The developmental role of social work in local government in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (CTMM)

Abstract

The adoption in 1997 of the developmental approach to social welfare by the South African government has mandated a developmental role for social work in all sectors and fields, including that of local government. This approach is in line with the developmental role of municipalities. However, despite the mandate, the developmental role of social work has not yet been defined and has therefore not been widely recognised in the context of local governmental. The goal in conducting this study was to determine the developmental role of social work in the local government of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality as defined by the social workers themselves, and as also perceived by their co-workers. Social workers and their co-workers, who were from different professional categories, comprised the two groups of respondents in this study. Purposive sampling was used to select the two respective groups from one of the CTMM departments, the Department of Health and Social Development. The goal of the study required applied research. The study itself was guided by the qualitative approach and employed a case study design. The data was collected during focus groups and one-on-one interviews, following a semi-structured schedule. The findings indicated that there was a clear understanding of the developmental role of local government, but that there was a lack of clarity as to the social workers’ developmental role. The study concluded that the confusion about the role had been caused by the lack of both appropriate training for social workers in this respect and a proper tool with which to monitor and evaluate the role, as well as the existing iv discouraging environment, none of which were conducive to a satisfactory performance by social workers. It is recommended that the job descriptions of social workers be revised to include their developmental role in the CTMM and that this be formalised in a policy. This would not only demarcate the role of social workers, but would also oblige the CTMM to create an enabling environment in which they could carry out this role. CTMM should, in collaboration with all stakeholders, explore, develop and implement a suitable monitoring and evaluating tool for the developmental role of social workers.