Social Work Commemoration 2012
Word from the Head Of Department
Currently the Department of Social Work offering six academic programmes namely BSW, a Honours programme in Probation, two Master’s structured programmes namely Community Development and Clinical Work; a MA Research Master’s programme and a doctoral programme. We also offer two non-subsidised short learning programmes namely Supervision and Community Leadership. We are in the process to convert the Honours Probation programme in a master’s programme and busy developing a new BA programme in Community Development.
The Department of Social Work is one of the biggest departments in the country with the following number of students in the BSW programme:
First year: 200
Second year: 220
Third year: 100
Fourth year: 80
Honours Probation programme: 30
We are also proud to say that we have in total 72 students registered in our two structured Master’s programmes, MA by Research and doctoral programmes.
We are eight permanent staff members – seven academic staff members and a secretary. We also have seven staff members who are not permanent employed. The following staff members are permanently employed namely me, Prof Hanna Nel, HOD, associated professor, Prof Wim Roestenburg, associated professor, Dr Adrian van Breda, senior lecturer, Ms Hettie Ellis, Ms Terry Sacco, Ms Shahana Rasool-Bassadien and Mr Solomon Matumba as lecturers, and Mrs Deanna Viljoen our secretary.
The temporary academic staff members are Prof Jean Triegaardt, professor, appointed for three years; Dr Karin Luck, lecturer, appointed for 11 months; Ms Sandra Verwey, lecturer, appointed for a year, Ms Lisha Stevens, lecturer, appointed for one year, Ms Pat Silvey and Ms Nancy Thobakgale are our temporary full time administrative officers appointed for a year.
The vision of the Department is to be:
An internationally recognized centre of excellence in social work education in an African context that is committed to promoting social justice and human development in a changing national and global context.
The mission is to achieve intellectual innovation in Africa in the field of social work, social welfare and development education that is appropriate to local needs in a changing regional and global context.
The Department of Social Work is committed to:
• Excellent education and training of undergraduate and specialized supervision of post graduate students;
• Trend setting guidance in social work research;
• Collaborative partnerships with organizations and communities; and
• Providing professional advice on social issues concerning the person in environment, sound business practice and teamwork
We are committed to the values of the social work profession.
The Goals of the Department are:
• To promote quality undergraduate and postgraduate education to meet national and regional human resource needs.
• To enhance the quality and quantity of research activity in collaboration with internal and external partners including international partnerships in the welfare and development field.
• To facilitate university-community partnerships through consultation and support to organisations and individuals in relation to extra-curricular courses, continuing education and research support to improve service rendering and social policy and planning interventions.
• To promote quality assurance in terms of teaching, research and community service.
• To recruit undergraduate and postgraduate students and enhance the image and standing of the Department of Social Work in the university and wider community.
• To develop and implement strategies to place students (including alumni) at the centre of the Department’s activities.
• To maintain sound relations with professional bodies and to network with key stakeholders.
• To develop and implement strategies to promote sound financial management and administration.
• To contribute to Departmental and institutional transformation through promoting diversity, achieving employment equity and in the creation of a supportive, inclusive and transparent, accountable and collegial organisational climate.
Welcome to Social Work!