​Makwe Sebei was elected as the Gauteng Department of Social Development Social Work Supervisor Learning and Support Forum during its two-day annual general meeting recently held at the Civic Theatre in Vereeniging, Sedibeng Region.
The newly elected chairperson vows to serve the provincial structure with humility and distinction. He further promised to hit the ground running and to do his best to embrace the collective that was elected with him, to listen to every piece of advice, and to ensure transparency in the running of the forum.

Sebei is a Social Work Supervisor under probation in Hammanskraal, Tshwane Region. He has been serving in the regional forum as an additional member since 2022, and the following year, he was elected to the provincial forum as an additional member.

He said he appreciates the trust, overwhelming confidence, and support that have been shown to him and promise not to disappoint in his role as he’s leading a cohort of social work professionals. He describes himself as a democratic leader who prefers to work as a team and always takes consultative decisions.

“I am truly humbled by the overwhelming confidence and trust that is bestowed on me, and I am looking forward to the task, which I know is not going to be easy, but I believe that we are equal to the tasks ahead. I am aware that I shall only be able to discharge my responsibility by working together with all the elected leadership, including additional members and the talent that exists in our profession, for all the regions, to ensure quality work," he said.

Sebei said the structure’s purpose is to create a learning and support environment where supervisors will converge to empower one another to improve quality supervision and further improve service delivery.

“This is to strengthen supervision and drive the workforce to ensure that services are delivered to our clients.”

Sebei further appreciated the support from the HOD for the forum, adding that he is positive that the issue of the budget, which has been a challenge for years, will be addressed.

“We really appreciate the support from the high office, and we hope that the structure will be given resources so that we are able to execute our mandate without any hindrance as we implement the plans and programs of the forum," he added.

He said Social Work Supervisors may take on a variety of responsibilities, but their work is often centred on managing a team of Social Workers and keeping them engaged in their work. They provide guidance to the less-experienced Social Workers, acting as mentors and often stepping up to take on the most challenging cases.