58 aspiring Social Workers pledged their commitment to improving the lives of South Africans at a Declaration Ceremony held at the University of Cape Town on 17 April 2015. The annual event is hosted by the Department of Social Development and is held to induct second-year students into the professional field of Social Work. It also serves as a reminder to them of the professional code of conduct that they will be expected to live by once they qualify.

Social Work has long been identified as a scarce, yet critical skill in South Africa with some sources quoting a more than 70% skills deficit within the local profession. The University of Cape Town is among few local institutions that are equipped to meet this demand by offering intensive academic and experiential training in Social Work. At UCT, this training takes the form of a four-year undergraduate degree comprised of both course and fieldwork after which, students can pursue postgraduate specialisation in either: Clinical Social Work; Probation and Correctional Practice; Social Policy and Management or Social Development.

Speaking at this year’s event, both the Acting Head of the Department, Prof Richard Mendelsohn, and the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Prof Sakhela Buhlungu emphasized the value of the ceremony as a symbolic rite of passage for social work students. The Dean also highlighted the need for the profession in South Africa, urging students to play their role in helping to ‘rebuild a damaged society’.

Guest speaker Mr. Ernest Moore challenged students to think of ways in which they would leave a lasting legacy in the world. Referring to the transformation debate raging at UCT, he said “The institution is going through a challenging time at the moment. I would like to use this opportunity to speak to social work students about the importance of monuments and statues versus the value of legacy.” He went on to describe two community projects initiated and funded by UCT Department of Social Development alumni, one of which is a literacy centre equipped for early childhood development. “Whatever and wherever your professional placement will be in the future, please see this as an opportunity to make a difference, to impact other peoples lives in the future. That will be your legacy” he said.

Following to the oath-taking, 14 Social Work students were presented with Class Medals for their outstanding performance in various academic courses in 2014. In addition, the recipient of the Department’s prestigious St Leger Prize was announced as Amanda Manqoyi-Ouamba who is currently completing her Honours degree in Clinical Social Work. The St Leger Prize is awarded to a student who perseveres and achieves excellent grades in spite of many personal and situational challenges.