Katlego Sekhu
South Africa faces significant challenges when it comes to mental health, particularly in disadvantaged communities. Social workers play a crucial role in providing the necessary support and addressing the psychological impact on affected communities.
However, despite their efforts, many people remain unaware of how and where to access this support. 959 Breakfast explores the effectiveness of social workers in managing social problems within schools and communities.
Reacting to Kgomotso Meso’s comment on the stigma attached to seeking professional help in South Africa, Mpho Maboi said, “I think there lies the problem, especially with us black people. We have this thing of normalizing family secrets even when things are going wrong and it is evident that a situation needs intervening; we would rather keep it to ourselves. There is that issue, and we haven’t normalized seeking help even when it comes to mental health.”
SoI Phenduka recounted when he lost his beloved mother and needed the services of a social worker to help him cope with his loss. “I was staying with my grandmother, and I love her, but there were so many frustrations, and if only I knew where to get a hold of a social worker to talk to and assist me somehow. But I had no idea where to even knock.”
One listener pointed out that social workers are accessible to the general public, mostly in NGOs. However, many people are unaware of how to reach out to them.
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