Promote equitable access to services
- By: Itumeleng Lecheko
- Short URL: https://archive.backabuddy.co.za/itumeleng-lecheko-5778414931412043784
- Date Created: 8 December 2023
Personal message
I, Itumeleng Lecheko, am a social worker employed by the Free State Department of Social Development. I was suspended by the Head of the Department after requesting the Premier of the Free State Government to intervene and promote the right of the poor to equitable access to services of the department. This we did after the HOD and the Acting District Director of Mangaung Metropolitan District made a decision to relocate Sub-district service offices to the Tshireletsong Child and Youth Care Facility located in Bochabela.
The letter shows how the HOD and the Acting District Director failed to make the decision based on the consideration of policy directives of the department and government. According to the Batho Pele Principles, the public ought to be consulted on any matter which affects service delivery. Also, the department has to implement the principle of courtesy by putting the interest of the public first by restoring services to the Thusanong Building which previously housed both social work and SASSA services. In other words, the majority of clients would pay R30.00 to access services as opposed to R60.00 if services are transferred to the Tshireletsong CYCC. Further, Thusanong Building promotes the delivery of dignified services. Clients will be able to receive services in offices which promote privacy and confidentiality.
The Premier, however, has decided not to involve himself in the matter. In fact, he has referred the matter back to the same persons who initially failed to consider the poor and how the relocation of services will impact on them. This leaves both the poor and officials are left defenseless.
First of all, the public must know that the social work profession was founded to help the poor. The profession is the "voice of the voiceless." It is, therefore, not wrong for a social worker to advocate for the poor. In fact, the SACSSP Code of Conduct states that social workers must challenge injustice on behalf of the poor, irrespective who is the oppressor. The Public Service Code of Conduct also states that the public interests must always be considered first before any other consideration. We, therefore, request donations from social workers across the country and members of the public so that the interests of the public can be protected and promoted.
We know that the suspensions were orchestrated to intimidate social workers and any other official in the department on the matter. We also know that we have been suspended so as to quieten the voices of those who want the voice of the poor to be heard. If we fail to act now the public will be disadvantaged and the profession would lose its credibility as an advocate of the poor.
The funds we require will assist us to do the following:
1. To approach the High Court and request it to set aside the decision of the HOD to suspended us and to declare the decision irrational and unlawful;
2. To request the High Court to set aside the decision and/or intention to relocate sub-district social services to Tshireletsong CYCC as it is not in the best interest of the public;
3. To interdict the Premier of the Free State, HOD of the Department of Social Development and the MEC of Public Works and Infrastructure from placing any government department at Thusanong Building until the public has been consulted;
4. To travel to the Ministry of Social Development and to make the Ministry and the Acting Director General aware about the matter;
5. To travel around Bloemfontein communities to empower the public with knowledge regarding their Constitutional right to equitable access to services.
Statistics
Fundraising target
R 250 000.00Donations to date
R 0.00Defend the Social Work Profession Campaign
