Social workers at the Department of Social Development’s Khayelitsha branch have embarked on a “go-slow” strike (that is, slowing their work down deliberately to express their grievance to their employer, the department), demanding that it strengthen security for staff.
On Wednesday 9 September workers protested inside the premises, demanding that management listen to their grievances. Among their concerns are the hijacking of members while on duty.
Speaking on behalf of the workers, National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) Khayelitsha secretary Makhaya Jezile, an employee in the department, described their strike as peaceful. He said they had met with junior management to address their concerns, which were forwarded to the provincial department.
“We called the junior management while on strike, and they came to listen to us. They contacted our senior management in front of us, informing them about our plight. The provincial department vowed to resolve our problem, but urged us to work while they tried to resolve it.”
Jezile said the protest was immediately suspended and staff returned to work, but would not conduct home visits. He said all the staffers want is to be protected and escorted by law enforcement when conducting home visits in Khayelitsha.
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“As long as the provincial department has not responded we won’t do home visits.
“We understand the impact our strike has on the community, but we also need to be protected. Our clients coming to our offices is not enough. After the client comes we as social workers have to do follow-ups and see them where they live.”
The carjacking crisis
Jezile said car hijacking is becoming a major problem in Khayelitsha. He said it all began in February 2023, when 11 cars were taken in one night, and it has not stopped since. The perpetrators tied up the security guards and left with the cars.
“No fewer than 30 carjackings, including attempted carjackings, have been reported each year since 2023. The most recent incident occurred on Thursday 3 September, when criminals came out of nowhere and took a messenger’s Toyota Hilux at the entrance while the security guards were busy searching the car.”
Jezile emphasised that as long as department workers’ demands were not addressed the protests would continue.
Community response
Khayelitsha Health Forum (KHF) chair Mzanywa Ndibongo urged all stakeholders to come on board to resolve the impasse, saying it is the community that is feeling the consequences the most.
Minister’s response
Western Cape Minister of Social Development Wendy Kaizer-Philander said services would continue from the DSD Khayelitsha office. She said clients who cannot make it there can contact the office telephonically to schedule an appointment.
“Home visits will be done via scheduled appointments, and with the support of law enforcement. In the case of a child-protection emergency after hours residents can contact the officers, who are also mandated by the Children’s Act to remove children from dangerous situations.”
Kaizer-Philander said senior management met with staff last week, where feedback was given on security measures currently in place, with commitments made to enhance certain aspects.
“Also discussed was stronger enforcement of the existing measures. We cannot share the specifics of the upgrades as this will further compromise the safety and security of staff and the building. Since 2023, there have been 82 hijackings of our employees while driving government vehicles. This includes social work staff in local and regional offices, staff from Head Office, and staff at our child and youth care centres. There have been 23 incidents across the province since 1 April 2026, with seven of these incidents taking place in Khayelitsha.”
DSD staff remain committed to rendering services, but called on the community to help protect social workers and DSD staff, and to report any information to the police.
