Western Cape social workers under siege, forcing transfers and service delays

Western Cape social workers are grappling with a surge in violent attacks, leaving them understaffed and service delays mounting. The Department of Social Development (DSD) has recorded 22 hijackings and attempted hijackings this financial year, with clusters of incidents in Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, Nyanga, Delft and Mfuleni. These attacks have surged from 17 incidents in the entire previous 2025/26 financial year.

The heightened violence, including a recent shooting incident against a policy developer, has caused significant mental and physical strain on social workers and has led to resignations and transfer requests. The DSD acknowledges inadequate funding as the root cause of their inability to optimally resource social services. Frontline staff have logged over 113,000 active cases on their Social Work Integrated Management System, underscoring the intense workload.

In response, DSD has implemented protective measures, such as vehicle identification removal, enhanced office security, and instructions for social workers to travel in pairs or with police escort. However, these efforts remain constrained by limited law enforcement resources. Social development MEC Wendy Kaizer-Philander has condemned these attacks as assaults on both the State and vulnerable residents.

Child and youth care worker Esther Lewis revealed that some employees have suffered PTSD and physical injuries, with personal belongings and government assets frequently stolen.

The attacks are also disrupting service delivery, resulting in delays for residents relying on home or community visits. Khayelitsha social worker Lucinda Evans warned that such violence could exacerbate the existing shortage of social workers, jeopardizing timely care and protection for vulnerable children. She urged provincial law enforcement to bolster escort services for social workers, especially those responding to cases after hours.