Training at South African Oncology Social Workers Forum

History

A History of the South African Oncology Social Workers Forum (SAOSWF)

The evolution of oncology social work in South Africa tells a story of progress, moving from informal support networks to becoming a structured and essential discipline within multidisciplinary cancer care.

The Genesis of a Profession

In the late 20th century, as medical treatments for cancer advanced, a deeper understanding of the significant psychosocial challenges faced by patients and their families began to emerge. This growing awareness highlighted a clear need for specialized support services to be formally integrated into oncology care.

The journey toward professionalization took a major step forward in 2000 with the establishment of the South African Oncology Social Workers Forum (SAOSWF). The idea was inspired after founder Linda Greeff attended an international oncology social work conference in New Orleans. Together with fellow pioneers Hannetjie Opperman and Clare Manicom, she spearheaded the forum's creation. Their shared vision was to formalize the profession and create a dedicated platform for collaboration, training, and advocacy. The organization was founded on the core principles of passion, a need for professional growth, dedication, and determination.

Mission and Core Objectives

From its inception, the SAOSWF established a clear mission to:

Support medical social workers in South Africa who have an interest in oncology as a sub-specialty.

Maintain high standards of practice and service delivery for all clients.

Offer robust training opportunities to its members and other healthcare professionals.

To achieve these goals, the forum focused its efforts on five key areas: networking, education, advocacy, research, and resource development. Its objectives were to improve the quality of psycho-social care, promote oncology social workers as vital members of medical teams, and work toward the official recognition of oncology social work as a specialist field.

Key Milestones and Growth

The SAOSWF's early years were marked by steady growth and significant achievements that solidified its role in the healthcare landscape.

2002: The first official meeting of oncology social workers took place in Pretoria.

2003: A joint conference with the oncology nursing society was held in Gordon's Bay, attended by approximately 35 social workers.

2005: Members participated in a social work exchange, attending the American AOSW conference and visiting the New York-based CANCERCARE organization to share best practices.

2009: A major milestone was achieved when the South African Society of Clinical and Radiation Oncology (SASCRO) invited the SAOSWF to create a dedicated psychosocial oncology track at its biannual conference. This marked the first inclusion of oncology social work in a mainstream South African oncology conference and was a huge achievement, underscoring the profession's growing importance.

Over the years, the organization has been instrumental in developing training programs, fostering research, and advocating for the inclusion of oncology social workers in both public and private healthcare sectors. This progress was supported by the vision of figures like Dr. Leon Gouws of GVI Oncology, who pioneered the employment of social workers within a private oncology practice, providing a crucial platform for the profession to grow.

Leadership and the Future

The SAOSWF has benefited from dedicated leadership, including Chairperson Clare Manicom (from 2014) and Memory Munodawafa (from 2018).

Today, the SAOSWF is led by its Chairperson, Dr. Welly den Hollander, a medical social worker with a Ph.D. in Social Science. Under her leadership, the national committee continues to advance the forum's mission.

Oncology social work now stands as a vital component of cancer care in South Africa. Professionals work alongside medical teams to provide patients and their families with the comprehensive support needed to navigate the complexities of a cancer diagnosis. This journey from an informal network to a recognized discipline highlights a national commitment to holistic healthcare and the well-being of all citizens.