UFH, SA Council of Social Professions collaborate to empower students

The University of Fort Hare’s (UFH) Department of Social Work and Social Development recently hosted members from the South African Council of Social Services Professions (SACSSP), a crucial regulatory body that oversees the registration processes for social workers, student social workers, and auxiliary social workers across South Africa.

The focal point of this visit was to assist second, third, and fourth-year social work students in navigating the SACSSP’s newly introduced online registration system. This technological advancement aimed to streamline registration, ensuring efficiency and accessibility for aspiring social work professionals.

Dr Kim Schmidt, Senior Lecturer and Acting Head of the Department of Social Work and Social Development, emphasised the importance of SACSSP registration for social work students.

“Each social work student is required to register with the SACSSP, agreeing to uphold the profession’s values and ethics before they begin fieldwork at a second-year level. This registration  allows each student  initial entry into the profession and holds them accountable for professionalism.”

Dr Schmidt further elaborated on the ongoing responsibility that comes with SACSSP registration.

“Qualified social workers and child and youth care workers are required to renew their registration annually with the SACSSP to continue practising in the field.”

The engagement, which took place at the Miriam Makeba Arts Centre on the East London campus, welcomed participation from staff members of the Department of Social Development. Their presence was instrumental in ensuring a smooth registration process for the attending students, particularly with the assistance of experienced Child and Youth Care Workers.

Reflecting on the significance of this collaborative effort, Dr Schmidt emphasised that the event marked the beginning of a promising partnership between the SACSSP and UFH.

“This visit was the first of its kind, and there was a mutual agreement that such visits would continue well into the future, solidifying the partnership between the SACSSP and UFH.”