South Africa: From Crisis to Opportunity – The Story of Vutomi Hlabangwani

Turning Adversity into Action

When life closed one door for Vutomi Hlabangwani, she opened many others—not just for herself, but for hundreds of social workers across South Africa. Born and raised in Hasani-Dakhari, a small village in Limpopo, Vutomi’s journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of women to lead change.

After earning her Social Work degree from UNISA and dedicating seven years to serving children at a Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCC), Vutomi faced an unexpected challenge. In 2022, her husband’s deployment to Mozambique forced her to leave her job, as the role required constant stand-by availability. She believed finding another position would be easy given her qualifications and experience. Instead, she encountered a harsh reality: unemployment among social workers was at crisis levels. 

For every vacancy advertised, more than 1,000 applicants competed—an overwhelming statistic that left many professionals disillusioned.

The Turning Point

Rather than succumb to despair, Vutomi began researching the unemployment crisis among social workers. Her findings were sobering but sparked a bold idea: social workers could leverage their skills beyond traditional roles. She encouraged peers to explore remote work opportunities such as transcription for Rev.com and tutoring through TOEFL platforms. These alternatives provided income and restored dignity for many. But Vutomi’s vision extended further. She realised that true empowerment lay in entrepreneurship. In early 2023, she founded Vutomi Social Workers and Consulting (Pty) Ltd, a company dedicated to helping social workers establish private practices and become agents of their own development. Her mission was clear: move social workers from victims of unemployment to entrepreneurs driving productive self-reliance.

Building a Movement

Through training programmes, mentorship, and supervision, Vutomi equips social workers with the tools to navigate private practice successfully. Her approach ensures compliance with professional norms and ethical standards set by the Council for Social Service Professions. After completing training, participants receive lifetime mentorship. A commitment that underscores Vutomi’s dedication to sustainable change.

The impact is remarkable. Today, 53 social workers are enrolled in her mentorship and supervision programme. Her WhatsApp channel boasts 572 followers, and her LinkedIn network has grown to 4,700 connections, creating a vibrant community of professionals sharing resources and opportunities. Vutomi also actively posts job vacancies, bridging gaps between employers and job seekers.

Story of Change Quotes:

 Quote 1 

Ikanyeng Baloyi - I have the most wonderful experience with Vutomi Social Workers and Consulting. The director is knowledgeable, friendly, and has a heart for serving. She goes over and above to supervise social workers in private practice, share resources, and link us to better opportunities.

Quote 2: 

Bongi Mpukwana - I know this social worker called Vutomi Hlabangwani for her big heart, kindness, passion, professionalism, and commitment to her work. She embodies social work values and takes all her responsibilities very seriously.”

Quote 3:

Mavis Chauke - Excellent service.

These testimonials reflect more than satisfaction—they reveal a shift in mindset. Social workers are no longer waiting for opportunities; they are creating them.

Sustainability and Next Steps

Vutomi’s model prioritises sustainability. She offers monthly group supervision workshops free of charge, alongside private individual sessions. Her training programmes also provide Continuous Professional Development (CPD) points, ensuring participants remain compliant with evolving professional standards. With three branches and three locum social workers already employed, Vutomi’s enterprise is growing steadily. Her next ambition? Securing an Employee Wellness Profession Tender to expand her impact even further.

A Story of Courage and Change

Vutomi Hlabangwani’s journey is more than a personal triumph. It is a blueprint for transformation. By turning crisis into opportunity, she has redefined what it means to be a social worker in South Africa. Her story reminds us that when women lead with vision and courage, they not only change their own lives, but they also change the world.

By: Marthe Muller