Free State: HOD Phahlo concluded his series of District visits at Thabo Mofutsanyana District. The gathering was held at Leratong Child and Youth Care Centre, Qwa qwa.
The Initiative of visiting Districts was aimed at engaging with officials within the first 100 days of his appointment as the head of the Department of Social Development.
The HOD applauded the District for its timely completion of the foster care backlog. Highlighting that Thabo Mofutsanyana is one of two districts in the Province that managed to eradicate the FC backlog.
The importance and contribution of contract social workers were deemed to be noteworthy.
The District is notorious for transfers within the Province which put forth the notion of cross transfers as some districts face extinction caused by a lack of human capital.
The HOD emphasised discipline and respect within the Department, urging both management and staff to practice respect within the workplace.
The HOD touched on the austerity measures put forth by the treasury. Stating that he understands the limiting and sometimes debilitating effects they have on service delivery.
The Department is experiencing an immense loss of staff due to death, retirement and resignation.
The plight of the 130 social workers who were contractually employed in 2020 to combat the Covid 19 pandemic will soon be dealt with in a manner that will allow them to earn salaries worthy of their qualifications and positions.
The HOD highlighted that Thabo Mofutsanyana District is the best performing District, despite the challenges faced by the District officials who have shown resilience and dedication. Nevertheless, the government is currently facing budget constraints, though HOD has found a diplomatic arrangement with SASSA, which led to SASSA offering the Department 32 used bakkie vans that were meant to be auctioned off.
Further, the Department acquired 12 new sedans and 25 new bakkie vans. The HOD emphasised that the vehicles would be distributed equitably within the Province.
One of the achievements mentioned by the HOD is providing former pioneers (popularly known as Masupatsela) with an opportunity to study and qualify as assistant community development workers.