DA demands state action: Social Worker attacks are an attack on the state

7 August 2024

Attacks on social workers in the Western Cape are sharply on the rise, with almost one attack per week. The Democratic Alliance in the Western Cape calls for these attacks to be classified as an attack on the state.

The Standing Committee on Social Development in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament has been informed that social workers are increasingly being targeted by a criminal syndicate and are frequently hijacked while driving government vehicles to provide essential assistance to individuals in need.

In response to this alarming trend, the Department of Social Development, in collaboration with the Department of Mobility, is taking decisive measures to protect social workers from attacks and hijacking. Government vehicles used by social workers are being unmarked and fitted with non-government number plates to enhance their safety, while also being fitted with newer hidden tracking devices.

When government vehicles are hijacked, they often end up across the border in other countries, resulting in significant financial losses as these vehicles typically need to be written off. Fewer vehicles available for social workers directly result in diminished service delivery, as they are unable to reach and assist as many individuals in need.

To further protect Social Workers, police escorts are requested when social workers need to enter high-risk areas. When the South African Police Service (SAPS) is unable or often reluctant to provide assistance, officers from the Law Enforcement Advancement Programme (LEAP) and City Law Enforcement step in to offer support. Social workers are advised to wait if escorts are not available to minimize risk.

While there have fortunately been no fatalities among social workers thus far, these attacks have had severe consequences. Social workers experience significant trauma, leading to high absenteeism and increased leave. Their movements and operations have been severely restricted, impacting their ability to serve vulnerable communities effectively. The Department of Social Development continues to offer support to affected social workers.

An integrated approach is being employed to combat these attacks, involving SAPS, LEAP, the Provincial Department of Community Safety, and City Law Enforcement. All attacks are promptly reported to the relevant authorities, with the Department of Social Development keeping track of all cases and regularly following up on progress.

The DA will submit written questions on this matter, to obtain additional info regarding cases.

MPP Wendy Kaizer-Philander overstated the importance of protecting our social workers and said: “These dedicated individuals work tirelessly to better our society, often under challenging and dangerous conditions. Any attack on a social worker is unacceptable and should be classified as an attack on the state so that harsher sentences can be applied.

These heartless perpetrators must face the full extent of the law.”

Issued by Wendy Kaizer-Philander, DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Social Development, 7 August 2024