“Moving from South Africa was a big step, but I’m glad I did it.”

By Gemma Raw

​In our latest series of relocation stories, we catch up with experienced adult social worker, Fisani Mahlangu, who we helped relocate from Zimbabwe and South Africa to the North Yorkshire city of Ripon.

From supporting victims of modern slavery and domestic abuse to now safeguarding vulnerable adults in North Yorkshire, Fisani’s story is hugely inspiring.

Fisani, could you tell us a bit about yourself?

“Sure. Although I’ve spent nearly 20 years of my life living and working in South Africa, I am originally from Zimbabwe. I have been a social worker for 13 years and have three children; two grown-up daughters studying at the Witwatersrand University in Johannesburg and a teenage son who moved to Ripon with me.”

Could you tell us more about your journey into social work?

“My journey into social work started when I qualified as a social worker from the University of Fort Hare in South Africa in 2009. I always say that the profession chose me. Originally, when I applied to University, I wanted to study Social Sciences, but a Social Work scholarship came up instead and so I decided to take it, and I’ve never looked back.

“Being a social worker is what I was born to be – it just feels so natural to help other people.

“My first role was working as a social worker on behalf of a private agency in the Province of Mpumalanga, which is about a 3-hour drive from Johannesburg. Here I supported children and adults experiencing acute mental health and physical disability crises for almost two years.

“My next role, which I stayed in for nine years, involved working for another private agency supporting victims of modern slavery and domestic abuse. After this, and still staying within the same line of work, I stepped into the role of Social Work Manager where I helped to set up an agency helping non-for-profit organisations to support victims of domestic abuse.”

What was it like supporting victims of domestic abuse and modern slavery?

“I was working in a traumatic and dangerous sector, supporting people whose lives were at high risk. I was helping women and children escape emotionally, mentally and physically abusive partners by finding shelters (safe houses) for them to heal and rebuild.

“I also supported victims of modern slavery (human trafficking), which is a big problem in South Africa. So many vulnerable children and adults across the continent are coerced into moving to South Africa for a better life, only to be exploited in the worse possible way when they arrive. People are being held prisoner and forced to work all day, every day, without pay. My role was to support victims and find shelters for them to keep safe while their abusers were brought to justice.

“Interrupting and breaking the cycle of violence was intense and challenging but hugely rewarding. I will always remember the people I helped.”

How have your experiences shaped the social worker you are today?

“Working in such risky environments and supporting people who’ve experienced unimaginable trauma has definitely shaped my practice.

“My experiences have made me acutely aware of my surroundings. As well as listening carefully to what someone is telling me, I also observe what their environment is communicating. This, I believe, is really important in safeguarding adults.

“Given how much inter-agency coordination was required to support domestic abuse victims, I am also great at working as part of a multi-disciplinary team where, as professionals, we rely on each other.”

What was your biggest achievement in South Africa?

“The thing I am most proud of is becoming a Social Work Manager and being recognised for my experience supporting domestic abuse victims. Helping set up an agency specialising in supporting other non-profits to help victims of domestic abuse was a real highlight. I also mentored other social workers, guiding them to support victims and work with other agencies and partners to find shelters quickly.”

What made you decide to move to the UK?

“It was a big decision to move to the UK. For nearly 20 years, South Africa had been my home, but the country is experiencing significant political and economic challenges. Plus, after being in the country for so long, I could still not obtain permanent residency as a Zimbabwean. I realised that my days working in South Africa were ending, so I started exploring alternative options, and the UK seemed like a good choice.

“I knew that a move to the UK would allow me to progress my career further and give me the financial freedom to support my two daughters at University and give my son, who’s coming up to 14, more opportunities.

“Of course, one of the biggest benefits of joining North Yorkshire County Council is having a new professional challenge. It’s an exciting new chapter as I adapt to a new environment.”

What challenges did you face in relocating?

“Before I came across Sanctuary, I applied for several social work roles at different agencies, but their communication was very patchy. Sometimes I would be put on hold and never put through to the right person, and other times I would apply for a position, and I’d never hear back. Until Sanctuary approached me, it was very frustrating.”

Could you tell us more about what made your experience with Sanctuary so good?

“My experience with Sanctuary has been a positive one. They kept me informed from the day of my interview to the day my son and I arrived in the UK and beyond.

“They made the relocation process straightforward. They were great at informing me of what was happening, and I always knew what stage I was at in my journey.

“Sanctuary genuinely cares about me as a person. There were several occasions when they went above and beyond. For example, they really helped me spend my relocation budget wisely. One day, I remember putting some things into an online shopping basket, and they kindly advised me that I’d be wasting my money on certain things and suggested less expensive items. They also went to a lot of effort in finding good accommodation for my son and I – somewhere we feel really happy living. This level of hand-holding is needed when you’re completely new to a country.”

What are you enjoying most about your new role in the UK?

“A big part of my role is assessing the care needs of adults and making sure that these are met. I enjoy identifying and putting in place the right support for them to live fulfilling lives.

“I haven’t been in my role very long (I arrived in December 2022) but in that time, I’ve learned so much already. My employer, North Yorkshire County Council, has an excellent induction and training package for international social workers, and I have been shadowing another social care assessor to help me adapt. Now, I am putting those theories and observations into action in my care assessments, which is great.

“I love being here and thank Sanctuary for helping to make it happen.”

If you'd like to start the next stage of your career in the UK, get in touch with Sanctuary International or browse our current vacancies.