za Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter: @SACSSP1
TEAM REGISTRATION DOES IT

Council’s Registrations division is continuing to process registrations in a timely manner. Social work registration applications and restorations have been finalised. The registration team is currently attending to pending applications that cannot be finalised due to outstanding documents and/or incomplete applications, which include 470 social auxiliary worker and 215 child and youth care worker registration applications.

Since 28 August 2018 to date a total of 3,594 application and application related enquiries were finalised (1,515 applications for social workers, 493 for social auxiliary workers, 71 for students social workers, 432 for students social auxiliary workers, 461 for child and youth care workers, 403 restorations and 219 status reports.

Work never stops in the registration division as 1,223 new applications were received and are being process. UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications
21 September 2018
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves

South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za 
Website: www.sacssp.co.za Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter: @SACSSP1
KEEPING YOU INFORMED

The Continuing Professional Development (CPD) panel of the Professional Board for Social Work assessed all 73 applications received during the first week of September 2018. The panel approved 56 of these applications, while 12 applications were not approved. A further 5 applications were suspended due to not submitting the required documents as per CPD Policy. The Education, Training and Development division is in regular communication with applicants regarding the status of their applications. Council is appealing to CPD service providers to follow CPD guidelines and policy to ensure that their applications meet the necessary requirements. Registrants can access and read the CPD policy through this link https://www.sacssp.co.za/Professionals/Education.

The registration division is making progress, the backlog is down from 3134 to 2295 this week and 169 status reports have been processed. Original copies of certificates and practice cards will be sent by registered post. Council appreciates registrants’ patience and understanding in this regard

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications
14 September 2018
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves

South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za 
Website: www.sacssp.co.za Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter: @SACSSP1
TIME TO NOMINATE

Please note Board Notice 104 of 2018 published in the Government Gazette Notice No 41916 dated 20 September 2018 calling for nominations to fill a vacancy for one social worker to be elected by social workers to serve on the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) as provided for in section 5(1)(a)of the Social Service Professions Act 110 of 1978.

Download here:
Government Gazette: Click here 
Nomination forms: Click here 

Council’s registration division has processed 289 registration applications, 109 restorations and 9 status reports from 25-27 September 2018. There are still 627 applications pending that cannot be finalised due to outstanding documents and/or incomplete application forms. Sms’s have been sent to applicants notifying them of the status of their applications. A further 1,051 new applications for registration are yet to be processed. Since 28 August 2018, 1071 registration certificates and 90 receipts have been posted and 1,251 certificates have been printed and will be posted by registered post to registrants. We encourage registrants not to ignore receipts issued for collection of documents from the South African Post Office.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:

  • On 9 to 10 October 2018 is the 40th meeting of the Professional Board for Social Work, lookout for a statement after this meeting.
  • Email addresses for direct your enquiries.
  • Registration related enquiries (new applications, registration certificates, restoration, change of particulars and status report): procurement@sacssp.co.za or archive1@sacssp.co.za
  • Finance enquiries (receipts, invoices and statements): elvis@sacssp.co.za  or regtemp1@sacssp.co.za.
  • CPD or any education and training related enquiries: cpd@sacssp.co.za.
Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications
28 September 2018
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves

South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za 
Website: www.sacssp.co.za Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter: @SACSSP1
SACSSP MONTHLY eBULLETIN SEPTEMBER 2018

SACSSP MONTHLY eBulletin for September 2018 is out. Click on the link below to access it here

SIGNS OF A GOOD WEEK

The Registrations division is making significant progress in tackling the backlog of registering social service professionals. This week, 273 social auxiliary workers and 1,451 social workers registration as well as 206 social work and social auxiliary work restorations have been completed. Soft copies of certificates and practice cards have been sent to registrants, and original copies will be sent by registered post. We encourage registrants not to ignore receipts to collect their documents from the South African Post Office.

On 4 September 2018 the chairperson of the Professional Board for Social Work, Dr Kruger and Council’s (ETD) Education, Training and Development division were invited by Wits University’s School of Social Work to attend the university’s curriculum planning workshop. The Professional Board for Social Work is currently reviewing Council’s norms and standards to align to the Council on Higher Education’s standards and quality assurance processes. The ETD team presented training on Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to 34 officials employed by the Department of Social Development West Rand Region.

The Professional Conduct division was busy conducting pre-trial hearings in Gauteng and Kwa Zulu Natal. The Registrar, Ms Malamba gave a motivational message of support to the Gauteng Veterans’ Forum during their AGM meeting held at Matthew Goniwe Institute in Johannesburg on 7 September 2018.
  • Society provides a social sanction which defines who may use professional titles and perform professional activities (license, certification, registration) and in exchange the profession agrees to employ highest standards of services, adhere to the highest ethical standards, to “police” itself and be accountable to the public.
  • One who enters a profession “professes” to society and the public a set of core values and agrees to abide by these in her/his professional conduct.
  • The core values for both social work and child and youth care work include service delivery (knowledgeable and competent practice), social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships (confidentiality and professional boundaries), integrity and competence (qualifications and continuing education)
  • A code of ethics represents the core values related to the focal activities of the profession and considered essential to effective and legal practice, basic principles on how the core values are to be operationalized and standards of behaviour indicating the professional behaviour, which can be reasonably expected by the public.
  • A Code of Ethics is not a set of externally imposed rules, but a set of standards for evaluating behaviour - one ‘s own first and then that of colleagues, which one has explicitly agreed to follow.
UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Please share this news with your networks as well.

ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications
7 September 2018
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves

South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za 
Website: www.sacssp.co.za Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter: @SACSSP1


REGISTRATION 101

Due to registration applications which are submitted incomplete and result in delays, this week we are sharing tips to prevent registration delays. Applicants are advised to always;

  1. Ensure that the Application Form is completed clearly and correctly on all pages.
  2. Provide a mobile phone number and email address to enable Council to keep you informed about progress with your application or your registration status.
  3. Deposit the full fees payable direct into Council’s bank account. The details are as follows: Absa Bank, account number:4050708444; branch name: Hatfield, branch code: 630025
  4. Submit proof of payment that reflects your registration number or ID number as reference.
  5. Provide certified copies of ID document and graduation certificates on the basis of which you apply for registration.
  6. Submit original academic records as copies are not accepted.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications
24 August 2018
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Office: +27 12 356 8300 | Direct:+27 12 356 8302 | Email: communications@sacssp.co.za
Website: http://www.sacssp.co.za  Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter:@SACSSP1


56 APPROVED

The Continuing Professional Development (CPD) panel assessed 69 of the 113 applications received during the first week of August 2018. The panel approved 56 of these applications, while 4 applications were suspended due to not submitting the required documents as per CPD Policy e.g. outstanding programme or programme not detailed enough, application not well presented. Nine applications were not approved due to various reasons including late submission of applications; not meeting requirements according to CPD Guidelines; the training is not social work or social auxiliary work related; the training is not falling under group activities according to the CPD Policy, amongst others. The Education, Training and Development division has communicated with applicants regarding the outcomes of their applications.

Important news regarding registration, particularly for new applicants, is that their current registration number as a student will be their number for life. Please await the registration certificate and practice card which will bear your number and status: for example 40:34562 - registered social worker. Kindly notify Council via email if your postal address and mobile phone number has changed from the last known contacts or update it online.

Council wishes our President, Dr Maria Mabetoa, a happy birthday, which she celebrated on 15 August.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:

In order for Council to deal with your request promptly please use the following email addresses to direct your enquiries. Registration related enquiries (new applications, registration certificates, restoration, change of particulars and status report): registrationsmanager@sacssp.co.za. Finance enquiries (receipts, invoices and statements): elvis@sacssp.co.za or regtemp1@sacssp.co.za. CPD or any education and training related enquiries: cpd@sacssp.co.za. If you are looking for opportunities to advertise with Council click on SACSSP Rate Card 2018 - 2019 Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications
17 August 2018
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Office: +27 12 356 8300 | Direct:+27 12 356 8302 | Email: communications@sacssp.co.za
Website: http://www.sacssp.co.za  Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter:@SACSSP1


ETHICS & YOU

The South African Council for Social Service Professions and Monash South Africa hosted a seminar on an international perspective on the application of profession specific ethics for social work and child and youth care work on 10 August 2018. The seminar was conducted by Professor Nick Smiar, Emeritus Professor of Social Work at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, USA, who is currently visiting South Africa.

Prof Smiar highlighted key points regarding ethics in our professions and the following are some highlights to consider:
  • Society provides a social sanction which defines who may use professional titles and perform professional activities (license, certification, registration) and in exchange the profession agrees to employ highest standards of services, adhere to the highest ethical standards, to “police” itself and be accountable to the public.
  • One who enters a profession “professes” to society and the public a set of core values and agrees to abide by these in her/his professional conduct.
  • The core values for both social work and child and youth care work include service delivery (knowledgeable and competent practice), social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships (confidentiality and professional boundaries), integrity and competence (qualifications and continuing education)
  • A code of ethics represents the core values related to the focal activities of the profession and considered essential to effective and legal practice, basic principles on how the core values are to be operationalized and standards of behaviour indicating the professional behaviour, which can be reasonably expected by the public.
  • A Code of Ethics is not a set of externally imposed rules, but a set of standards for evaluating behaviour - one ‘s own first and then that of colleagues, which one has explicitly agreed to follow.
UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Prof Smiar highlighted key points regarding ethics in our professions and the following are some highlights to consider: Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications
10 August 2018
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za  Website: www.sacssp.co.za Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter: @SACSSP1

SACSSP MONTHLY eBULLETIN AUGUST 2018

SACSSP MONTHLY eBulletin for August 2018 is out. Click on the link below to access it here

THE MZANSI WE WANT

Council took the Global Agenda for Social Work and Social Development theme “Promoting the Importance of Human Relationships” to a different level by undertaking a field trip to University of Venda, Limpopo to meet with the Department of Social Work and the Institute for Gender and Youth Studies. The visit presented the opportunity to interrogate themes embedded in the curriculum such as indigenisation and decolonisation. Furthermore, quality agency placement for work integrated learning was top on the agenda as well as the issue of registration for students and supervisors.

Council salutes the women who took to the streets across the country to register their unhappiness with the escalating incidents of violence against women and girl children. The march heralded the advent of Women’s Month and highlighted the plight of women in South Africa. Council remains encouraged with the work that is done by social service professionals in supporting communities to deal with the scourge of gender based violence and to influence positive behaviour change.

As advocates of social justice, social service professionals must continue to create an environment where women, girls and every victim of gender based violence will be supported, receive quality responsive services, thrive and be confident to share their experiences as part of their healing.

On 9 August the country will commemorate Women’s Day under the theme: “100 Years of Albertina Sisulu, Woman of Fortitude: Women United in Moving South Africa Forward”.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
  1. Invitation for submission of comments/inputs: Policy for Course of Conduct, Code of Ethics and Rules for social work and social auxiliary workers is out. Submit inputs to profcond2@sacssp.co.za  on or before 10 August 2018. Access the policy on this link: https://www.sacssp.co.za/content/documents/PolicyGuidelinesforCCCEandtheRSW.pdf
  2. Email addresses for direct enquiries:
Please share this news with your networks as well.

ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.
ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications
3 August 2018
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves

South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za 
Website: www.sacssp.co.za Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter: @SACSSP1


STATEMENT ON 33RD MEETING OF PROFESSIONAL FOR CHILD AND YOUTH CARE WORK

2 August 2018

The Professional Board for Child and Youth Care Work held its 33rd meeting on from 24 to 25 July 2018 in Pretoria. The meeting focused on the core business of the Professional Board and progress made since its 32nd meeting held in May 2018.

The Professional Board noted that there is a batch of 2,680 registration applications received before, which the Registration Division was unable process due to there being insufficient information in the applications. Despite all of these applicants being contacted, the requested information has not been received. A decision was taken to fast track the finalisation of this backlog by contacting the candidates for the last time, notifying them of their outstanding documents. The Professional Board is appealing to all child and youth care workers who have applied and have received communication from Council to submit further documentation to submit those outstanding documentations urgently for their applications to be finalised.

The Professional Board had an opportunity to review the HWSETA NQF Level 5 learning material for child and youth care workers and the outcome was unsatisfactory as the learning material does not reflect the required standards for child and youth care work accurately. The Professional Board will have further engagements with the HWSETA to address this issue.

Policy Guidelines for Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics for Child and Youth Care Workers is being reviewed by the Professional Board, and once all Members’ inputs are incorporated, sectoral consultations will take place so that there will be broad input into these key documents.

During this meeting a representative from the National Department of Social Development: Service Standard Directorate presented a proposed Postgraduate Diploma on Supervision that the department has developed for training of social service professionals who are in the public and private sectors (including NGOs, NPOs) on supervision. The proposed qualification is pitched at level 8 (120 credits) and it is proposed that it can be undertaken as a certificate course for those who do not have degrees. The Department is also reviewing supervision framework that will cater for all social service professionals as the current one only caters for social work. It will further develop a supervision manual and mentoring guideline. The Department has consulted with relevant stakeholders and will present this to the Council for Higher Education for accreditation. A task team has been formed by the Professional Board to quality assure this supervision framework and to make sure that child and youth care work sector is properly represented, as it has not had an opportunity to input into this process to date. The Professional Board was very encouraged by the proposed undertaking but noted that the outline presented required a greater input of information from the child and youth care work profession to be sure that it was truly representative. More developments about this course will be shared once they are made available.

The Professional Board raised several concerns with the Department of Social Development, which was represented at the meeting, and is a major employer of child and youth care workers. The Professional Board noted with appreciation the fact that the Department recognised the urgent need for a focus on the sector. The Professional Board communicated to the Department, once again, the concern that the profession is now regulated, but yet the opportunities within the sector are limited by factors which relate to the Department’s management of the sector. Amongst the issues raised and those that will form part of a submission to the department are as follows:
  • No one is currently tasked with championing child and youth care work within the national department;
  • There is very poor recognition of child and youth care work professionals in departmental human resource policy and structure;
  • Supervision of child and youth care workers should be done by registered and regulated child and youth care workers, but is often not provided – and a supervisory level of child and youth care work should be created to ensure that career paths for child and youth care workers are created;
  • Job advertisements for child and youth care workers are frequently put out by the department which do not include a requirement to be registered with South African Council for Social Service Professions, and this is in contravention of the Social Service Professions Act 110 of 1978, and is a practice which must stop;
  • There significant disparities in salaries of child and youth care workers across different settings and provinces; and
  • There are concerns about the late payments by provincial department to NGOs which render these organisations often unable to provide services for long periods of time. This relates particularly, but not uniquely, to child and youth care workers who work in Isibindi projects.
A representative of the Department of Social Development who is also a member of Council was present to listen to these concerns by the Professional Board, and the concerns were acknowledged and noted by the representative. There was a commitment expressed to the process of redress from the side of the department, and a commitment to continuous engagement with the PBCYC on these issues going forward.

Issued by: SACSSP Communications
ENQUIRIES:
Public Relations and Marketing Officer
South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Office: +27 12 356 8300 | Direct:+27 12 356 8302 Email: communications@sacssp.co.za
Website: http://www.sacssp.co.za  Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter:@SACSSP1


MAKING DIFFERENCES

On 24 to 25 July 2018 the Professional Board for Child and Youth Care Work held its 33rd meeting in Pretoria. The Professional Board noted the registration backlog and discussed strategies to improve the situation. During this meeting which was attended by the Department of Social Development’s Ministerial representative to Council, the Professional Board raised several concerns regarding supervision of child and youth care workers and the non-payment of subsidies to NGOs which affects payment of salaries to child and youth care workers.
Professional Board also reviewed the HWSETA NQF Level 5 learning material for child and youth care workers and expressed opinion on the content contained in the final draft. Further engagements with HWSETA will take place to address the areas of concern.

More details on this will be shared in the statement of the 33rd meeting of the Professional Board that will be published this week.

On 26 July 2018 Council’s secretariat gave their 67 minutes in honour of Nelson Mandela by visiting the Cancer Association of South Africa, a non-governmental organisation offering a unique, integrated service to the public and to all people affected by cancer and assisted with the afternoon duties.

This Week at Council we also want to celebrate the centenary President Nelson Mandela with this inspiring quote: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” (Nelson Mandela, 2002).

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Council’s biannual Newsletter will be out by mid July 2018.
Email addresses for direct enquiries: If you are looking for opportunities to advertise with Council follow this link: https://www.sacssp.co.za/content/documents/SACSSP_RATE_CARD_2018-2019.pdf

Please share this news with your networks as well.

ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest

ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications

30 July 2018

NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za
Website: www.sacssp.co.za  Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter: @SACSSP1


INVITATION TO COMMENT ON THE POLICY GUIDELINE FOR COURSE OF CONDUCT, CODE OF ETHICS AND RULES FOR SOCIAL WORKERS AND SOCIAL AUXILIARY WORKERS

  1. The Professional Board for Social Work (PBSW) of the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) remains committed to provide up-to-date and relevant policies to enhance quality of ethical conduct and professionalism both locally and internationally.
  2. The Professional Board for Social Work is currently reviewing the Policy Guideline for Course of Conduct, Code of Ethics and Rules for Social Workers and wishes to invite all social workers, social auxiliary workers, student social workers, other social service professionals, stakeholders and members of the public to provide input during this review.
  3. The Code of Ethics sets forth values, principles and standards to guide professional conduct, and is as such an integral to the practice of social service professionals.
  4. Stakeholders are called upon to participate in this review by giving written inputs on all aspects that needs to be reviewed, added or amended, including on areas that hinder ethical practice in the workplace.
  5. Written inputs and comments should be submitted to the Professional Conduct Secretary, Ms. Fikile Mabena, at profcond2@sacssp.co.za on or before 10 August 2018.
  6. For further clarity, please contact the Professional Conduct Manager, Mr. Seleka Hitler Sekhitla on 012 356 8315 or by email profcond2@sacssp.co.za .
  7. Council is looking forward to receive your comments and/or inputs.
To access Policy Guideline for Course of Conduct, Code of Ethics and Rules for social workers and social auxiliary workers click on this link: https://www.sacssp.co.za/content/documents/PolicyGuidelinesforCCCEandtheRSW.pdf

ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications

13 July 2018

STATEMENT ON 39TH MEETING OF PROFESSIONAL BOARD FOR SOCIAL WORK

The Professional Board for Social Work held its 39th meeting on 18 and 19 July 2018 in Pretoria, Gauteng. The meeting focused amongst other things on general aspects related to specialisations and has looked at clinical, forensic, social work in health care and adoption specialisations regulations. Feedback on these specialisations will be reviewed by the Professional Board and be presented to Council in September 2018.

As social service professionals work with vulnerable portions of the population (like children and the elderly) the Professional Board took a resolution that social work and social auxiliary students should be screened prior to their registration with Council.

The Professional Board noted the policy guidelines for course of conduct, code of ethics and the rules for social workers document that was circulated on 17 July 2018 with due date for inputs on or before 10 August 2018. The Professional Board is looking forward to inputs from the sector.

As was mentioned in ThisWeek@Council (06 July 2018) international qualifications were assessed on 4 to 5 July 2018; the Professional Board confirmed that successful candidates’ oral interview will be conducted by end of September 2018. Those who applied are reminded to check for communication from Council in this regard.
The social work scope of practice has been reviewed and approved by the Professional Board for Social Work for public consultation. The office of the Minister of Social Development will be apprised and comments from the sector will be requested - be on the lookout for this. The Professional Board reviewed and incorporated all the inputs that were received from the sector on the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Policy. The CPD assessment panel will then test the assessment criteria for group activities on this policy during the August and September 2018 meeting.

During its previous meeting the Professional Board raised a concern about the poor quality of the learning materials for social auxiliary work at NQF Level 5. During this meeting a resolution was taken that three experts in the field will assist with the final assessment of the material before is it approved. HWSETA will provide guidance to the office for subject matter experts who will be invited to submit their Curriculum Vitae (CVs) to the Education, Training and Development Manager at email address etdmanager@sacssp.co.za.

A representative from the National Department of Social Development: Service Standard Directorate presented a proposed Postgraduate Diploma on Supervision that the department has developed for training of social service professionals who are in public and private sectors, including NGOs, NPOs, on supervision which is pitched at level 8 (120 credits). The Department has consulted with relevant stakeholders and will present this to the Council for Higher Education for accreditation. More developments about this programme will be shared once they are made available.

ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications

23 July 2018

NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za
Website: www.sacssp.co.za  Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter: @SACSSP1
EYES ON PRACTICE

On 18 to 19 July 2018, the Professional Board for Social Work held its 39th meeting in Pretoria. A lot of topics were discussed and significant milestones were reached. Social work scope of practice has been reviewed and approved by the Professional Board for Social Work for public consultation. The office of the Minister of Social Development will be apprised and comments from the sector will be requested - be on the lookout for this.

The Professional Board’s Education Training and Development Committee has looked at clinical, forensic, social work in health care and adoption specialisations regulations and feedback on these specialisations will be reviewed by the Professional Board and be presented to Council in September 2018.

A representative from the National Department of Social Development: Service Standard Directorate presented a proposed Postgraduate Diploma on Supervision framework that the department has developed for training of social service professionals who are in public and private sectors, including NGOs, NPOs, on supervision which is pitched at level 8, (120 credits). The Department has consulted with relevant stakeholders and will present this to the Council for Higher Education for accreditation. More details about this framework and other resolutions taken will be shared on the statement of the 39th meeting of the Professional Board that will be published next week.

On 20 July 2018, the Registrar attended inauguration of 83 fourth year social work students at Nelson Mandela University. The focus was on observing ethics and the professional obligation to register with the South African Council for Social Service Professions

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Council’s biannual Newsletter will be out by mid July 2018.
Email addresses for direct enquiries: If you are looking for opportunities to advertise with Council follow this link: https://www.sacssp.co.za/content/documents/SACSSP_RATE_CARD_2018-2019.pdf

Please share this news with your networks as well.

ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest

ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications

20 July 2018

NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za
Website: www.sacssp.co.za  Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter: @SACSSP1


EMAIL TALK

Writing a professional email in the world of online communication is equivalent to speaking politely and professionally during office hours. As Council’s secretariat we receive large numbers of emails from registrants and some emails are not clear and concise, which delays the response time. Below are a few steps to an effective and professional email:
  • Writing appropriate clear subject line. The subject line of an email is the first thing we see. This gives us an indication of the message we about to read. Be precise and include details that will allow us to identify what you are talking about quickly and clearly. If one is querying registration status, it would help if in the subject line you state the registration number or ID number, request for practice card or registration certificate. For example: Registration status: Andrew Sempe: 10-12729
  • Writing a proper greeting and closing. Be sure to include a greeting that is both courteous and official when contacting the secretariat. Always address the recipient with the appropriate level of formality and be sure you have spelled their name/s correctly,
  • Write your email in a concise and professional manner. Provide as much information as possible regarding the subject. It will assist us to attend to the matter with the minimum delays.
  • Always use the spell checker and re-read your emails before pressing send.
  • Things to avoid: Do not use shorthand or sms type language. Avoid using acronyms or social media ‘lingo’.
UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Council’s biannual Newsletter will be out by mid July 2018.
Email addresses for direct enquiries:
  • o On 18-19 July 2018 is the 39th meeting of the Professional Board for Social Work and on 24-25 July is the 33rd meeting of the Professional Board for Child and Youth Care Work, look out for the statement after these meetings.
  • Registration related enquiries: registrationsmanager@sacssp.co.za
  • Finance enquiries: elvis@sacssp.co.za or regtemp1@sacssp.co.za
  • CPD or any education and training related enquiries: cpd@sacssp.co.za
If you are looking for opportunities to advertise with Council follow this link: https://www.sacssp.co.za/content/documents/SACSSP_RATE_CARD_2018-2019.pdf

Please share this news with your networks as well.

ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest

ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications

13 July 2018

NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za
Website: www.sacssp.co.za  Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter: @SACSSP1


REGISTER HERE AND FROM AFAR

Council’s Executive Committee held its 47th meeting during the first week of July 2018 and amongst the important resolutions taken is the enforcement of registration compliance and the advocacy role that the Secretariat (on behalf of Council) must play to ensure that all practising social service practitioners are registered. Both the employer and practitioner have a dual responsibility to protect the service-users (clients) by adhering to the requirements of the Social Service Professions Act 110 of 1978, through employing only registered practitioners or not calling oneself a designated title of social worker, child and youth care worker or social auxiliary worker unless duly registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professions.

A total of 37 new applications of social workers and social auxiliary workers with a qualification obtained outside the Republic of South Africa were assessed on 4 and 5 July 2018. These applications were reviewed by a designated panel, which included the verification of all supporting documents. Applicants will be alerted via sms and email within the next 14 working days on the outcome of their application e.g. approved or declined. The final part of the assessment involves a face-to-face interview with the aforementioned panel at the offices of the South African Council for Social Service Professions.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Council’s biannual Newsletter will be out by mid July 2018.
Email addresses for direct enquiries: If you are looking for opportunities to advertise with Council follow this link: https://www.sacssp.co.za/content/documents/SACSSP_RATE_CARD_2018-2019.pdf

Please share this news with your networks as well.

ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest

ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications

06 July 2018

NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za
Website: www.sacssp.co.za  Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter: @SACSSP1


PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS & YOU

Social service professionals have an obligation towards the clients they serve and their respective professions to stay conversant with issues affecting their professional practice (knowledge, skills and competencies) through continuing professional development (CPD). In order to maintain professional standards in practice professionals who are required by law to register with Council must obtain 20 CPD points per year. Please note that the CPD Policy for child and youth care work is currently under development and the requirement to accumulate CPD points does not yet apply to child and youth care workers.

The CPD panel of the Professional Board for Social Work assessed 94 applications of CPD providers in June 2018 of which 66 applications were approved, 17 applications were not approved and 11 applications were suspended. Registrants are urged to access and read the CPD policy through this link https://www.sacssp.co.za/Professionals/Education. Council is appealing to CPD service providers to follow CPD guidelines and policy to ensure that their applications meet the necessary requirements. For any CPD related enquiry contact cpd@sacssp.co.za.

The Office of the Registrar is embarking on an audit of the Registers kept by Council for social service professions as part of updating the database. Employers, both government and non-governmental (NPOs/CBOs), will be receiving communication requesting them to assist with this by submitting a list of social service practitioners in their employ for verification. Requests for verification may be sent to the registrar@sacssp.co.za.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Please share this news with your networks as well.

ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest

ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications

03 July 2018

NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za
Website: www.sacssp.co.za  Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter: @SACSSP1

E-BULLENTIN

SACSSP MONTHLY eBulletin for June 2018 is out. Click on the link to access it here

ARE YOU UP TO DATE?

The secretariat hosted a feedback session with fifteen (15) Unemployed Social Work Graduate Forum representatives led by Ms Chumisa Mbulali. The forum represents about 256 graduates who self-funded their studies and are unable to enter the job market due to some institutional challenges, which will be addressed with national Department of Social Development and national non-governmental organisations. A number of options and guidance were offered to the group.

Council has conducted an audit of unclaimed mail and returned emails and discovered that registrants do not update their particulars despite having an avenue to update particulars through the website, or they ignore the collection receipts from South African Post Office. Please visit the website to update your details.

From 13 June 2018 to date 177 certificates and 4,415 receipts and practice cards have been posted.

Remember! South African Post Office keeps an unclaimed parcel for 30 days and then returns it to the sender. When an unclaimed parcel is returned back to Council a registrant will be liable for reposting as Council used the address as on its records

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Please share this news with your networks as well.

ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest

ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications

22 June 2018

NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za
Website: www.sacssp.co.za  Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter: @SACSSP1


THE REWARD IS THE JOURNEY

On 12 June 2018 the Registrar, Ms. Langi Malamba, attended a social work professions’ workshop organised by Tshwane Leadership Foundation. Tshwane Leadership Foundation is a non-profit organisation based in Pretoria offering a variety of services on social problems. She addressed social workers, social work students, social auxiliary work students and care givers from this organisation on the role of Council and the responsibilities of social service professionals towards the profession, communities, clients, colleagues and employers. She encouraged these delegates to continuously develop themselves as the world and issues facing our communities change every day.

Ms Malamba emphasised that code of conduct starts the time one aspires to become a social service professional, and one becomes an ambassador of the profession for life. She urged the delegates to be creative and identify opportunities for job creation as unemployment of professionals is rife. She reminded those present about the principle of treating each client as a unique individual and encouraged them to always debrief to prevent burn-out. Ms Malamba wished all students well with their studies and congratulated them for choosing social service professions as careers of choice.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Please share this news with your networks as well.

ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest

ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications

15 June 2018

NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za
Website: www.sacssp.co.za  Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter: @SACSSP1


REACHING OUT & NETWORKING

This week Council’s secretariat attended the Gauteng Department of Social Development’s 2nd Annual Child and Youth Care Workers Conference in Johannesburg on 6 June 2018. The purpose of the conference was to appreciate child and youth care workers and the work they do. The event was also attended by the Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Ms Nandi Manyathula-Khoza, and Ms Thembeni Mhlongo, the Head of Department. The MEC saluted child and youth care workers for the work they do in educating and instilling values. Ms Mhlongo emphasised professionalism and professional conduct at all times. Registrar of Council, Ms Langi Malamba, in her message of support commended child and youth care workers for the work they do in children’s space throughout the years. She encouraged the delegates to reach out to one another so that they share best practices in working with children. Council’s registration helpdesk attended to enquiries and issued 51 receipts and 5 certificates.

On 8 June 2018 Council’s secretariat attended the Gauteng Department of Social Development induction for 53 newly recruited social service professionals in the department. Ms Malamba presented Council‘s mandate, importance of professional registration and Code of Ethics. She encouraged these professionals to be ambassadors for social justice and always create support networks for debriefing and for their self-care. The registrations helpdesk was also present and attended to enquiries and issued 16 receipts and 1 registration certificate.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Please share this news with your networks as well.

ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest

ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications

8 June 2018

NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za
Website: www.sacssp.co.za  Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter: @SACSSP1


FORWARD TOGETHER

Council’s secretariat attended Child Welfare Tshwane’s social work conference co-hosted by Child welfare and University of Pretoria on 1 June 2018 under the theme ‘Safe children: make it matter, make it happen’. The day marked a celebration of 100 years in existence for Child Welfare Tshwane. The conference highlighted how important relationship building is in preventing and addressing violence and abuse in our society. The conference highlighted causes of childhood poverty, children’s rights and how they matter; the importance of early childhood development and the importance of relationships for survival, healthy growth and development of young children; and the perils of social media, especially to young children.

The Registrar’s message of support focused on one of the Global Agenda themes for social work and social development - promoting community and environmental sustainability. Ms Malamba urged the practitioners to view their communities with different strategic lenses so as to spot opportunities to facilitate community involvement and projects that fosters a ‘we feeling’ in the community whilst teaching people to look after their environment. The last theme of the global agenda -promoting the importance of human relationships - will be launched in July 2018 and the Registrar urged practitioners to interrogate their relationships with family, neighbours, colleagues and strive to create innovative programmes to empower parents to create a permissive environment to learn new skills and manage child rearing challenges in a solution focused approach as opposed to being too disciplinarian.

Council’s registration helpdesk attended to enquiries mostly for verification of status with Council.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Please share this news with your networks as well.

ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest

ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications

5 June 2018

NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za
Website: www.sacssp.co.za  Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter: @SACSSP1


FORWARD TOGETHER

Concerns raised about CPD (Continuing Professional Development) applications were heard and in April 2018 Council made two appointments for the education, training and development division - a manager to give direction to the ETD Division and an administrator to provide administrative support. Since they assumed duty, there has been improvement relating to the number of queries received and resolved as well as applications assessed. From 3 to 17 May 2018 a total of 69 queries were received and resolved; 170 CPD applications were assessed and 105 applications were approved. The ETD Division is in constant communication with applicants regarding the status of their applications.

The Registration Division continues to fast-track registration applications and child and youth care workers at professional level are also increasing at a relatively good pace. The statistics below, as of 25 May 2018, of all registered social service professionals are testimony of the division’s work.

SOCIAL AUXILIARY WORKERS SOCIAL WORKERS LEARNER SOCIAL AUXILIARY WORKERS STUDENT SOCIAL WORKERS TOTAL
10,154 29,363 10,788 17,740 68,045
CHILD AND YOUTH CARE WORKERS  (AUXILIARY LEVEL) CHILD AND YOUTH CARE WORKERS  (PROFESSIONAL LEVEL)  STUDENT CHILD AND YOUTH CARE WORKERS (AUXILIARY LEVEL) STUDENT CHILD AND YOUTH CARE WORKERS TOTAL
5,707 44 745 122 6,617
UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Please share this news with your networks as well.

ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest

ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications

29 May 2018

NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za
Website: www.sacssp.co.za  Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter: @SACSSP1


GLOBAL HEADLINES FOR LOCAL ACTION

The world celebrated Child and Youth Care Week from 7 to 13 May 2018. Council salutes all child and youth care workers for their dedication and commitment as practitioners who make a difference in their various work settings. In the spirit of Child and Youth Care Month, Council wishes to encourage everyone to read the stories of two of our own registered child and youth care workers, Kananelo and Mervyn, captured in the Global Social Service Workforce Alliance report “State of the Social Service Workforce Report 2017: Stories of Workforce Efforts to Address Violence Against Children” (pages 30 and 36). Click on or retype this link to download the report: here

The Professional Board for Child and Youth Care Work held its 31st meeting in Pretoria, from 14th to 15th May 2018. A statement summarising the deliberations of this meeting will be issued within the next few days. On 15 May 2018 we observed International Day of Families with the global theme “Families and inclusive societies”. The role of families and family policies in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 16 in terms of Promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development will be reflected on throughout the month. Council wants to make use of this opportunity to recognise the role that all social service professionals play in society to strengthen families and move our country forward. Click on or retype this link for more information: here

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
  1. In order for Council to deal with your request promptly please use the following email addresses to direct your enquiries.
  2. If you are looking for opportunities to advertise with Council click on the link
Please share this news with your networks as well.

ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.

ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications

22 May 2018

NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za
Website: www.sacssp.co.za  Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter: @SACSSP1


WELCOME 3,333

Council received 3,333 applications for registration since January 2018 through posted mail and personal deliveries to the office. The registration division is busy processing these applications with 1,274 applications being finalised. Unfortunately some of these applications cannot be processed due to one or more of following reasons:
  • Application forms are not completed in full
  • Certificates are not included
  • Certificates and documents are not certified or the certification is older than 3 months
  • Incomplete academic qualifications or not provided
  • Proof of registration payment not included
  • If you have received a sms or an email notifying you of the status of your application please respond to Council for your application to be finalised
Below is a breakdown of the application received from 1 January to 30 April 2018

Social Work (2,918)
Social worker: applications: 1,717
Social worker: restorations: 200
Social auxiliary worker: applications: 553
Social auxiliary worker: restorations: 91
Social auxiliary worker learner: applications: 30
Student social worker: 327
Child and youth care work (415)
Child and youth care worker (auxiliary): applications: 353
Student child and youth care worker: applications: 62

Professional Board for Social Work held its 38nd meeting from 9 to 10 May 2018 in Pretoria.

The Registrar delivered the keynote address at graduation ceremony at the University of Zululand on 9 May 2018 where 103 social workers received their degrees (13 with distinctions). Council congratulates all graduates on their well-deserved success.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
  1. In order for Council to deal with your request promptly please use the following email addresses to direct your enquiries.
  2. If you are looking for opportunities to advertise with Council click on the link
Please share this news with your networks as well.

ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.

ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications

11 May 2018

NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za
Website: www.sacssp.co.za  Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter: @SACSSP1


TOMORROW: View the Live Webcast of the 5th Annual Social Service Workforce Strengthening Symposium

Tomorrow, May 8, is the 5th Annual Social Service Workforce Strengthening Symposium, hosted by the Global Social Service Workforce Alliance. View the live webcast at https://youtu.be/UUKRfyoQBGQ  The program will be live webcast through YouTube Live. You will need an Internet connection to view the webcast or recording following the event. You can subscribe to this channel to get an alert when the event begins. Event Details: The program will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. EDT. and end at 4:30 p.m. EDT. Click here to determine the time(s) of the program in your local time. Asking Questions: We encourage you to participate by posing questions to presenters at the end of each panel. You can do so by Tweeting @SSWAlliance. Sending an email to nbrown@socialserviceworkforce.org or commenting directly on the YouTube Live video page . Questions will then be relayed to presenters as time allows. We invite you to share updates on Twitter during the event using the hashtag is #SSWSymposium.

Agenda: The final agenda is posted online. The lunch and learning exchange portion of the day will not be webcast. If joining during this time, you will see a message on screen noting when the webcast will resume. Issuing a Call to Action: The final panel of the day, from 3:00-4:15 p.m., will join the Alliance and 12 organizations in launching a Call to Action. They will share how their organizations are supporting the social service workforce to better protect children to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Read more about the Call to Action, then download the full document on May 8 to share with your national government and stakeholder groups. We also invite your organizations to sign on in support of this Call to Action after May 8. More details will be shared following the event. Encourage Colleagues to Join: We encourage you to share this message with your colleagues and encourage them to join the webcast for any portion or all of the day! We encourage you to organize a viewing party. Download the toolkit for steps to organizing the event and group discussion questions. If they can't join live, the full recording will be available on YouTube to view on demand. We look forward to seeing you online on May 8! There are more than 300 people registered to participate online or in person. We're looking forward to an active discussion! Want to Attend in Person? If you're in Washington, DC, some spots still remain to attend in person. Simply show up at 8:30 a.m. on May 8 to register for free onsite. The event is being held at 1825 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC, at the FHI360 Conference Center on the 8th floor.

About the Alliance The Global Social Service Workforce Alliance works toward a world where a well-planned, well-trained and well-supported social service workforce effectively delivers promising practices that improve the lives of vulnerable populations. The Alliance pursues this approach by serving as a convener for a network of 1,800 members and stakeholder groups in 124 countries, advancing knowledge through dissemination of evidence-based research and tools, and advocating for workforce-supportive policy reforms. Learn more and become a member at www.socialserviceworkforce.org.

FREEDOM DAY, WORKERS DAY & US Freedom and workers’ rights are more closely intertwined than mere calendar proximity.On Friday 27 April we celebrate Freedom Day and on 1 May International Workers’ Day. On Freedom Day, we remember when the country held its first ever democratic elections on 27 April 1994, ending decades of sanctioned racial oppression under the apartheid system.This day also reminds us that South Africa is built on the foundations of human rights and social justice, which are fundamental principles of our professions. May Day, as it is often called, came out of labour, socialist and communist movements in the 19th century who lobbied and agitated for greater worker rights. The 8-hour workday we all know so well and the concept of having the weekend off comes directly from that activism.

Freedom Day in itself also symbolises the transformation of our society and the changes we have experienced in the social service professions such as a more inclusive South African Council for Social Service Professions and recognition of other social service professions such as child and youth care work

Workers Day provide us the opportunity to reflect on the contribution of social service workforce towards a more just society despite the many hurdles that South Africans face in their everyday lives. Council commends all social service professionals who, on a daily basis despite challenges, advocate for human rights and display professional behaviour, which reflects the values and principles of our professions.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
  • On 9 and 10 May 2018 is the 38th meeting of the Professional Board for Social Work and on 14 and 15 May 2018 the Professional Board for Child and Youth Care Work has its 32nd meeting. Lookout for statements after these meetings.
  • If you are looking for opportunities to advertise with Council click on here
Please share this news with your networks as well.

ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.

ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications

26 April 2018

NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za
Website: www.sacssp.co.za  Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter: @SACSSP1


eBULLETIN

SACSSP Monthly eBulletin for April 2018 is out. You can download it here 

SOCIAL WORKERS PAY TRIBUTE TO WINNIE

Hundreds of social workers from all over the country descended to the Mandela home in Orlando West on Thursday, 12 April, to attend an exclusive social work memorial service held in honour of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.

The South African Council for Social Service Professions, Social Work Veterans, National Association of Social Workers – South Africa (NASWSA), the former South African Black Social Workers Association (SABSWA) and various non-governmental organisations were in attendance to sing praises to this remarkable woman’s role in our society.

Gauteng Premier, Mr David Makhura, welcomed social workers on behalf of Madikizela-Mandela family and mentioned that social workers provide incredible services in communities and mentioned further that Mama Winnie was the epitome of the social work profession, and urged all social service professionals to continue to emulate and honour her.

Council’s President, Dr Maria Mabetoa, delivered a message on behalf of Council and the Registrar, Ms Langi Malamba, led the pledge to honour the profession. Dr Mabetoa applauded Ms Madikizela-Mandela for her passion in social work and her fearlessness to fight for the liberation of the people in our country. The President urged social service professionals whenever they read a pledge to be reminded of the sacrifices of this stalwart and draw inspiration from that in their daily work. She also challenged researches and academics to document Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s contributions to the social work profession in order to keep her legacy alive and as an inspiration for social justice.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
  1. On 19 to 20 April 2018 is the 52nd meeting of Council, look out for a statement after this meeting
  2. If you are looking for opportunities to advertise with Council click on the link
Please share this news with your networks as well.

ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.

ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications

13 April 2018

NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za
Website: www.sacssp.co.za  Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter: @SACSSP1


ON THE ROAD

The Professional Board for Child and Youth Care Work hosted a roadshow at Bisho Child and Youth Care Centre in the Eastern Cape on 27 March 2018. Rev Barry Lodge, Member of Council, led the roadshow supported by the registration division and communications office. He emphasised the value and importance of professional registration as prescribed by law and encouraged child and youth care workers to maintain public confidence by upholding ethical practice in service delivery and to continue to make a difference in the lives of children every day. The roadshow was attended by 147 delegates from different child and youth care centres managed by the Department of Social Department and various non-governmental organisations in the district. Council’s registration helpdesk attended to enquiries and printed 87 receipts and 11 certificate reprints.

On 26 to 27 March 2018, Council’s Professional Conduct Manager attended the Inaugural Department of Correctional Services Social Work Indaba, held at the Good Wood Correctional Services Centre, Western Cape. Hundred-and-twenty delegates, including social workers and social auxiliary workers, attended. Council delivered a presentation on Code of Ethics which delegates found to be invaluable for reflecting on their daily conduct as they perform their duties. Council commends the Department of Correctional Services for putting the provision of social services and the profession itself at the centre of its mandate.

Council wishes all its stakeholders a happy, healthy and safe Easter weekend. To those who will be travelling, please always remember to obey the rules of the road.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
  • Registration and annual fees are payable to Council. Payments will be received until 31 March 2018 for 2018/2019. Late or non-payment of annual fees by the stipulated date will result in deregistration of your membership, and will attract penalties in addition to the annual fee.
  • You can download instructions on how to navigate the additional payment methods on https://www.sacssp.co.za/content/documents/INSTRUCTION_ON_HOW_TO_NAVIGATE.pdf 
Please share this news with your networks as well.

ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.

ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications

29 March 2018

NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves
South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za
Website: www.sacssp.co.za  Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter: @SACSSP1


eBULLETIN

SACSSP Monthly eBulletin for March 2018 is out. You can download it here 

ALL IN A WEEK'S WORK

It’s been a busy week for Council, starting with a tele-meeting of Human Resource and Remuneration Committee (see Newsletter 2 of 2017 for more information on the role of this committee) followed by a two day meeting of the Professional Board for Social Work. A statement summarising the deliberations of the Professional Board will be issued within the next few days. Please be on the lookout for that.

At Council offices we have dealt with many enquiries regarding the payment of annual fees. Thus, we are sharing some information again to ensure that everyone is in the know, as they say.

Social workers, social auxiliary workers, student social workers, student social auxiliary workers; child and youth care workers, child and youth care workers at auxiliary level and student child and youth care workers for professional and for auxiliary levels (social service professionals) are required by law, the Social Service Professions Act 110 of 1978, to be registered with Council and pay their annual fees on or before 31 March of every year.

Late or nonpayment of annual fees will result in deregistration, which leads, amongst others to the payment of penalties and/or additional fees to have your name restored on the Register. Only registered social service professionals can practice their profession as it is a criminal offence to work with clients whilst not registered with South African Council for Social Service Professions.

Council appreciates the timely payment of annual fees by an overwhelming number of social service professionals which shows their seriousness and commitment to their professions and ethical obligations associated with that.

Below is a reminder of the annual fees payable before 31 March 2018.
CATEGORY R (Vat Included)
Social workers R400.00
Child and youth care workers (at auxiliary level) R200.00
Social auxiliary workers R200.00
Child and youth care workers (professional level) R200.00
Specialisations in social work R400.00 (additional to annual fee)

REMEMBER:
  • All social service professionals who are over the age of 65 years by 31 March 2018 are exempted from paying annual fees. Contact Council if you need more information.
  • Registration fees are different from annual fees and are paid upon registration with the SACSSP. For registration queries, contact the SACSSP Registration division at regtemp@sacssp.co.za
UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
  1. You can download instructions on how to navigate the additional payment methods on https://www.sacssp.co.za/content/documents/INSTRUCTION_ON_HOW_TO_NAVIGATE.pdf 
  2. If you are looking for opportunities to advertise with Council click on https://www.sacssp.co.za/links/advertisingratecard.html 
Please share this news with your networks as well.

ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.

ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications

23 February 2018

NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves

South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za
Website: www.sacssp.co.za | Facebook: OfficialSACSSP | Twitter: SACSSP



FIRST IMPRESSIONS

A new generation of social service professionals is waiting with excitement for their upcoming graduation ceremonies and entrance into the professions. The world of work is waiting, but leaving university and the cohesion formed with classmates can easily lead to feeling isolated and alone. The trick is to always maintain your professional identity.

Here are a few helpful hints in search of first work placement:
  1. Securing a job is hard work, so make the time for it. Don't leave job hunting until the last minute. Research where jobs are advertised.
  2. Read the application forms carefully and complete it professionally. Remember, this is the first impression that prospective employers will get of you. When there is so much competition for jobs, a spelling mistake may put you in the "no" pile. Find a friend who can be constructively critical and is good at proof reading.
  3. Make sure that your CV is up to date and looks professional. It tells future employers who you are and what they can expect from you.
  4. Prepare for your interview. Look carefully at the advert, job description and other requirements. Reflect on how you will present yourself and answer the questions. Think about possible questions and how you will answer them.
  5. First impressions count. Go to your interview dressed comfortable and professional.
  6. Be yourself. The people who interview you are interested in who you are
  7. Don’t give up! If you are not successful the first time, keep on trying.
UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
  1. ETHICS WORKSHOP. You know professional ethics are important but find it difficult to engage the issue? Attend a workshop offering a different perspective. Visit https://goo.gl/7JZq5e 
  2. Registration and annual fees are payable to Council. Annual payments will be received until 31 March 2018 for 2018/2019.Late or non-payment of annual fees by the stipulated date will result in de-registration of your membership and will attract penalties in addition to the annual fee.
  3. You can download instructions on how to navigate the additional payment methods on https://www.sacssp.co.za/content/documents/INSTRUCTION_ON_HOW_TO_NAVIGATE.pdf 
  4. If you are looking for opportunities to advertise with Council click on https://www.sacssp.co.za/links/advertisingratecard.html 
Please share this news with your networks as well.

ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.

ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications

16 February 2018

NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves

South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za
Website: www.sacssp.co.za | Facebook: OfficialSACSSP | Twitter: SACSSP



UPDATE YOUR DETAILS
The Social Service Professions Act 110 of 1978 requires that Council keeps accurate Registers of all social service professionals falling under its authority. It also requires from registrants to inform the SACSSP in writing of their change of address within 30 days of the change.

Following our recent annual fee reminder countdown sent to registrants, many mail and emails were returned to us unread and we noticed that registrants do not update other contact details like addresses. If your particulars have changed, you need to notify the Registrar in writing to ensure that Council has your updated details so that you can receive your invoices, receipts and other communication.

You can also update your contact details online by following these easy steps.
  1. Visit www.sacssp.co.za
  2. Click on Login on the right top corner of the website page
  3. Insert your registration/Council number as your “username”
  4. Insert your SA ID/ passport
  5. Insert password (if you have forgotten your password, request for a new one by following the instructions- it will be sent to the email address registered with Council).
  6. Check your details and update where necessary.
If you do not have access to the internet and/or cannot access our website you can also send us your correct details (if they have changed since you have registered or if you have not received any communication from Council since you have registered) by normal mail to Private Bag X12, Gezina, Pretoria, 0031, deliver it by hand at 37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0084 or send an email to regtemp@sacssp.co.za

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
  1. ETHICS WORKSHOP. You know professional ethics are important but find it difficult to engage the issue? Attend a workshop offering a different perspective. Visit https://goo.gl/7JZq5e  (paid advert)
  2. Registration and annual fees are payable to Council. Payments will be received until 31 March 2018 for 2018/2019.
  3. You can download instructions on how to navigate the additional payment methods on https://www.sacssp.co.za/content/documents/INSTRUCTION_ON_HOW_TO_NAVIGATE.pdf
  4. If you are looking for opportunities to advertise with Council click on https://www.sacssp.co.za/links/advertisingratecard.html
Please share this news with your networks as well.

ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.

ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications

09 February 2018

NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves

South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za
Website: www.sacssp.co.za | Facebook: OfficialSACSSP | Twitter: SACSSP



E-BULLENTIN

February 2018 eBulletin is out, to download it click here

58 DAYS

If you are a social service professional its only 58 days left to pay your 2018/2019 annual fees. Social service professionals have a professional and legal responsibility in terms of the Social Service Professions Act 110 of 1978 to register and remain registered with Council. Annual fees must be paid on or before 31 March of every year to maintain your registration. Failure to pay by the stipulated time will result in deregistration and you will incur late payment penalties which are payable in addition to the original fee payable to restore your name on the Register. If you are removed from the Register, you are also not allowed to practice until such time your name is restored to the Register.

Council issued a General Notice on 1 February 2018 on additional methods of payment for annual registration and restoration fees to ensure effective and efficient ways of paying your fees.

You can download instructions on how to navigate the additional payment methods on https://www.sacssp.co.za/content/documents/INSTRUCTION_ON_HOW_TO_NAVIGATE.pdf 

When you pay your annual fees:
  1. Always indicate your Council registration number
  2. Pay the correct amount depending on your category - not more or less - unless you have been requested to pay only part of the amount by Council.
  3. Always keep your proof of payment in case of queries.
UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
  1. ETHICS WORKSHOP. You know professional ethics are important but find it difficult to engage the issue? Attend a workshop offering a different perspective. Visit https://goo.gl/7JZq5e 
  2. Registration and annual fees are payable to Council. Payments will be received until 31 March 2018 for 2018/2019.
  3. If you are looking for opportunities to advertise with Council click on https://www.sacssp.co.za/links/advertisingratecard.html 
Please share this news with your networks as well.

ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.

ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications
02 February 2018

NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves

South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za
Website: www.sacssp.co.za | Facebook: OfficialSACSSP | Twitter: SACSSP



WORK-LIFE BALANCE IN 2018

The year is already starting to gallop and very few people understand this feeling better that social service professionals. The demands in our personal and professional lives are real after the end-year break. We also feel it here at Council as we set our plans and activities for 2018.

Here are a few easily implementable suggestions that may help you to kick-start 2018 and sustain your well-being for the year:
  1. Plan: It helps you to take control of your year. Even if the planning sometimes goes haywire due to the nature of our professional work, it is still one of the best ways to counter unnecessary stress.
  2. Be positive: Surround yourself in your personal and work life with people that are positive. It becomes contagious!
  3. Quiet moments: Set out a minute or two every day to quiet your mind. It does wonders for the spirit and your wellness.
  4. Laugh more. Science showed that laughing lowers blood pressure, reduces stress hormones, and increases muscle flexion. Laughter is indeed the best medicine.
The words of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu may be good inspiration for all social service professionals before the year gets to full speed: “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness”.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
  1. Registration and annual fees are payable to Council. Payments will be received until 31 March 2018 for 2018/2019.
  2. If you are looking for opportunities to advertise with Council click on https://www.sacssp.co.za/links/advertisingratecard.html
Please share this news with your networks as well.
ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.

ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications
19 January 2018

NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves

South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za
Website: www.sacssp.co.za | Facebook: OfficialSACSSP | Twitter: SACSSP



#ENQUIRYFASTTRACK

Happy New Year! Our offices reopened on 8 January 2018 and we are ready for the new year. It is encouraging to see that many registrants already paid their annual fees for 2018/19. Receipts and practice cards or one time certificates will be sent to those who have already paid. (Please bear with us if you receive an invoice and you have already paid.)

We have already started receiving enquiries and also appreciate your cordial and encouraging emails. At the start of the year we wish to share with you a few pointers that will assist us to serve you better:

  1. A well prepared enquiry (be email, fax or ordinary mail) helps us to administer and finalise it faster.
  2. Indicate in the subject line your enquiry in short followed by your registration number starting with either 40-, 50, 10-, 70-, 90- or your ID number if you don’t yet have a SACSSP registration number, e.g. Registration certificate: 40-12345.
  3. Introduce yourself and the topic of your enquiry in the text of the email.
  4. Provide all the details that will enable us to assist you, e.g. dates, category, tracking numbers, type of mail send.
  5. Give your postal address, work address, mobile number, etc. that you supplied during the time of your application. If it has changed since then provide the former contact details and the new contact details.
  6. Attach/ include copies of all other relevant documents that may assist with your enquiry.

When you plan to come to the office, please make an appointment in advance.

Remember to keep your correspondence always professional. (see Council Newsletter 1 of 2017 regarding professional email correspondence).

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:

  1. Registration and annual fees are payable to Council. Payments will be received until 31 March 2018 for 2018/2019.
  2. If you are looking for opportunities to advertise with Council click on https://www.sacssp.co.za/links/advertisingratecard.html

Please share this news with your networks as well.

ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.

ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications

12 January 2018

NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves

South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za
Website: www.sacssp.co.za | Facebook: OfficialSACSSP | Twitter: SACSSP



INFLUENCE POLICY & INFORM STRATEGY

Social service professionals need to regularly acquire new skills and knowledge to advance their careers, an opportunity has presented itself at Global Social Service Workforce Alliance. Council is encouraging social service professionals to apply for the Global Social Service Workforce Alliance Ambassador Program. The Ambassador Program aims to assist social service professionals to develop leadership skills, inform strategy and influence policy at the local, national and regional level in support of social service workforce strengthening efforts. Ambassadors will also play a leading role in growing awareness and interest in the work of the Global Social Service Workforce Alliance to plan, develop and support the social service workforce. Applications for the next two-year term, beginning in September 2018, are now being accepted. Deadline to apply is 8 January 2018.

Please review the full roles and responsibilities and call for nominations documents at www.socialserviceworkforce.org for the full criteria and application process. Or click here to go directly the page.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:

  1. Registration and annual fees are payable to Council. Payments will be received until 31 March 2018 for 2018/2019.
  2. If you are looking for opportunities to advertise with Council click on https://www.sacssp.co.za/links/advertisingratecard.html

Please share this news with your networks as well.

ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.

ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications

08 December 2017

NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves

South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za
Website: www.sacssp.co.za | Facebook: OfficialSACSSP | Twitter: SACSSP



STATEMENT ON THE 51st MEETING OF SOUTH AFRICAN COUNCIL FOR SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONS

12 December 2017 The South African Council for Social Professions held the 51st meeting on 23 and 24 November 2017 in Pretoria. The meeting focused on the core business of Council and in particular progress made in the implementation of its strategic plan for 2016 to 2021.

Council welcomed Mr. Mfundo Thango, a new Council Member nominated by business as appointed by the Minister of Social Development in accordance with section 8(1)(c)(v) of the Social Service Professions Act 110 of 1978. Council noted that Mr Seleka Hitler Sekhitla vacated his position on Council as a Member, nominated by trade unions, in accordance with section 6(1) (g)(ii) to assume the position of manager for Professional Conduct. Council welcomed Mr Sekhitla as a member of management and expressed its most sincere appreciation towards him for his dedication to the work of Council during the period he served as a Member and for his role as a member of the Executive Committee and Human Resources Committee of Council. Council also welcomed Mr. Vincent Hlabangana, as the new Registration Manager.

Council approved its PAIA Manual developed in terms of section 14 of the Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000 and will submit it to the South African Human Rights Commission as required by law. The manual is available to any member of the public. The Registrar is designated to be the Information Officer in compliance with the Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000.

Council received an updated report from the Registrar regarding progress with regards to the implementation of the Strategic Plan of the South African Council for Social Service Professions 2016 to 2021. Council is overall satisfied with the progress made to date, however there are some areas that need priority attention. A more comprehensive overview will be provided as part of Council’s next Newsletter that will be published before the end of 2017. Persons who wish to obtain an electronic copy of Council’s strategic plan are welcome to request it from communications@sacssp.co.za.

Council noted that the Registrar did inform all social workers, social auxiliary workers, child and youth care workers and auxiliary child and youth care workers who have not paid their 2017/2018 annual fees, which were due on 31 March 2017, to pay these outstanding fees no later than 30 September 2017. Persons who did not pay by this date will be deregistered in accordance with section 20 of Social Service Professions Act 110 of 1978. Removal from the Register means that such persons are not legally allowed to practice the profession she or he is registered for as contemplated in section 15 of the Act. Council noted that this is an unfortunate situation, however it is a legal requirement. Any person who wishes to obtain any more information need to contact the Registrar’s office without delay.

Council resolved that employers need to play an active role to enable social workers, social auxiliary workers, child and youth care workers and auxiliary child and youth care workers to register timely and pay their annual fees in time. Employers may not allow persons who are not registered to continue practicing their professions as this will contravene the requirements set out in the Social Service Professions Act 110 of 1978.

Council agreed to prioritise into its information and technology systems and related business processes. The main purpose is to automate key processes to improve response time and quality of services to all registrants.

Council approved the Guideline for the establishment of professional boards, which will be published in 2018. It provides clear and practical guidance to emerging occupations who are considering establishing a professional board with the South African Council for Social Service Professions.

Council resolved that the registration and annual fees will not be increased for 2018/2019 financial year. Council noted that there were no fee increases since 2013 and conducted a review of fees for 2019/2020.

Council was presented with a revised organizational structure, which aims to enhance the efficiency of its administrative component. It was provisionally approved and will serve for final consideration at its next meeting.

Council noted that the Registrar receives public requests from time to time for access to the Register for purposes of research. Council fully support the value of research as it believes that it advances the knowledge base of social service professionals, but also recognize the importance of protecting the personal information of registrants. In view of this Council is establishing a very strict protocol, which also allows registrants to opt out if they do not want to have their information shared for research purposes. Council was very clear that the only personal information that will be made available upon request for the sole purpose of research, other than what is already part of the public record as part of the Register, will be postal addresses.

Council also received reports from the Professional Board for Social Work and the Professional Board for Child and Youth Care Work on profession specific matters. The highlights from these were communicated through separate statements earlier.

Council concluded its meeting by expressing appreciation to Members and staff for the hard work during the year and a special word of appreciation to all registrants for their collaboration with Council to address challenges during 2017.

Issued by: SACSSP Communications

ENQUIRIES:

Communications and Public Relations Practitioner

South African Council for Social Services Professions

37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa

Office: +27 12 356 8300 | Direct:+27 12 356 8302 Email: communications@sacssp.co.za 

Website: http://www.sacssp.co.za Facebook: @OfficialSACSSP Twitter:@SACSSP1

ABOUT THE SOUTH AFRICAN COUNCIL FOR SERVICE PROFESSIONS

The South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP/ Council) is a statutory body established in terms of section 2 of the Social Service Professions Act No. 110 of 1978 (the Act). Council has two professional boards under its auspices: the Professional Board for Social Work and the Professional Board for Child and Youth Care Work. Council, in conjunction with its two professional boards, guides and regulates the professions of social work and child youth care work in aspects pertaining to registration; education and training; professional conduct and ethical behaviour; ensuring continuing professional development; and fostering compliance with professional standards. It protects the integrity of the social service professions as well as the interest of the public at large. In order to safeguard the public and indirectly the professions, registration with Council in terms of the Act is a prerequisite before practising social work and child and youth care work. Registration is mandatory for social workers, social auxiliary workers, student social workers, student social auxiliary workers, child and youth care workers, auxiliary child and youth care workers, student child and youth care workers, and student auxiliary child and youth care workers.

56 APPROVED

The Continuing Professional Development (CPD) panel assessed 69 of the 113 applications received during the first week of August 2018. The panel approved 56 of these applications, while 4 applications were suspended due to not submitting the required documents as per CPD Policy e.g. outstanding programme or programme not detailed enough, application not well presented. Nine applications were not approved due to various reasons including late submission of applications; not meeting requirements according to CPD Guidelines; the training is not social work or social auxiliary work related; the training is not falling under group activities according to the CPD Policy, amongst others. The Education, Training and Development division has communicated with applicants regarding the outcomes of their applications.

Important news regarding registration, particularly for new applicants, is that their current registration number as a student will be their number for life. Please await the registration certificate and practice card which will bear your number and status: for example 40:34562 - registered social worker. Kindly notify Council via email if your postal address and mobile phone number has changed from the last known contacts or update it online.

Council wishes our President, Dr Maria Mabetoa, a happy birthday, which she celebrated on 15 August.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Please share this news with your networks as well.

ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.

ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications
17 August 2018
NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves

South African Council for Social Services Professions

37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa

Email: communications@sacssp.co.za Website: www.sacssp.co.za | Facebook: OfficialSACSSP | Twitter: SACSSP



#ENQUIRYFASTTRACK

Happy New Year! Our offices reopened on 8 January 2018 and we are ready for the new year. It is encouraging to see that many registrants already paid their annual fees for 2018/19. Receipts and practice cards or one time certificates will be sent to those who have already paid. (Please bear with us if you receive an invoice and you have already paid.)

We have already started receiving enquiries and also appreciate your cordial and encouraging emails. At the start of the year we wish to share with you a few pointers that will assist us to serve you better:

  1. A well prepared enquiry (be email, fax or ordinary mail) helps us to administer and finalise it faster.
  2. Indicate in the subject line your enquiry in short followed by your registration number starting with either 40-, 50, 10-, 70-, 90- or your ID number if you don’t yet have a SACSSP registration number, e.g. Registration certificate: 40-12345.
  3. Introduce yourself and the topic of your enquiry in the text of the email.
  4. Provide all the details that will enable us to assist you, e.g. dates, category, tracking numbers, type of mail send.
  5. Give your postal address, work address, mobile number, etc. that you supplied during the time of your application. If it has changed since then provide the former contact details and the new contact details.
  6. Attach/ include copies of all other relevant documents that may assist with your enquiry.

When you plan to come to the office, please make an appointment in advance.

Remember to keep your correspondence always professional. (see Council Newsletter 1 of 2017 regarding professional email correspondence).

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:

  1. Registration and annual fees are payable to Council. Payments will be received until 31 March 2018 for 2018/2019.
  2. If you are looking for opportunities to advertise with Council click on https://www.sacssp.co.za/links/advertisingratecard.html

Please share this news with your networks as well.

ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.

ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications

12 January 2018

NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves

South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za
Website: www.sacssp.co.za | Facebook: OfficialSACSSP | Twitter: SACSSP



INFLUENCE POLICY & INFORM STRATEGY

Social service professionals need to regularly acquire new skills and knowledge to advance their careers, an opportunity has presented itself at Global Social Service Workforce Alliance. Council is encouraging social service professionals to apply for the Global Social Service Workforce Alliance Ambassador Program. The Ambassador Program aims to assist social service professionals to develop leadership skills, inform strategy and influence policy at the local, national and regional level in support of social service workforce strengthening efforts. Ambassadors will also play a leading role in growing awareness and interest in the work of the Global Social Service Workforce Alliance to plan, develop and support the social service workforce. Applications for the next two-year term, beginning in September 2018, are now being accepted. Deadline to apply is 8 January 2018.

Please review the full roles and responsibilities and call for nominations documents at www.socialserviceworkforce.org for the full criteria and application process. Or click here to go directly the page.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:

  1. Registration and annual fees are payable to Council. Payments will be received until 31 March 2018 for 2018/2019.
  2. If you are looking for opportunities to advertise with Council click on https://www.sacssp.co.za/links/advertisingratecard.html

Please share this news with your networks as well.

ThisWeek@Council is a weekly update by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on matters of interest.

ISSUED BY: SACSSP Communications

08 December 2017

NON NOBIS – Not for ourselves

South African Council for Social Services Professions
37 Annie Botha Avenue, Riviera, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Email: communications@sacssp.co.za
Website: www.sacssp.co.za | Facebook: OfficialSACSSP | Twitter: SACSSP



eBulletin

December eBulletin is out. Click on this link https://www.sacssp.co.za/content/images/SACSSP_MONTHLY_eBULLETIN_DECEMBER_2017_final.pdf



STATEMENT ON 31st MEETING OF PROFESSIONAL BOARD FOR CHILD AND YOUTH CARE WORK

November 2017

The South African Council for Social Professions’ Professional Board for Child and Youth Care Work held its 31st meeting on from 20 to 21 November 2017 in Pretoria. The meeting focused on the core business of the Professional Board and progress made since its 30th meeting held in June 2017.

The Professional Board for Child and Youth Care Work noted that the backlog decreased and that of the 788 applications received student child and youth care workers and child and youth care workers at auxiliary level since July 2017, 539 have been processed and registered. The Professional Board will conduct roadshows in Mpumalanga, Free State, Limpopo and North West on the value of professional registration from the second week of February in 2018. More details will be communicated early in 2018.

The Professional Board is in the process of establishing Committee for Preliminary Inquiry (CPI) and a Professional Conduct Committee (also known as the disciplinary committee) for child and youth care work as to give effect on the requirements of the Social Service Professions Act 110 of 1978. As soon as these committees are established and the working procedures are developed the sector will be informed accordingly.

The importance of continuing professional development and maintaining professional knowledge and skills for child and youth care workers was deliberated during the two day meeting. The Professional Board is finalising the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) policy for child and youth care workers and details regarding this will be communicated as soon as the policy and related processes are approved.

The meeting discussed the importance of recognizing and including child and youth care workers in the human resource strategies and structures of employers of social service professionals. The Professional Board reported on the engagement it had with the Department of Social Development, a major employer of child and youth care workers, on the recognition of the child and youth care work professionals in its human resource policy and structure as well as the supervision of child and youth care workers which should be done by registered and regulated child and youth care workers. The aforementioned will be followed-up with similar engagements in 2018.

The Professional Board for Child and Youth Care Work approached nineteen higher education institutions regarding the education, training and professional development of child and youth care workers. It was reported to the meeting that three universities i.e. University of Limpopo, University of South Africa (UNISA) and University of Western Cape (UWC), replied with interest in offering a child and youth care work degree, which will be further pursued by the Professional Board. The Professional Board is also engaging with the HWSETA around the development of leaning material for NQF level 4, which includes exploring ways to strengthen the collaboration with the HWSETA.

The Professional Board proposed that the child and youth care regulations published under Government Gazette Number 38135 of 31 October 2014 be amended with regard to the entry level for registration at professional level and to extend the granny clause of 3 years from the promulgation of the regulations in 2014 to a further 4 years. This proposal was submitted to the South African Council for Social Service Professions for review and endorsement, after which it will be submitted to the Minister for Social Development with a recommendation to amend the regulations.

Issued by: SACSSP Communications



eBulletin

November eBulletin is out. Click on this link https://www.sacssp.co.za/links/Monthly_e-bulletin_November2017.html



A SOCIETY FOR ALL

Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM) was launched by the Minister of Social Development on 3 November 2017 at Coastal Mental Health in Sherwood in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. South Africa commemorates DRAM annually from 3 November to 3 December. The theme for #DRAM2017 is Strengthening Self–Representation: Young people building on the legacy of OR Tambo and Friday Mavuso towards sustainable and resilient society for all.

The month long campaign seeks to embrace and uphold the rights of persons with disabilities and this year, the primary focus will be on young persons with intellectual disabilities. Persons with intellectual disabilities are often forgotten and overlooked because their disabilities are not always visible.Intellectual disability (ID), also known as general learning disability, and mental retardation (MR), is a generalised neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by significantly impaired intellectual and adaptive functioning.

The Department of Social Development, as it is responsible for driving the government’s equity, equality and empowerment agenda in terms of those living with disabilities, will during the campaign reflect on progress attained on promoting the rights of persons with disabilities and encourage South Africans to support the emancipation of persons with disabilities.

Council wishes to encourage all social service professionals to ensure that they are aware of the rights of persons with disabilities and that they facilitate the active participation of persons with disabilities in service delivery.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:

  1. Visit www.dsd.gov.z for more information about #DRAM2017.
  2. Remember 30 November 2017 is the closing date for submitting CPD applications and appeal forms this year.
  3. If you are looking for opportunities to advertise with Council click on https://www.sacssp.co.za/links/advertisingratecard.html


CYC at GAUTENG

Gauteng Department of Social Development hosted its 1st Annual Provincial Child and Youth Care Conference in Pretoria from 1 to 2 November 2017 under the theme Moving child and youth care into a new era. About 150 child and youth care workers from eleven child and youth care centres that are overseen by the department attended the conference.

The conference provided a platform to raise and discuss challenges faced by child and youth care workers such as:

  • Compliance to register with Council
  • Adhering to the code of ethics
  • Programmes that need to be implemented across child and youth care centres
  • Tools of trade
  • Working conditions
  • Capacity building and career pathing
  • Independent living programs for children discharged from child and youth care centres

Based on the issues raised and solutions that were put forward as recommendations, the provincial Department of Social Development will proceed to develop a report and an action plan that will be communicated with all child and youth care workers in the province by 24 November 2017.

Take note that the 2nd Annual Provincial Child and Youth Care conference will take place in May 2018 during International Child and Youth Care Week.

Council’s registration division operated a registration helpdesk during the conference and presented the current status of child and youth care registration.



SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONS, SOCIAL JUSTICE & THE LEGACY OF O.R. TAMBO

Today, we celebrate the centenary of the birth of Oliver Reginald Tambo on 27 October 1917. OR Tambo has been described in many ways, but one that stands out is his deep belief in social justice. He commanded reverence and awe (Not through demand or by instilling fear), because he simply stood head and shoulder above the rest. He is remembered as an intellectual, a person of principle and ethics, a strategist, a source of inspiration and a person who lead by example.

His simplicity, nurturing style and genuine respect for all people brought out the best in them. As social service professionals, we can honour this leader of our country, the continent and the world by taking some of the following key lessons he left us with forward.

  • Work tirelessly to make your vision come true.
  • Believe in and protect what is right.
  • Allies and friends are important to reach your goals. Trust and respect them.
  • Stand-up for those who are wronged, treated unequal and vulnerable (he played a significant role in the history of child rights and women’s rights in the country’s history).
  • Value your education and give back to your community.
  • Stand for justice, equality and non-discrimination, no matter what.As social service professionals we stand for social justice in the households, groups and communities where we work.

In the words of OR Tambo: “It is our responsibility to break down barriers of division and create a country where there will be neither blacks nor whites, just South Africans, free and united in diversity.”

As social service professionals we stand for social justice in the households, groups and communities where we work.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:

  1. Visit www.dsd.gov.za for more information on Social Development Month or follow on Twitter with #DSDMonth.
  2. Visit www.dsd.gov.za for more information on Social Development Month or follow on Twitter with #DSDMonth.
  3. Vacancy Announcement: Education, Training and Development Manager at SACSSP click on the link to download the advert: https://www.sacssp.co.za/links/ETD_managerAdvert.html
  4. Remember 30 November 2017 is the closing date for submitting CPD applications and appeal forms this year.


PROFESSIONALS at REGISTRATION

Often when one asks why I must register as a social service professional, the answer is “it is required by law”, and indeed that is 100% correct. Registration with Council is first and foremost a legal requirement and no one can practise their profession without being registered. However, there is much more to the value and purpose of professional registration than the payment of registration fees and it being a legal requirement.

  1. Professional registration is your licence to practise your profession with pride and confidence. Here are a few benefits that are implied in your registration as a social service professional with Council:
  2. You are immediately associated with the qualifications and competencies associated with the profession for which you are registered;
  3. You are recognised by your peers within the social services professions as well as other disciplines that you meet the minimum requirements associated with your profession;
  4. You are respected in multiple multi-disciplinary teams for your profession as well as your obligation to legally adhere to a code of ethics;
  5. You are sanctioned to execute certain unique tasks that are only associated to the profession you are registered for;
  6. You are empowered by various laws to execute statutory tasks that are solely associated with your profession;
  7. You can call yourself the exclusively reserved name associated with profession that you are registered for, e.g. social worker or child and youth care worker. Persons who are not registered with Council may not use these reserved names/titles and if they use it without being the registered they break the law and may be subject to criminal sanctions.
  8. Employers know that you meet the requirements expected from your profession and are assured that you have the qualifications and ability to practice your profession;
  9. Employers know that you are required to continuous professional development that increases their confidence that you will be up to date with the developments in your professional field;
  10. The public (clients) knows with confidence that you are qualified to execute the responsibilities associated with your profession and in adherence with the ethics associated with your profession;
  11. The public is protected against unethical practices and professional misconduct. Also, you know that your profession and own professionalism are protected and promoted through strict adherence to professional conduct requirements and the consequences imposed by law through Council for misconduct and/or unethical behaviour;
  12. You can market yourself as the social service professional (category) that you are registered for;
  13. International recognition for the social service profession that you are registered for as a result of the recognition of Council and its standards internationally;
  14. In short, being registered gives the professional credibility and lends credence to your profession.

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:

  1. Visit www.dsd.gov.za for more information on Social Development Month or follow on Twitter with #DSDMonth.
  2. Vacancy Announcement: Education, Training and Development Manager at SACSSP click on the link to download the advert: https://www.sacssp.co.za/links/ETD_managerAdvert.html
  3. Remember 30 November 2017 is the closing date for submitting CPD applications and appeal forms this year.


eBulletin

October eBulletin is out. To keep you in the loop Council has introduced monthly eBulletin, you can download it here: https://www.sacssp.co.za/links/Monthly_e-bulletin_October2017.html



EXPEDITE YOUR CPD APPLICATION

Council is receiving quite a number of CPD applications with incomplete supporting documents. Here is a checklist that you can use to ensure that your CPD application is complete:

  1. CPD application form fully completed
  2. Detailed programme/agenda (it must include time frames)
  3. Facilitator/s or presenter/s CVs
  4. Framework of the content
  5. Proof of payment
  6. You can also find a checklist at https://www.sacssp.co.za/Professionals/download/5

PLEASE NOTE:

  • One application form must be completed per activity i.e. information session or workshop or small group discussions. (You cannot apply for two separate activities on one application form; you have to submit separate application forms per activity).
  • Proof of payment must be submitted with each of your applications, failure to do so may result to your CPD application not serving before the CPD panel. UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
  • Remember 30 November 2017 is the closing date for submitting CPD applications and appeal forms.
  • (Please note that incorrect closing date for CPD applications was accidentally provided in the previous TW@C. Apologies for the inconvenience)