Dr Marelize Vergottini, a senior lecturer in social work and researcher in the Community Psychosocial Research (COMPRES) niche area at the North-West University (NWU), is a key figure in the Social Work Association for Wellness and Training’s (SWAWT’s) organising and management team.
The SWAWT is dedicated to the development and wellness of social workers. The association operates informally, providing flexibility for members to engage with training and wellness activities that are relevant and affordable to them. This model allows social workers to take responsibility for their own professional development, especially in contexts where their employers may not support their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) needs. The SWAWT's membership includes about 100 social workers from the Free State, particularly the northern and eastern regions.
While working in Kroonstad and Bloemfontein, Dr Vergottini offered regular training sessions herself and she recently introduced SWAWT members to Prof Elmien Crofford, an associate professor of social work and the Vanderbijlpark Campus research coordinator for COMPRES.
Prof Crofford and Dr Vergottini are both deeply passionate about their fields - child protection social work and school social work, respectively. Their dedication to advancing the profession through research, community engagement and teaching is evident. They aim to empower fellow social workers by providing practical training and fostering connections that help address community needs and generate new research questions.
Together, they recently conducted a training session on the Code of Ethics in Social Work, focusing on the ethical responsibilities of social workers towards their colleagues, clients, and the profession at large. This event, held on 26 July 2024, attracted 28 social workers from various host settings in Gauteng and the Free State.
The feedback they received was overwhelmingly positive, underscoring a strong demand for similar training sessions in the future.
This is proof that this collaborative approach not only enhances the practice of social work, but also drives forward solutions to better serve communities.
More about SWAWT
Even before the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) policy from the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) was implemented, SWAWT was proactively registering training sessions and wellness plans for CPD points. This early initiative emphasised the importance of continuous learning and self-care within the profession.
The association utilises social media, notably WhatsApp, to disseminate information about training sessions, job postings, research findings and other relevant topics. This platform fosters a sense of community and facilitates easy access to resources, especially for those in rural areas.
Petro Prinsloo has been a steadfast figure in the Department of Correctional Services since 1992, bringing dedication and expertise to her role as a social worker. Her commitment extends beyond her immediate professional duties, and she has been an active member of the SWAWT for many years and has served as chairperson since 2013.
To support social workers or SWAWT, please reach out to Petro at Petro.Prinsloo@dcs.gov.za.
Dr Marelize Vergottini and Prof Elmien Crofford recently conducted a training session for social workers on the Code of Ethics in Social Work.
