Getrude Makhafola

The department of social development has allayed fears that qualified social workers would not be employed in the province because there were no ­positions.

It was reported that social workers in other provinces, whose studies were funded by provincial governments, were in limbo because there were no positions available.

Provincial spokesperson Ipeleng Morake said the province had this year taken in all newly-qualified social workers whose studies it funded. "Our social workers need not worry.

"We have employed newly qualified graduates we funded through our skills development programmes. Those who were not funded by us but are qualified and need employment can approach our offices for assessment."

One graduate social worker, from Bloemfontein who studied in Port Elizabeth, said she did not know where to go as she had planned to settle in the Eastern Cape.

"I graduated with a four-year degree in March this year and we hear that there are no positions in the Eastern Cape. "My plan was to settle there, but it looks as if I will have to come back to the Free State. I cannot stay where there are no job prospects."

Ipeleng said those graduates who were outside the province''s skills development programme were welcome. "MEC Sisi Ntombela has always said that this province needed skilled and qualified social workers.

"We are in the process of filling posts through skills development programmes with partners such as the University of Free State. We have more still studying and they will be placed as well when they finish their studies."

getrudem@thenewage.co.za