Namibia’s social workers under pressure … ministry loses over 20 annually

Auleria Wakudumo

The welfare ministry has rung an alarm over mounting pressure on social workers, admitting that their current workload is no longer sustainable due to staff shortages and the increasing complexity of the cases they handle.

Minister Emma Kantema said social workers are experiencing emotional and psychological strain while responding to cases of child abuse, neglect, exploitation, trafficking and family disputes.

Responding to questions raised by IPC MP Lilian Lutuhezi in the National Assembly, Kantema said social workers are among the ministry’s most critical frontline professionals but are often exposed to traumatic experiences that affect their mental well-being.

She said repeated exposure to severe cases can lead to secondary trauma, compassion fatigue, occupational burnout and reduced professional resilience.