The Department of Social Work on Robert Sobukwe campus, held its annual “oath taking ceremony” on Monday, 16th October 2023 at Jakes Gerwel Hall, an event that has not happened in person since Covid-19 and the excitement from the students was just electrifying. Programme Director, Mr Mohamed Redau Safodien, social work lecturer opened the formalities and welcomed esteemed guests, our students, guest speakers , the staff from the Department of Social work as well those in attendance who watched the streaming of the event. “ Students are required by law to register as students of social work in their second year, this event signifies that registration status, and their recognition by the council as stipulated by section 19 of the Social Services Professions Act 110 of 1978” said Mr Safodien.
 


The oath is very significant in the Department of Social work as well as the profession of social work, it’s a symbolic commitment to act and promise to act ethically in pursuance of careers and serving their communities in various areas and focus areas troubling the society. Prof Glynis Dykes, on behalf of HOD Prof Marichen van Westhuizen who could not attend due to personal reasons  welcomed the students to the profession. “I congratulate you on your journey thus far, the guidance and lessons from your lecturers, supervisors and administration staff is commendable, please do remember each one's journey is unique towards the cultivation of your academic career” said Prof Dykes. She emphasized to the students that social work is a unique professional career, it calls for its professionals to be responsible and carries a lot of risk, it requires one to always reflect , be accountable and always be ethical, as well be open to learning and accepting new experiences presented by the working environment. Dr Nomvuyo Lukelelo, conducted the welcoming address emphasizing to the students that this is also a time to reflect, take a step back and ask themselves if social worker is the profession they still want to be, is it the right profession for them and it won't be an easy road ahead. The keynote address was conducted by Mr Quinton Arendse, Director Department of Social Department, he is an alumnus of the UWC and the department having shared learning space with the likes of Mr Safodien in their student days as student masses protesting against the old regime.  Mr Arendse’s talk focused on the “Importance of Social Work Values, Ethics and Roles in a Changing World”.  He emphasized the changing dynamics of ethics as circumstances or challenges of social work practice changes everyday , this is the time to reflect where you are as professionals of the profession. He noted the significance of ethics such as understanding, responsibility, integrity, responsiveness in the social work profession.
 
The event was also marked by a special performance of poetry by Jasmine Dirkse aka “The Coloured Prodigy”, a published poet, she recited her poem entitled “The stereotype of the coloured child”  which touched on her experiences as a coloured child in the province and the country. Second year student Ms Jabulile Gladile also did a song performance. The students stood up and took their oath with such commitment and pride, promising to abide by the rules endorsed by the council and be ethical in their practice.  The students took turns in voicing their pride as second year social work students with pride. The students will be issued with a SACSSP registration certificate. The event was also a milestone for Mr Asandile Mandlana, who ten years ago was a student taking his oath to the profession and now he is the Lecturer of the Department of Social Work. In closing he paid gratitude to those who made the special event possible and invited speakers.