---
title: "Locked in, trapped out"
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "CARTOON"
author: "Nathi and UBUNTOONS"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/nathi-and-afritoons/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-06-02-locked-in-trapped-out/"
published: "2026-06-02T12:58:17"
updated: "2026-06-02T13:04:25"
lang: "en-ZA"
---

# Locked in, trapped out

By Nathi and UBUNTOONS · Published 2 June 2026, 14:58 SAST · Updated 2 June 2026, 15:04 SAST

## Key points
- Thousands of qualified social workers remain unemployed while South African schools struggle with growing levels of trauma, violence and overcrowding. Funding and systemic barriers continue to keep help out of reach.

## Content

![Image](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/Lw7NmiI1Pp8zx_KOOLbClixeDtg=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/mazecartoon1_571697.jpg)