There’s something special about gathering with purpose, and the Social Worker and Social Auxiliary Worker Indaba held from 19–22 August at the Hartenbos NG Kerk Youth Hostel was exactly that. True to the spirit of an Indaba, a traditional Southern African term for a purposeful meeting, the event brought together passionate professionals to connect, learn, and grow under one shared objective: Inclusion for All.

And yes, there was popcorn!

The three-day workshop kicked off with a movie night featuring the classic When a Man Loves a Woman, which cleverly set the stage for the week’s learning. The characters became fictional clients, giving attendees a relatable and engaging way to practice report writing, a skill that’s central to social work but, let’s be honest, doesn’t always come naturally.

Getting Everyone on the Same Page, Literally!

The heart of the Indaba was all about report writing, from intake and assessment reports to progress notes, referrals, IDPs, and termination summaries. Facilitators Isabel, Martine, and Vari guided participants through the distinct roles of Social Workers (SWs) and Social Auxiliary Workers (SAWs), introducing new reporting templates and encouraging input to ensure everyone was, quite literally, on the same page.

Group work and its reporting processes were also unpacked, with clear distinctions drawn between SW and SAW responsibilities. The sessions were practical, collaborative, and filled with “aha” moments that brought clarity and confidence to the reporting process.

Connect Before Content but With a Twist

Each day kicked off with a “Connect Before Content” activity. These were think icebreakers, but with purpose. Whether it was tearing paper or playing rock-paper-scissors, every exercise was cleverly linked to the day’s theme, helping participants build personal awareness and emotional insight before diving into the technical content.

Team Building, Elmien Style

Thursday afternoon brought a burst of laughter and teamwork with Elmien’s signature team-building activities. From crafting Christmas decorations with one hand to protecting fragile eggs and surviving a simulated plane crash (blindfolded, no less), the exercises reminded us that communication, adaptability, and collaboration are key, not just in workshops, but in life.

We extend heartfelt thanks to every branch that sent teams to participate. We know these are financially challenging times, but we firmly believe that Indabas like this one help shape stronger, more informed, and better-equipped professionals, ultimately benefiting the persons with disabilities (PWDs) we serve.

Here’s to popcorn-fuelled learning, purposeful connection, and the kind of teamwork that makes inclusion more than just a goal… it makes it a reality.

For more information or feedback on the outcomes, please contact admin@wcapd.org.za.