IN CONVERSATION WITH REFILOE NT'SEKHE
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The Gauteng Department of Social Development has 170 critical frontline posts currently vacant, including 102 social worker positions and 74 child and youth care worker positions. These professionals provide essential services to vulnerable residents, including children affected by abuse and neglect, victims of gender-based violence, older people and communities dealing with poverty, substance abuse and violence.
The vacancies have raised concerns from the Democratic Alliance in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, which is questioning why these positions remain unfilled despite the department having an approved annual budget and compensation-of-employees allocation. The DA says the department has not provided clear timelines for filling the vacancies and has instead indicated that the posts “will be considered” for filling.
The party argues that prolonged vacancies could increase workloads for existing staff, contribute to longer waiting times and delay critical interventions and investigations. It is also calling on the department to explain how it intends to manage caseloads while the posts remain vacant.
The issue also raises questions about the Gauteng government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable residents. Premier Panyaza Lesufi stated in his 2026 State of the Province Address that protecting the “weak, poor and vulnerable”, particularly children, is a compulsory responsibility of government.
The DA is expected to table further questions to the GDSD and Gauteng Treasury regarding the vacant posts, the reasons they remain unfilled, timelines for recruitment and measures to prevent frontline workers from becoming overwhelmed.
The vacancies have raised concerns from the Democratic Alliance in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, which is questioning why these positions remain unfilled despite the department having an approved annual budget and compensation-of-employees allocation. The DA says the department has not provided clear timelines for filling the vacancies and has instead indicated that the posts “will be considered” for filling.
The party argues that prolonged vacancies could increase workloads for existing staff, contribute to longer waiting times and delay critical interventions and investigations. It is also calling on the department to explain how it intends to manage caseloads while the posts remain vacant.
The issue also raises questions about the Gauteng government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable residents. Premier Panyaza Lesufi stated in his 2026 State of the Province Address that protecting the “weak, poor and vulnerable”, particularly children, is a compulsory responsibility of government.
The DA is expected to table further questions to the GDSD and Gauteng Treasury regarding the vacant posts, the reasons they remain unfilled, timelines for recruitment and measures to prevent frontline workers from becoming overwhelmed.
