A transformative orientation into oncology social work – bridging theory, compassion and real-world clinical practice. Format: Virtual training session Duration: 7 sessions over 7 weeks Course Dates: 18 September – 30 October 2025 Facilitator: Linda Greeff (082 551 3310) Target Group: Social workers across hospital, community, EAP, retirement, psychiatric, voluntary and private practice settings Executive Summary The Oncology Social Work Orientation Programme was delivered over seven weeks in 2025 and received consistently positive feedback. A total of 33 participants attended the programme, with strong requests for more in-depth future sessions focusing on therapeutic techniques. The programme was evaluated as high-impact, practical, and transformative, strengthening both clinical competence and professional identity…

June – July 2025 Facilitator: Linda Greeff 1. Introduction This report provides a comprehensive summary and thematic analysis of the participant feedback gathered from the Oncology Social Work Training Program conducted over seven weeks in June and July 2025. Drawing from reflective responses, written evaluations, and verbal input, the report highlights the personal and professional impact of the training and offers recommendations for future development. 2. Participant Profile Participants represented a diverse range of roles and work settings: Oncology and haematology hospital-based social workers Palliative care practitioners Employee Wellness Programme (EWP) professionals Mental health and addiction recovery social workers Frail care and retirement centre practitioners Independent counsellors and hospice volunteers…

The Cancer Alliance has worked relentlessly to highlight the severe gaps in South Africa’s cancer care system. A recent legal appeal regarding the Gauteng cancer crisis has been one of the most important steps forward in years. It has exposed the deep-rooted lack of leadership, commitment, and operational capacity within both the National Department of Health and the Gauteng Department of Health. Yet, despite this breakthrough and years of dedicated advocacy, we continue to witness delay, inaction, and failure to address the lived realities of cancer patients. The necessary changes are not happening — and lives are at stake. From 2024 to 2027, a series of major research projects captured…

On this Cancer Survivor Day, 2 June, we pause to recognize the strength, resilience, and ongoing journeys of millions of cancer survivors across the world. Surviving cancer is not the end of the story—it’s the beginning of a new chapter, often filled with physical, emotional, and social challenges. Survivorship support is vital. It helps survivors navigate the long-term impact of treatment, make sense of the “new normal,” and find meaningful ways to move forward with life. From fatigue and fear of recurrence to relationship changes and returning to work—these are real, ongoing challenges that deserve attention and care. In light of this, I’m sharing two recent podcast interviews where I…