15 Dec 2014

Social workers have persistently served the marginalised members of the community despite their poor working conditions.

University of Botswana senior social work lecturer, Dr Kgosietsile Maripe said this on Thursday (December 11) during the Botswana National Association of Social Workers (BONASW) stakeholders briefing at Oasis Motel in Tlokweng.

Dr Maripe said it was crucial that the working conditions of the social workers were revisited and improved to suite the status of their work as well as to motive them to perform. “It is critical that their working conditions are improved,” said Dr Maripe who is also an advisor to the association.

Nonetheless, he encouraged the social work professionals to service their customers taking into consideration the professional ethics and standards.

Dr Maripe said social work was one profession, which advocated for the rights of the less privileged members of the community, adding that they had the powers to advocate for change of policies and practices.

On other issues, Dr Maripe reiterated the need for a social workers council which would accredit practising social workers. “No one should practice as a social worker unless they have been trained, acquired knowledge and accredited,” he added.

However, the president of BONASW, Ms Felistus Motimedi said the establishment of the social workers council, which would be tasked with overseeing the profession, was likely to take longer than anticipated.

She said they have engaged the government on the matter, but do not know when would the bill which seeks to establish the council would be taken to Parliament.

However, she was hopeful that the bill would be read in Parliament in the not so distant future, adding that the Social Workers Act would address some of the professional challenges.

Furthermore, Ms Motimedi told the meeting that BONASW has resorted to advocate for the second generation of human rights. “We want our constitution to be reviewed to include second generation of human rights,” she added.

The BONASW president said their advocacy seeks to guarantee equal socio-economic conditions and treatment, adding that there was nothing that compels the government to provide its citizenry with education for example.

Former BONASW president, Mr Kgomotso Jongman said the association has also resolved to hold social workers awards next year to appreciate the work done by social workers.  ENDS