Question NW1605 to the Minister of Social Development

Reply:

1. What (a) number of social workers have been employed by the Government for the period 1 April 2022 to 1 April 2023.

• 2 233 social service professionals employed by government during 1 April 2022 to 1 April 2023.

What (b) is the breakdown of the specified number in each department.

There are several government departments that employs social services professionals. The table below reflects those that submitted. The Department is still collating information from the Department of Health, Department of Defence, Department of Correctional Services.

Social Development	Basic Education	Justice	Grand Total
1 545	674	14	2 233

(2) what is the total number of social workers who are currently in the employ of Government.

Grand Total = 23 561

(3) what are the details of the plans that have been put in place to achieve the target of employing 55 000 social workers by 2030?

• The Department of Social Development developed a draft Strategy for the Employment for Social Service Professional’s in collaboration with the following departments:
  • Social Development Provincial Departments.
  • Department of Basic Education.
  • Department of Health.
  • Department of Correctional Services.
  • South African Police Services.
  • Department of Justice.
  • Department of Defence.
  • HWSETA.
  • COGTA.
  • South African Council for Social Service Professionals (SACSSP).

• The cost analysis was done based on the additional required 31 744 Social Service Professionals by NDP vision 2030 to reach 55 000 by 2030.
• The estimated cost based on the workforce needs is approximately R9 578 552 700.
• A bid was developed to request funding from the National Treasury.
• The draft Strategy for Employment of Social Service Professionals was presented on 28 February 2023 to the Technical Working Group for Social Protection, Community and Human Development Cluster.
• The draft Strategy for Employment of Social Service Professionals was also presented on 15 March 2023 to the Technical Working Group for Social Protection, Community and Human Development Cluster.
• The draft Strategy for Employment of Social Service Professionals was further presented on 29 March 2023 to the Portfolio Committee workshop.