Minister of Social Development Sharna Fernandez condemns attacks against staff

The Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez, strongly condemns the continued attacks on departmental staff.

On Wednesday, 15 May 2024, a community development worker based at the Khayelitsha Department of Social Development (DSD) office was hijacked and shot at, while on duty. He has since been discharged from hospital. The following morning, 16 May 2024, a social worker was hijacked in Khayelitsha on her way to the office. Counselling has been arranged for both staff members.

“These attacks not only leave our colleagues deeply traumatised, but it also interferes with the department’s work to provide critically needed services to many vulnerable residents in the community. I have been in contact with the community development worker of Wednesday’s incident, and he is, understandably, angry that he was attacked while trying to serve the community. It cannot be that staff who are trying to make a positive change are falling prey to callous criminals,” said Minister Fernandez.

Since the start of this year, there have been 5 reported attacks on DSD staff. These attacks have taken place in hotspot areas including Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, and Nyanga. In order to protect our staff, they have been informed that they should avoid going into these areas at night in government vehicles unless accompanied by a police escort.

The department has taken several steps to protect its staff with vehicle types that are in demand by hijackers swapped out for other vehicle types deemed a lower risk. However, these too are now becoming a target by opportunistic criminals. The department’s local office staff have also been linked to the Western Cape Government’s Area Based Teams in these areas to assist them with up-to-date information on crime hotspots.

Various safety strategies that have been communicated to staff are being implemented. DSD will continue prioritising the safety of staff and rendering services in hotspot areas. Clients in the affected areas are encouraged to go to local offices for assistance or make appointments.

Counselling services have been arranged for all DSD staff in Khayelitsha impacted by crime, while on duty. “I call on community members to help protect social service professionals by reporting any information about these incidents to the police. These hard-working men and women are critical in protecting our most vulnerable residents including our children. This Child Protection Month, please step in and support them in their work,” said Minister Fernandez.