Lwandile Makwenkwe
Social Worker
Johannesburg
Summary
Motivated Social Worker with comprehensive knowledge of social justice issues and systems affecting marginalized communities. Passionate about developing and facilitating programs to support communities in need. Collaborative and analytical advocate builds strategic partnerships, advocate for clients, and advance change for communities in need.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
11
11
Certifications
1
1
Language
Work History
GBV Social Worker
Kgokagano Sechaba Community Centre
05.2026 - Current
- I am performing all duties reasonably associated with the position of Social Worker, including providing individual and group counselling, crisis intervention, and psychosocial support. I conduct comprehensive assessments, develop and implement case management plans, and refer clients to appropriate services while coordinating multidisciplinary interventions. I facilitate support groups, workshops, and community awareness programmes aimed at prevention, empowerment, and addressing social and developmental needs.
- I monitor and evaluate client progress, maintain accurate and confidential case records, and prepare professional reports in compliance with organisational requirements and the SACSSP Code of Ethics. I provide mentorship and support to Auxiliary Social Workers and volunteers, participate in strategic planning, advocacy, and community engagement initiatives, and ensure confidentiality and professional conduct at all times. In addition, I act on behalf of the Centre Manager in her absence to ensure continuity of operations, effective coordination, and sound decision-making.
Social Worker
NICRO
07.2024 - 12.2025
- Provision of therapeutic social work services to individuals in conflict with the law, which promote the protection, wellbeing, rehabilitation and best management of these individuals in the criminal justice system. Delivery of a range of services and interventions designed to meet desired rehabilitative (behavioural change), criminal justice outcomes and crime prevention in the communities. I build a critical connection between the criminal justice system and social services. Intaking, assessment of clients, referrals, case management, case work, Group work programme facilitation online and face to face, community work, network and advocacy, administration and information management, personal growth and development, court report writing and tracking of clients’ progress. I also supervise Social Work Auxiliary Workers and Student Social Workers.
Social worker
Childline South Africa (Placed in Sipetu Hospital)
11.2021 - 07.2024
- I was working for Childline South Africa as a Social worker and supporting in Sipetu Hospital. I facilitated and coordinated the development of GBV programming priorities and their rapid implementation, dealing with any forms of violence, TB, HIV and AIDS and mental health cases. I was providing ongoing support to all GBV clients. Ensured maintenance of comprehensive and complete records. Empowered communities on service offered at Childline GBV Department and Sipetu Hospital. I Coordinated Social Work services in the Hospital: Providing counselling for long-range planning and decision making. Provided trauma containment, counselling on acute anxiety attack, education and support to the patients and their families related to the identified medical condition. Also provided Pre and Post Counselling to In-patients and out-Patients who are booked for Surgeries and Operations to prepare their mind set for what is not familiar to them. Identify and obtain needed community resources on behalf of the patient. Advocate service for patients at risk due to mental or physical limitations. Provide short-term therapy. Provide consultation, liaising with professionals within the multi-disciplinary team. Provide discharge planning, referral of clients to other professionals, also doing family reunions/reunifications with their families and loved ones, do home visits, and do community outreach. Prepare and analyse monthly statistics to plan workload allocation. Represent Childline S.A and Sipetu hospital at various meetings as per delegation, internally and externally. I was working hand in hand with the police officers.
Social Work Practitioner (contractual basis)
Department of Social Development
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Provided social work services through the promotion of social change, problem solving in human relationships, empowerment, and liberation of people to enhance social well-being. Facilitate education and awareness on preventative and therapeutic programmes. The therapeutic services were carried out through case work, group work and community work methods. I assessed clients and intervened based on the needs of the clients and made referrals to other departments and organizations. I also compiled monthly reports for all activities carried out.
Student Social Worker
John X Merriman Child and Youth Care Centre
06.2018 - 12.2018
- As a student social worker, I embarked on the intake, assessments, and intervention processes about prevention and response with children in conflict with the law and the abandoned children. Carrying out statutory tasks and emergency and on-going responses to child protection cases, writing and presenting psychosocial reports of children in the court of law. Also devised Care Plans, Independent Developmental Plan with the involvement of other agencies and departments that champion for the best interests and protection of children. I also facilitated groups on prevention programmes aimed at stopping recidivism of offences conducted by children, Namely In the mirror, Rhythm of Life, Mind the Gap and Wake –up Call. I did all the duties in compliance with the Children’s act No. 38 of 2005 and Child justice act No., 75 of 2008. Compilation of reports and administration.
Education
Bachelor of Social Work -
University of Fort Hare
01.2018
Senior certificate - Grade 12
Ntabankulu Senior Secondary School
01.2013
Skills
Client needs assessment
MS office
Client advocacy
Crisis assessment
Grief processes
Suicide prevention specialist
Cultural history
Behavioral therapy
Structural family therapy
Family dynamics
Elder care
Court hearings
PTSD expert
Substance abuse expertise
Mandatory reporting procedures
Independent judgment
Career development counselor
Motivational interviewing
Shelter arrangements
Behavioral management
Domestic violence training
Behavioral intervention plans (BIP)
Family reunification specialist
Child welfare expertise
Therapeutic crisis intervention (TCI)
Efficient under pressure
Referrals and networking
Clinical supervision
Staff development
Staff training and onboarding
Strengths-based solution-focused therapy
Individual and group counseling
Compassionate
Cooperative
Multicultural competence
Substance abuse counseling
FLUENT IN [LANGUAGE]
Family therapy
Crisis intervention techniques
Discharge planning
Therapeutic services
Empathy building
Disability support
Multidisciplinary team collaboration
Psychosocial assessments expert
CPR, first aid, AED
Records management
Case needs assessments
Community training
Mental health training
Treatment Planning
Case management
Community referrals
Assessment skills
Solution-based interventions
Capacity building
Intervention planning
Analytical thinking
Attention to detail
Conflict resolution
Life skills counseling
Confidential case documentation
Self-awareness
Motivational enhancement therapy
Family case management
Certification
Affiliation: South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP)
References
- H., Mmile, Area Manager, kgokagano.npo@gmail.com, 064 871 2875
- Lakaje, M, Acting Supervisor - Nicro., marthal@nicro.co.za, 072 315 5395
- Chakuwambu, A.K., Operations Manager- Childline South Africa, operations@childlinesa.org.za, 079 228 1102
- Mananga, X., Supervisor- Development, Ntabankulu office., xola.mananga@ecdsd.gov.za, 060 4791 500
Timeline
GBV Social Worker
Kgokagano Sechaba Community Centre
05.2026 - Current
Social Worker
NICRO
07.2024 - 12.2025
Social worker
Childline South Africa (Placed in Sipetu Hospital)
11.2021 - 07.2024
Social Work Practitioner (contractual basis)
Department of Social Development
01.2020 - 01.2021
Student Social Worker
John X Merriman Child and Youth Care Centre
06.2018 - 12.2018
Senior certificate - Grade 12
Ntabankulu Senior Secondary School
Bachelor of Social Work -
University of Fort Hare