Social workers swim with sharks for Social Work Month
To conclude Social Work Month and show just how brave social workers can be, Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Jaco Londt, took a group of daring social workers shark cage diving!
Marine Dynamics, an ecotourism and marine company, took Minister Londt, social workers of different levels, and young people who were in the foster system, out on the water on 28 March 2025 to learn about the marine environment, conservation, and to get up close and personal with sharks.
The Minister wanted to not only celebrate and honour social workers, but also those whose lives have been positively impacted by them.
19-year old Faruska Paulse enjoyed the experience so much, she ended up going in the water twice! When asked about the role social workers played in her life, she said, “They always encouraged me to move forward in life, they were always there when we needed them. Today I’m almost done with school and I’m proud of myself. I feel if I wasn’t in the system, I probably would have been on the streets.”
Social worker Elroy Stuurman said, “This is the first time I’ve been on a boat, and the adrenaline rush was amazing. Afterwards I felt calm and peaceful. People like the youth who joined us today are the ones that keep me motivated and keeps the fire burning.”
Social work supervisor Zenobia van Brakel said, “This was an incredible and inspiring experience. It was a time for us to unwind and now I’m ready to face the world! As social workers we face daily challenges, but I see many successes and changes in children’s lives. It doesn’t happen overnight, but it keeps me going because I know we can make a positive difference in children’s lives so that they can love life.”
The day was a learning opportunity for all.
Christine Wessels from Marine Dynamics spoke about the different marine animals they are trying to protect such as sharks, Southern Right whales and African penguins, “Just as social workers look after the most vulnerable in society, we also try to look after vulnerable or endangered species. Our sharks are indiscriminately caught by legal longliners along the coast and ensnared in bather safety nets. I urge participants to become ambassadors and protectors of these vulnerable species.”
Provincial Minister Londt said, “I have met many social work professionals who are not only passionate about their work, but also courageous in the face of immense challenges such as high caseloads, secondary trauma from the cases they deal with daily, and abuse when out in communities while doing their work to safeguard vulnerable individuals like children and the elderly. Their significant contribution to the upliftment and development of communities cannot be overstated. I, therefore, wanted to do something different to celebrate them, while also highlighting their courage and tenacity. It was also an opportunity for the young people to experience something they haven’t had the chance to do before, to open their horizons and inspire them to dream big.”
He added, “Thank you to Marine Dynamics for seeing the importance of honouring these incredible professionals and thank you to the social workers and the young people who joined us!”
The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) employs over 1100 social work professionals at different levels, such as social workers, social auxiliary workers, supervisors, managers, and social work policy developers. DSD also funds or subsidises over 1200 posts for social service professionals at Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs).
To access more information about services offered by the Department, call our toll-free number on 0800 220 250, send an email to SD.CustomerCare@westerncape.gov.za or visit the department’s website: Homepage SD | Western Cape Government
Media Enquiries
Monique Mortlock-Malgas
Media Liaison Officer to Minister Jaco Londt
Department of Social Development
Email: Monique.Mortlock@westerncape.gov.za