Pulane Nel Sekepe spoke to Prof. Ncube, HOD and Associate Professor of Social Work at the University of the Free Strate, about how a career in Social Work empowers students to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and communities facing challenging circumstances. Listen here:

Social Change and Development: The Heart of Social Work

At its core, social work promotes social change, development, and cohesion. It is about empowering and liberating people from the shackles of adversity. Whether working with individuals, families, groups, or entire communities, a social worker’s role is to champion social justice, human rights, and collective responsibility. With a degree in Social Work, one is equipped to tackle issues at multiple levels, implementing changes that make a real difference in people’s lives.

Shaping Policy for Greater Impact

Some social workers choose to focus on policy formulation, shaping the social welfare policies that govern South Africa. This crucial work often goes hand in hand with research, which informs policy direction and ensures that it meets the needs of the community. By influencing policy, social workers can effect systemic change, improving the lives of countless individuals and communities.

Academic Excellence and Continuous Development

Social work is not just about practice; it is also an academic discipline dedicated to the continuous development and refinement of its knowledge base. Social workers may also contribute to scholarly enquiry and help educate future generations of practitioners. This dual role as both practitioners and educators ensures that social work remains a dynamic and evolving field, always striving to better serve society.

Rewarding Experiences: Making a Difference Every Day

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a social worker is guiding individuals from disadvantaged positions to improved circumstances. Witnessing the satisfaction and relief of service users due to intervention brings a profound sense of fulfilment. As social work educators, the satisfaction is multifaceted, encompassing the benefits that service users gain from students’ interventions and the success of students as they graduate and make significant contributions to society. The impact of social work, whether direct or through teaching, is both deep and far-reaching.

Join the University of the Free State: A Path to Empowerment

For those inspired to pursue a career in social work, the University of the Free State (UFS) offers an excellent pathway. Applications for the BSc Social Work programme close at the end of July each year, with a highly competitive selection process. The department is also looking to enhance recruitment criteria to ensure that those admitted not only have high APS scores but also a genuine passion for the profession.

Why the UFS?

The University of the Free State cultivates an environment where innovation, inclusivity, and inspiration converge to create future leaders. With world-class facilities, cutting-edge academic programmes, and a commitment to social impact, the UFS supports its students holistically to achieve among the highest success rates in the country. The university’s dynamic faculties engage in groundbreaking research, garnering local and international recognition, and its eco-friendly campus promotes an environmentally conscious lifestyle.

The UFS is not just preparing students for a prosperous career; it is preparing them for a life of meaningful impact. The university embraces a culture of equity, diversity, ubuntu, and accountability, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Students from diverse backgrounds find a safe environment where individuality is celebrated.

Embarking on a journey with the UFS empowers students to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most. The university’s mission is to create a better, more just world through the noble pursuit of social justice and change.

For more information about applying for the BSc Social Work programme at the UFS, visit ufs.ac.za/humanities/departments-and-divisions/social-work-home, or contact the Admissions Office.