Western Cape Minister of Social Development Wendy Kaizer-Philander has called on the public and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to help protect social service professionals after another hijacking involving departmental staff in Khayelitsha.

The latest incident occurred on Monday 19 October at approximately 10:10, while two social service professionals were travelling from Khayelitsha to attend court in Parow.

Attacks

Minister Kaizer-Philander expressed her frustration at the continued attacks on officials carrying out their duties to support and protect vulnerable residents.

“It is deeply distressing to receive news of yet another incident of this nature, particularly during Social Development Month. Social service professionals play a critical role in protecting children, supporting families and strengthening communities. They must be able to carry out their duties without fear of being targeted by criminals,” she said.

The latest hijacking brings the total number of hijackings involving departmental professionals to 28 since January this year. Over the past three years, the department has recorded 86 attacks on its professionals.

“These attacks are unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms,” said Kaizer-Philander.

Earlier this month, the department welcomed the recovery of a departmental vehicle following a hijacking. While recovering stolen vehicles and making arrests are important, the Minister said those responsible must be held accountable and that these attacks cannot become normalised.

She highlighted the critical role of child protection services in ensuring that vulnerable children receive the care and protection they need. The recent designation of critical child protection services as essential services is an important step towards strengthening these services, with social service professionals central to their delivery.

Safety plan

The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration’s Essential Services Committee has directed the relevant parties to negotiate and conclude a minimum service agreement within 90 days of the designation.

The Department of Social Development will continue to participate in this process and make representations to the Committee where appropriate, including on the need to ensure that critical child protection services can be delivered effectively and safely.

“I will continue working with SAPS to strengthen our collective response to these incidents and improve the safety of our social service professionals. We have a responsibility to protect those who serve our communities, as well as the children and vulnerable residents who depend on them,” Kaizer-Philander said.

The Department said it remains committed to delivering services to those who need them most and will continue working with its partners to help bring those responsible to justice.

Anyone with information about these incidents is urged to report it to SAPS.

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