ASASWEI INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
10-12 September 2025

To be held at the University of the Free State

CONFERENCE THEME

Advancing Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice, Peace building, and Sustainable Development through teaching, research and practice.

WHO CAN REGISTER?

1. Academics at Higher Education Institution
2. Practitioners in the field of Social Work and related disciplines
3. Registered Students
4. Accompanying Persons

All fees are quoted in South African Rand (ZAR)

SPECIAL CULTURAL THEME DINNER: R500

Early Bird Registrations CLOSE 30 May 2025
Registrations CLOSE 01 August 2025

Bank Name: Nedbank Limited
Branch Name: Nedbank South Africa Branch Code: 198765
Account Holder: Assaswei
Account Type: Current Account
Account Number: 1301347892
SWIFT CODE: NEDSZAJJ

Reference: Your Name or Invoice Number

NB: Should you need a Tax Invoice or an invitation letter from ASASWEI, kindly email the request with your details to secretary@asaswei.org.za

The ASASWEI International Conference 2025 aims to accommodate all registrants, but we understand that extenuating circumstances may arise. To maintain fairness and consistency, the following cancellation and refund policy will apply:

1. Cancellation Process
   Cancellations must be submitted in writing via email to: secretary@asaswei.org.za
2. Refunds Based on Cancellation Timing
   - More than 60 days before the event: Registrations cancelled at this time are eligible for an 80% refund of the registration fees.
   - Between 30 and 60 days before the event: Registrations cancelled during this period are eligible for a 50% refund of the registration fees.
   - Less than 30 days before the event: No refunds will be provided for cancellations made within this time frame.
3. Transfer of Registration
   Registration fees may be transferred to another individual. The invoice for the new registration will reflect the new registrant's membership status.
4. Refund Issues for International Transactions
   If the conference organisers are unable to process a refund, particularly for payments made from outside the country, the registration fee may be applied to a future conference.
5. Cancellation by Conference Organizers
   If the conference is cancelled by the organizers due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., natural disasters, government restrictions, or other extraordinary situations beyond our control), all registrants will receive a full refund.

Definition of Unforeseen Circumstances

Unforeseen circumstances refer to extraordinary events or situations that are beyond the control of the conference organizers. This may include, but is not limited to, acts of nature (e.g., earthquakes, hurricanes, floods), government-imposed travel restrictions, pandemics, or other incidents that would make it impossible or unsafe to proceed with the event.

Advancing Social and Environmental Justice, Peace building, and Sustainable Development through teaching, research and practice.

SYNOPSIS
In a world facing increasing social inequalities, environmental crises, and geopolitical conflicts, the role of social work and related disciplines has never been more vital. As communities grapple with challenges such as climate change, forced displacement, poverty, and human rights violations, social workers, educators, and researchers must actively engage in solutions that promote justice, peace, and sustainability. This international conference provides a platform for critical reflection, knowledge-sharing, and action-oriented discussions on how social work education, research, and practice can drive transformative change in addressing these global issues.

This conference theme recognizes the interconnectedness of social and environmental justice, peacebuilding, and sustainable development. It highlights the importance of integrating green social work perspectives, conflict resolution strategies, and development frameworks into social work education, policy, and field interventions. As the world strives to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), social work must evolve to respond effectively to these global challenges.

Key Focus Areas:
- Socia, economic, and Environmental Justice
- Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution
- Sustainable Development and Social Work
- Teaching and Research, and Practice for Social Change

The conference aims to empower educators, practitioners, and scholars to explore innovative, evidence- based solutions that bridge theory and practice. By fostering dialogue across disciplines and sectors, the event seeks to catalyse global and local actions that promote peace, justice, and sustainability.

Participants will have opportunities to engage in keynote sessions, panel discussions, workshops, and networking forums that will inspire collaborative strategies for social transformation. These gathering challenges all attendees to reflect on their role in shaping a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world through their work in education, advocacy, and direct practice

1. Green Social Work and Climate Resilience: Supporting Vulnerable Communities in the Face of Environmental Crises
2. Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
3. Policy and Advocacy for Peace building, Environmental and Social Justice
4. Social Work Education, Transdisciplinarity and Curriculum Development
5. Feminist Perspectives and Environmental Justice
6. Main-streaming Digital and Assessment Tools in Social Work Practice
7. International and Cross-Cultural Collaborations in Green Social Work

VIEW or DOWNLOAD the Information Brochure to see all Related Topics

You are responsible for your own travel arrangements.
The best way for international delegates to travel to the University of the Free State (UFS) in Bloemfontein, South Africa, depends on their country of origin and preferred mode of transport.

International Flights

1. International Flights to South Africa
   International delegates should first fly into O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, which is the largest and most connected international airport in South Africa. Some may also arrive via Cape Town International Airport (CPT), but Johannesburg is the more direct option.
2. Domestic Flights to Bloemfontein
   From Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo International Airport), the fastest way to get to Bloemfontein is a domestic flight to Bram Fischer International Airport (BFN). Airlines operating on this route include:
   • Airlink 
   • FlySafair
   The flight takes approximately 45 minutes.

Ground Transportation from Bram Fischer International Airport to UFS

Once in Bloemfontein, delegates can reach the UFS Bloemfontein Campus (about 15 km from the airport) using:

• Pre-arranged university shuttle services (arranged by conference organisers)
• Metered taxis or e-hailing services (inDrive)
• Car rental (available at the airport for those preferring to drive themselves)

Alternative: Road Travel from Johannesburg

If delegates prefer not to take a domestic flight, they can travel by road from Johannesburg to Bloemfontein, which takes approximately 4 hours. Options include:

• Luxury coach services (e.g., Greyhound, Intercape, or Eldo Coaches)
• Private shuttle services (some companies offer direct transfers i.e. Citybug (https://citybug.co.za/)
• Car rental (ideal for those who prefer to drive)
• Travelling to Bloemfontein from
  a) Johannesburg, Use N1 South and offramp at Nelson Mandela Drive to the UFS Bloemfontein Campus.
  b) Cape Town, use N1 North and offramp at Nelson Mandela Drive to the UFS Bloemfontein Campus.

Final Recommendation

For convenience and time efficiency, the best option is:
a. Fly to Johannesburg (JNB).
b. Take a domestic flight to Bloemfontein (BFN).
c. Use a taxi or shuttle to reach the University of the Free State.

1.         Airport and accommodation

 Port of Entry:1. OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) 

• ORTIA may experience longer waiting times due to increased international passenger traffic. It is recommended that delegates allow extra time for connecting flights.

• If you are connecting via another city in South Africa, you must collect your luggage at the first port of entry for customs clearance.

Entry Requirements

Passports of delegates should be valid for at least 30 days beyond the expected date of arrival and departure from South Africa and should have at least two unused pages when presented for endorsements.

A valid visa (if applicable) should be obtained from the nearest South African Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate in each country. NO visas will be issued upon arrival in the Republic of South Africa.

South Africa has recently introduced an eVisa platform; further details can be found on the Department of Home Affairs – ePermits page. Delegates applying for an eVisa are advised to review the Q&A section, particularly the requirements for submitting an online application. Additionally, delegates are encouraged to consult their local embassies for guidance in case of any uncertainties.

For detailed information on visa requirements for South Africa, please refer to the: Department of Home Affairs - Visa Applications / Apply for a visa | South African Government (www.gov.za).

2.         Port Health Services

South Africa is signatory to the International Health Regulations, 2005 (IHR, 2005) and is committed to safeguarding the health of both citizens and persons travelling to the country.

To ensure compliance with the IHR 2005 policies and legislative prescripts, health measures will be applied to delegates entering the country.

All travellers will be subjected to screening by Port Health Officials at the point of entry which will include temperature screening. Persons who, during screening, are found to have signs and symptoms consistent with communicable diseases, will be subjected to further assessment, which may include medical examination at the delegate’s cost. This exercise is conducted as a preventative measure at the ports of entry against the spread of communicable diseases like yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, malaria, etc.  Should a delegate experience any signs and symptoms consistent with a communicable disease while in South Africa, they are advised to seek medical attention and inform the medical practitioner of their travel history. In line with the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations, aircraft arriving from a yellow fever or malaria endemic area must be disinfected for the control of mosquito vectors. On arrival at the point of entry, proof of disinfection must be provided to the health specialists prior to disembarkation of delegates.                                                                                                                                         

3. Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement in South Africa

 In compliance with IHR, South Africa requires all persons over the age of one year, who have travelled from or through a yellow fever risk country for more than 12 hours, to present a valid International Certificate of Vaccination against yellow fever. Therefore, travellers arriving in the country from an area determined by the WHO to be at risk of yellow fever transmission are re- quired to produce a valid International Certificate of Vaccination against yellow fever. Travellers who are not in possession of a valid certificate of vaccination against yellow fever may be refused entry or placed under quarantine-surveillance for a period not exceeding six days or until their certificate becomes valid. Travellers who, for medical reasons, cannot have a yellow fever vaccine, must be in possession of a signed, valid waiver letter from the travel health practitioner. Travellers who are in possession of a waiver letter will be required to report any fever or other symptoms to a health practitioner and be placed under quarantine surveillance. All guests are requested to comply with the South African Department of Health and WHO guidelines and policies pertaining to vaccinations.

4. Immunisations

MALARIA: Durban/Johannesburg is a malaria-free.

5. Environmental Health Service

The tap water in South Africa is safe to drink. Food safety is a priority. Smoking policies in public places are strictly enforced.

6. Banking services and currency

Banking hours are from 09:00 to 15:30 on weekdays and from 08:30 to 11:00 on Saturdays. Banking amenities are available at all commercial banks. Most banks have cash dispensing machines accepting Visa, Master Card, and Cirrus. Bureau de Change facilities are available in most of the branches of South African major banks. 

Most internationally recognised currencies and travellers’ cheques can be exchanged at commercial banks, hotels, and international airports. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. 

There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency that may be imported into South Africa by individual non-residents, provided that it is declared on arrival to facilitate the exportation thereof on departure. The unit of currency is the rand (R) that is divided into 100 cents. Exchange rates are subject to fluctuation.

7.         Electricity supply

South Africa operates on 230V electricity with a frequency of 50Hz. The power sockets used are primarily.

Type M (the large three-pin plug), although Type C (the standard European two-pin plug) is often used, and most Hotel establishments have universal sockets. For safety, many of South Africa’s electrical sockets are recessed, requiring the plug to be fully inserted before connection is made.

For more information, please visit www.worlstandards.eu/electricity/plug-voltage-by-country.

8.         Business and shopping hours

Offices and businesses are generally open from 08:30 to 17:00, Monday to Friday. Opening hours on Saturdays and Sunday’s range between 09:00 and 17:00.

9.         Value-Added Tax

Value-Added Tax (VAT) is charged on most goods and services except when purchased in duty-free shops at international airports. The current rate is 15%. On presentation of the goods and tax invoices, VAT may be reclaimed on certain items at international airports on departure.

10.       Tipping

It is customary to tip for service in South Africa. An acceptable amount is 10-15%. If you are a group of six or more, restaurants will usually automatically add a gratuity to your bill.

11.       Time

South African Standard Time (SAST) is GMT+2.

12.  Mobile networks

The following South African mobile telephone service providers are available: Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Telkom, Cell phone SIM cards are widely available. However, every SIM card user/buyer in South Africa is expected by law to be registered for activation. The SIM card can be registered at the point of purchase. A letter from your hotel/Embassy/High Commission as proof of residence as well as your passport will be required.

13. Climate

SA follows 4 typical seasons. 

Sept, Oct, Nov is Spring (Spring is beautiful weather, slightly cool with 25 degrees and getting warmer in October – November – up to 35 degrees)

Dec, Jan, Feb is Summer (Summer has high temperatures up to 35 degrees or slightly above)

March, April, May is Autumn (Autum is cooler weather- 20-35 degrees). Light jackets are worn.

June, July, August is Winter.  Some cities (eg Johannesburg) experience very cold weather at this time. Snow is experienced over the Drakensberg area (borders Free State, KwaZulu-Natal inland, and Lesotho)

For useful and important South African Tourism information consult: https://www.southafrica.net