A social worker helps people overcome difficult challenges in their life. The obstacles that they help people overcome include poverty, addiction, unemployment, disability, abuse, mental illness, and a variety of problems that affect communities.
You can study social work at a variety of universities and colleges in South Africa, including:
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- University of South Africa (Unisa)
- University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- The South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP)
- Stellenbosch University, and others.
A Bachelors in Social Work is typically a 4 year programme, which will see the student move from a level 4 to a level 8 qualification.
The requirements for students to study social work are:
- A National Senior Certificate with 60% for English and 60% in 4 other subjects in their matric final examination.
- or, a Senior Certificate with an exemption (or qualify for the exemption from the Matriculation Board with at least a C symbol on HG or a B symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning) and 60% for 4 other subjects
- or, a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement/ A Senior Certificate with exemption and a Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work (NQF Level 4) with one year of professional practice as a registered Social Auxiliary Worker
- A police clearance for criminal convictions
- Must be defined as a 'fit and proper person' by the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP)
- Two testimonials from credible sources such as school leader or a religious leader
- During the second year of study, students need to be registered with the Social Service Professions (SACSSP)
In addition to this, the other essential personal requirements needed include having empathy for others, active listening, patience, critical thinking, self awareness and a driven need to help people overcome their difficulties.
It’s necessary, as someone who wishes to study Social Work, to show some respect for individuals as it focuses on making the lives of people in difficult situations better.
