Three Social Work lecturers within the School of Applied Human Sciences, Dr Sibonsile Zibane, Dr Thembelihle Makhanya and Mr Livhuwani Ramphabana were part of World Social Work Month activities during March.
‘During this month social workers across the world participate in different activities to engage with society to address critical issues and to increase understanding of the profession’s objectives. The theme for this year was Co-building a New Eco-Social World: Leaving No One Behind,’ said Makhanya.
Academic Leader for Social Work at UKZN, Zibane was a guest speaker at the provincial Department of Social Development (DSD) World Social Work Day attended by DSD MEC Mrs Nonhlanhla Khoza. Zibane spoke on strengthening partnerships with the department through training, capacity building, research, publications and innovation.
Ramphabana was a guest speaker during the Social Workers’ Appreciation Day hosted by Child Welfare Durban and District, a Non-Governmental Organisation dedicated to caring for children and families. The presentation highlighted the significant roles played by social workers in society and encourage them to practice self-care.
Makhanya gave a presentation on COVID-19 during an empowerment work session for spiritual coordinators, workers and volunteers at the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) and facilitated a discussion on what the pandemic guidelines in the country mean for DCS workers and offenders.
Makhanya, Ramphabana and Professor Sihawukele Ngubane (African Languages) also represented UKZN at the Indaba for People with Disabilities hosted by the Durban and Coastal Mental Health in partnership with the Department of Public Services and Administration (DPSA). They were part of a panel discussion on terminologies used in the field of social work and within communities.
‘The focus was on talking and learning from people with disabilities and experts. The discussion was guided by the panel members who included experts and persons are affected by such terminologies. We shared experiences to assist one another to improve our communication so that we will use correct terminologies,’ said Makhanya.
