University of Limpopo Social Work students reaffirm their commitment to justice, human dignity and ethical practice during the oath-taking ceremony.
Photos: Forgive Hlungwani
Combined field work training supervision and oath-taking ceremony strengthens ethical practice and community-centred learning at the University of Limpopo (UL)
By Rinae Manenzhe
Social work is more than a profession; it is a calling rooted in compassion, justice and the protection of human dignity. This was the resounding message when the Department of Social Work at UL hosted a combined Fieldwork Training Supervisors and Oath-Taking Ceremony Programme
The initiative brought together second and fourth year students, academic staff and fieldwork supervisors to reaffirm a shared commitment to ethical practice and community service. The training component was aimed at strengthening supervision skills and deepening collaboration between the university and its fieldwork partners.
Dr Peter Masibenyana Dimo, lecturer in the Department of Social Work at the University of Limpopo. Photo: Forgive Hlungwani
Addressing the gathering, Dr Peter Dimo, a senior lecturer and Fieldwork Coordinator in the department, hinted on the weight of responsibility placed on supervisors within the field. He stated that, “It is important for students to practise the theory they learn in class in real-life situations.”
He added, “As supervisors, you are giving our students a licence to go and practise. Your responsibility is to supervise our students and ensure that they are ready to practise as social workers.”
Dr Manare Blesie Ngwasheng from the Limpopo Department of Social Development conducts the oath-taking ceremony during the Social Work Training Programme at UL.
Dr Manare Ngwasheng from the Limpopo Department of Social Development emphasised the practical relevance of the training. “The training spoke directly to the real challenges we face when supervising students, such as supporting them emotionally, guiding them through ethical issues and helping them adjust to real practice,” she noted. She added that continuous professional development is essential in ensuring that social workers remain confident, skilled and ethically grounded in serving both students and communities.
The oath taking ceremony marked a significant milestone for 171 BA Social Work students, 96 second year and 75 fourth year students who formally pledged to uphold the dignity and worth of every individual who formally pledged to uphold the dignity and worth of every individual. In line with the standards of the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP), students committed themselves to ethical conduct, social justice and professional accountability, as they take on the important task of practice in communities.
“As supervisors, you are giving our students a licence to go and practise. Your responsibility is to ensure that they are ready to serve communities as ethical social workers.”
Chairperson of UL Student Social Work Association, Lucia Komape, pledged her dedication to adhering to ethics in practice. “I plan to uphold ethical standards by respecting confidentiality, maintaining professional boundaries and always acting in the best interests of the child,” she said.
For fourth-year student Pertunia Mabuza, the pledge symbolised a deeper promise. “The oath represents my commitment to always remaining professional and serving communities, families and vulnerable individuals with passion. It also means promoting social justice and empowering individuals as I go about my duties,” she reflected.
The combined programme represents an unwavering commitment to the university’s objectives of producing graduates who are not only theoretically prepared, but ethically grounded and ready to advance the integrity and honour of the social work profession.
