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Embracing diversity, strengthening human relationships and collective responsibility

22 March 2023 | Story Mariette Joubert | Photo Unsplash

South Africa celebrated Human Rights Day and World Social Work Day on 21 March 2023. Social work is a profession that advocates for the human rights of people as well as focuses on the responsibility that comes with these rights. Just as the Bill of Rights is the cornerstone of democracy and protects our rights, the social work code of ethics is the cornerstone that ensures quality social work services.

The University of the Free State (UFS) second-year social work students took an oath on 22 March which binds them to the social work code of ethics. Social workers have the Global Agenda for Social Work and Social Development which consists of four pillars. Focus is drawn to the last pillar, Strengthening Recognition of the Importance of Human Relationships. Human relationships are the core of social work and social development. These relationships take various forms, including social, personal, interpersonal, and therapeutic relationships, among various people and in various settings. In relationships where people flourish, trust is crucial. In contrast, mistrust skews relationships in a negative way.

Respecting diversity through joint social action

The Ubuntu pan-African philosophical framework is the greatest place to understand the significance of human relationships. To promote and strive for the strengthening of relationships, this year’s theme for Social Work Day is “Respecting Diversity Through Joint Social Action”. If we can stop criticising people that do not live, believe, or think according to our constructed standards of being, we will be able to do so much more as humanity. If we start embracing peoples’ diversities and take time to start building relationships with various people and bridge any existing gaps, we will realise that diversity is an integral aspect of changing the world in a positive manner. Corresponding to human rights and the theme of World Social Work Day, is the theme “Destigmatising intellectual disability through shifting attitudes” for Intellectual Disability Awareness Month [IDAM] which also takes place later in March. Another way through which we can start building relationships and embrace diversity is by participating in this year’s South African Federation for Mental Health challenge where CEOs of different institutions are challenged to spend one day in a wheelchair as part of an awareness-raising campaign to destigmatise intellectual disabilities.

News Archive

Repelsteeltjie: EXTRA Performance, Saturday 30 May at 11h00

2009-05-26

Production: Repelsteeltjie (Afrikaans)
Text: Thys Heydenrych
Directed by: Thys Heydenrych
Venue: Rehearsal Room, Scaena complex

Date:
22 - 23 & 25 - 27 May 2009

Friday 22 May - 11h00 & 18h00
Saturday 23 May - 11h00
Monday 25 May - 11h00
Tuesday 26 May - 15h00
Wednesday 27 May - 11h00

Repelsteeltjie: EXTRA Performance, Saturday 30 May at 11h00

Bookings: Computicket (Mimosa Mall en Checkers Money Markets)
Tickets:
R 20.00 per person
R 15.00 Blockbooking 10+

“Vandag is ek een, môre is ons twee, wanneer Pragtig haar kind vir my gee. Gelukkig sal niemand weet dat ek Repelsteeltjie heet.”

Who does not know the magical tale of Rumpelstiltskin by the Brothers Grimm. A beautiful girl is in trouble and only a gnome can help. She makes a hasty promise, but it is far too terrible to keep. Let us take you to world where gnomes can spin gold out of mere straw, where the reigning prince genuinely care more about people and less about money and where truth prevails over falsehood and chaos.

The Department of Drama and Theatre Arts dusted off this fairytale and presents a new version which promises to entertain the whole family. Bring the children to enjoy a fun morning where Grandpa may also roar with laughter.

Tickets are available at Computicket. For more information and block reservations contact Thys Heydenrych at 0722353191 or Marijda Kamper at 051 401 2160.

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