Social work a scarce skill

Commitment: UCT's second year social work students pledged to abide by the values and principles of their profession when they made their Professional Declaration

Social work has been identified as a scarce skill and the profession needs thousands more graduates, UCT alumnus and director of the Cape Mental Health Society, Ingrid Daniels, has said.

Speaking at the UCT Department of Social Development's annual Professional Declaration Ceremony recently, Daniels revealed that there are only 9 000 registered social workers, and South Africa needs in the region of 50 000.

At the event, second year social work students pledged their commitment to the profession's code of conduct through an oath-taking ceremony, as they prepare for their first fieldwork placement.

"You have chosen the correct profession, we need you", Daniels told the students.

Also speaking at the event was Virginia Petersen, another UCT graduate, who is the director general of the Western Cape Province. Petersen also highlighted the country's need for social workers, saying that they are key in the building of social cohesion in communities.

Also at the event, class medals for 2007 were presented to top performers, and a Special Persons Award handed to Lily Becker and Dr Lyn Holness.