Abstract

205 submissions

# Sort descending	Operations	Status	Status	Title	Lastname	Firstname	eMail	Institution	Title of Presentatation	Theme Selection	Abstract
24	View	Rejected	Rejected	Ms.	Matela	Minenhle	[email protected]	University of Johannesburg	Promoting Resilience and Human Rights: Integrating Psychosocial Services in Adverse Events and Trauma Recovery	THEME 1: Promoting stakeholder partnerships that protect, support and enhance resilience during adverse events and trauma	This conference paper explores the importance of psychosocial services in addressing adverse events and resulting trauma from a human rights perspective. Adverse events, such as natural disasters or conflicts, can profoundly impact individuals and communities, leading to significant psychological distress. The paper emphasizes the principles of dignity, non-discrimination, and equitable access to services, arguing that a comprehensive and culturally sensitive approach to psychosocial interventions is necessary to address the unique needs of affected individuals and communities. The paper also highlights the importance of community engagement, empowerment, and participation in designing and implementing psychosocial interventions. By integrating human rights principles into psychosocial services, the paper advocates for a holistic and rights-based approach that fosters resilience promotes recovery and safeguards the rights and well-being of those impacted by adverse events and trauma. Keywords: Resilience, Human Rights, Trauma, Psychosocial Services.
25	View	Accepted	Accepted	Dr.	LEBURU	GOITSEONE	[email protected]	UniSA: University of South Australia	Wrestling with the Gender-based violence pandemic: An Afrocentric social work perspective	THEME 4: Quality management and enhancement of social services	Gender-based violence (GBV) scourge has been placed in the national agenda by the South African (SA) government. While SA continues to wrestle with GBV, there has deliberations among social work scholars, academics, and practitioners to Africanise social work education and practice. Despite this, there is paucity of research that investigates GBV from a decolonised and Afrocentric perspective. Moreover, the education and practice are still relying heavily on the Eurocentric approaches, interventions and methods which have been criticised by many scholars. Informed by the Afrocentric perspective, this paper seeks to reposition social work in the Pan African Agenda to rethink alternative strategies to curb GBV by tapping into the indigenous knowledge and resources. This paper calls for a need to return to the drawing board and determine how the current social work education and practice can be blended with a traditional African knowledge base, approaches, and models to curb GBV.
26	View	Accepted	Accepted	Dr.	Ramabulana-Ndzuta	Joyce	[email protected]	Government. Department of Social Development	The State of Social Work Supervision in South Africa	THEME 4: Quality management and enhancement of social services	Social work supervision is a support, mentoring and professional development platform for social workers. It also must develop their knowledge, skills, abilities and disposition to deliver effective services. The main problem in the practice of social work supervision is that it focuses primarily on social workers delivering on their caseloads with little attention paid to their professional and emotional needs. More challenges include: Lack of theoretical framework in its practice; lack of resources; lack of training and lack of policies. The aim of this study was to explore the state of social work supervision in the South African welfare sector. The study applied a mixed-methods research approach and a convergent parallel design. Non-probability and the accidental sampling and also random sampling for the quantitative approach. Participants for both the qualitative and quantitative study comprised social workers and supervisors from DSD and the NGOs in four provinces. The main findings of the study suggest that social work supervision is lacking in areas such as support for both social workers and supervisors; lack of training for new supervisors. One of the recommendations was that social work supervision must become part of the modules taught in Universities. Keywords: Supervision; Support; Training.
27	View	Accepted	Accepted	Prof.	Gxubane	Thulane	[email protected]	UCT	Exploration of professional supervision of probation officers from the perspectives of their supervisors in SA.	THEME 4: Quality management and enhancement of social services	This paper presents the findings of a study which explored the supervision of probation officers (POs) in SA. The research design was mixed methodology & involved POs and their supervisors. This paper presents the findings from the perspectives of the supervisors which were gathered through in-depth qualitative interviews. The study found that most supervisors did not hold any postgraduate qualification in probation practice and/or in supervision. Their key performance areas included performing management & human resources tasks, overseeing the implementation of a variety of programmes, mentoring & supervision to DSD-funded organisations. Key challenges regarding supervision of POs included some provisions of national supervision policy such as appointment of supervisors, finding time for supervision, irregular supervision, postponement of cases at courts, lack of expertise knowledge & experience in probation practice, reliance on NGOs for intervention programmes, and lack of resources. Most supervisors were too stressed and not coping with their workload, As a result this affected the nature and frequency of supervision they provide to POs. The paper is concluded by recommendations regarding education and training curriculum for supervision of POs and suggestions for DSD to overcome the challenges that have been identified in the study.
28	View	Accepted	Accepted	Mr.	Mabvira	Agrippa	[email protected]	University of the Witwatersrand	Overcoming challenges to acculturation: insights and suggestions from immigrant adolescent learners in South Africa.	THEME 1: Promoting stakeholder partnerships that protect, support and enhance resilience during adverse events and trauma	Immigrant adolescent learners are vulnerable to challenges such as discrimination, xenophobia, poor academic performance, cultural confusion, and acculturation gap. However, there is limited research that gives voices to immigrant adolescent learners to come up with their own solutions and recommendations to alleviate these challenges. Thus, this study aimed to use the Participatory Action Research (PAR) framework within the qualitative research methodology to capture recommendations from immigrant adolescent learners through the technique of Photovoice. Human capabilities approach and acculturation theory were the underlining theoretical frameworks. The study was conducted in strict accordance with established ethical guidelines, and a comprehensive set of measures was implemented to ensure trustworthiness. The evidence recommends intercultural training for educators, awareness campaigns, methodical and continuous language support, a culturally responsive curriculum, concerted effort by civil society and the government against xenophobia as well as responsible reporting by media outlets to avoid the perpetuation of stereotypes against immigrants.
29	View	Accepted	Accepted	Mr.	Nqaphi	Sivuyile	[email protected]	University of Fort Hare	DEVELOPMENT OF AN INNOVATIVE STRATEGY TO ADDRESS CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE INVESTIGATIONS IN THE EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA.	THEME 4: Quality management and enhancement of social services	ABSTRACT This research article examines the investigation of child sexual abuse cases in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. It highlights the challenges faced by different role players and discusses recommendations based on international literature. The findings suggest that a conceptual framework combining theories can enhance investigation efficiency. However, monitoring and evaluation of the proposed model are necessary for improvement. Despite progress in policy formulation, implementation remains a significant issue. The study emphasises the need for more effective responses to address the escalating problem of child abuse in South Africa.
30	View	Accepted	Accepted	Dr.	Nathane-Taulela	Motalelpule	[email protected]	University of the Witwatersrand	Gender-based Violence and Femicide Interventions- Perspectives from community members and activists in Evaton, South Africa	THEME 3: Strategies toward the normative development of society	Globally, Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) remains a multifaceted social issue in the 21st century. Despite the ratification of international treaties and national laws, South Africa continues to have alarmingly high levels of GBVF, which were worsened during the Covid-19 national lockdown. Despite copious studies on GBVF, the voices of local community members and activists as key collaborators in such research have been excluded. This study used a mixed methods and included fourty (40) participants in a survey for the quantitative aspect as well as a qualitative aspect of the study. Community members participated in gender-specific focus group discussions, while activists had a focus group of their own to obtain data on interventions. Findings show that while the South African government has made strides in its efforts to eliminate GBVF, there are no sustainable community level programming and intervention aimed at changing social norms and toxic masculinity that perpetuate GBVF. In conclusion, we recommend that efforts be made to implement intervention initiatives that go beyond creating awareness on GBVF, but partner with local NGO-led organizations to engage in programming and intervention that is aimed at changing social norms.
31	View	Accepted	Accepted	Dr.	Mfanasibili	Mbongeni	[email protected]	unizulu	Factors contributing to the abuse and killing of people with albinism in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa	THEME 1: Promoting stakeholder partnerships that protect, support and enhance resilience during adverse events and trauma
32	View	Accepted	Accepted	Mr.	XWESO	Mzukisi	[email protected]	Nelson Mandela University	Multi-institutional collaborations in creating safety nets for vulnerable women involved in scrap collection in the rural Eastern Cape of South Africa	THEME 1: Promoting stakeholder partnerships that protect, support and enhance resilience during adverse events and trauma	Waste collecting has evolved into a lucrative industry for the unemployed throughout the world. Women make a living and provide for their children by working in the informal economy, primarily by collecting and selling waste. In order to explore the livelihoods of female scrap collectors in the rural Eastern Cape of South Africa, this qualitative study used a multiple case study design. From the many case studies used as research sites in the Eastern Cape, participants were recruited using a convenience sampling. The results showed that the covid had a terrible impact on the women participating in the scrap-collecting endeavor. Their livelihoods had been destroyed, and the viability of the labour they do is moot. In order to develop policy that addresses social inclusion of scrap collectors in the formal systems of waste collecting structures and to provide safety nets for women, the recommendations emphasise the necessity of multi-institutional collaborations.
33	View	Accepted	Accepted	Mr.	Maluleke	Tsunduka	[email protected]	Department of Social Development	The perspectives of social work supervisees on the quality of supervision	THEME 4: Quality management and enhancement of social services	The study was intended to explore the perspectives of social work supervisees on the quality of supervision in the Giyani region of South Africa. A qualitative research approach was adopted to explore, describe and contextualize their perspectives. The data for the study was collected from 13 social work supervisees through semi-structured interviews and was analyzed using Creswell's (2014) steps of data analysis. The study concluded that majority of the participants 10 of 13 are not offered quality supervision by their supervisors in the Giyani region. The participants, amongst other reasons, attributed the poor quality of supervision to the fact that supervisors were not appointed to their supervisory positions but that they are employed as social workers who are then delegated to the supervision tasks without any remuneration for the supervision duties that they render.
34	View	Accepted	Accepted	Ms.	Moseki-Lowani	Tendani	[email protected]	University of Botswana	A World of their Own: Qualitative study on Life Experiences of People with Albinism in Botswana	THEME 1: Promoting stakeholder partnerships that protect, support and enhance resilience during adverse events and trauma	It has been observed that, despite the efforts of various stakeholders to raise awareness on oculocutaneous albinism globally, regionally, and nationally and despite various studies surrounding the issue, stigma and marginalisation plague in many communities, including Botswana. The study seeks to explore the life experiences of people with albinism. It seeks such understanding through the direct testimony of people with albinism. In addition, the study will contribute to existing knowledge focusing on a disability that is more visible on the surface than its physical and mental limitations. Thus, it may contribute to awareness of what appearance means cross culturally and suggest ways in which the situation may be addressed and enhanced.
35	View	Accepted	Accepted	Dr.	Rankopp	Morena	[email protected]	University of Botswana	Psychosocial service provision using technology: Reflections from Botswana	THEME 4: Quality management and enhancement of social services	There is no doubt that the world has been experiencing diverse adversities resulting in deaths, injuries, economic losses, and trauma. Social work is one of the helping professions that is called upon to respond, mitigate, and reconstruct social structures following adversities. Drawing from our experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, we contend that the use of technologies can be instrumental in providing psychosocial services, monitoring, and providing updated information to individuals, families and communities on emerging trends associated with the adversity. Failure to adapt technology may deprive beneficiaries of needed services, information, and somehow complicate the response measures by human services practitioners. This paper contends that preparedness measures for adversities should incorporate the identification of technologies that would aid assessment, relief, counselling, monitoring trends, and guiding responses. Key words: Social work, Botswana, psychosocial, adversities, technologies
36	View	Accepted	Accepted	Dr.	Rankopo	Morena	[email protected]	University of Botswana	ADVOCACY FOR AND REDUCING THE VULNERABILITY OF UNDOCUMENTED MIGRANTS: A BOTSWANA EXPERIENCE	THEME 1: Promoting stakeholder partnerships that protect, support and enhance resilience during adverse events and trauma	Migration is prompted by various factors including climate change, economic, disasters, civil strife, and health adversities. While there may be international protocols to guide humanitarian responses for migrants, the protocols provide a framework that is too narrow and limited to address the needs of migrants during adversities. Thus, undocumented migrants are always left behind. Interventions to address vulnerable populations are led by civil society organisations who operate with inadequate information on this population, and often operate under resources constraints. This paper discusses the legal and policy framework on social protection during the COVID-19 pandemic in Botswana focusing on undocumented migrants. For the first time in the history of adversities, the social work profession was on all media platforms as the first line of response and mitigation against the effects of COVID-19. The paper suggests how the social work response could be strengthened in future to promote social inclusion of the most vulnerable populations.
37	View	Accepted	Accepted	Dr.	Gwam	Zukiswa	[email protected]	Nelson Mandela University	The vulnerability of rural women in small businesses and the implication of social work practice	THEME 1: Promoting stakeholder partnerships that protect, support and enhance resilience during adverse events and trauma	Women have a crucial role to play in socioeconomic development in impoverished rural areas in South Africa. Despite the commitment that the government has expressed to raising standards of living in rural areas, progress has been extremely slow and women have borne the brunt of poverty, often being obliged to engage in the informal survival strategies such as engaging in small business activities. This qualitative study leaned on narrative interviews to determine the strategies that the purposively selected rural women in Alice of the Eastern Cape province develop to operate successful and sustainable small businesses and earn a living for their families. The findings revealed that the strategies that they used to ensure the survival of their businesses were resilience, resourcefulness, and an ability to make accurate observations. The recommendations provide guidelines for women to be protected and empowered in the wake of adversity by social workers and other stakeholders in the development fraternity.
38	View	Accepted	Accepted	Dr.	Abdullah	Somaya	[email protected]	University of Cape Town	Intergenerational family life and care of older people in South Africa	THEME 2: Building sustainable, resilient, and self-reliant communities through indigenous modalities, inter-sectoral collaborations, and partnerships	This paper examines intergenerational family life, which is the most common African household type, and its inclusion in care service provision for older people in social work and social development in South Africa. The paper draws on the findings of a qualitative research study that was conducted in a religious-cultural environment with older people and their caregivers to identify areas of family vulnerability amidst the difficult socio-economic conditions of South African society. On this basis, various dimensions of inter-sectoral collaboration that are necessary to support families facing adversity are identified. Emphasis is placed on the importance of engaging religious, cultural, and indigenous practice frameworks, and relevant stakeholders to promote appropriate policy and services for clients in relation to their lived realities. These aspects are central to empowering communities in terms of minimizing the vulnerabilities that are attendant to intergenerational family life and care.
39	View	Accepted	Accepted	Dr.	Chiwara	Peggie	[email protected]	University of Pretoria	Essential knowledge, values, and skills for environmental and green social work	THEME 4: Quality management and enhancement of social services	A generalist framing of social work draws from a common knowledge, skills, and value base that aids social workers in their quest for social justice. Climate change, the frequency and intensity of natural and human made disasters and their disproportionately negative impacts on service users call for intensified efforts in promoting social, economic, and ecological justice. The combined effects of poverty, inequality, human made, and environmental disasters furthermore necessitate a re-examination of social work’s foundational base in view of grounding it within a sustainable development framework. This conceptual paper is drawn from a desk review of the Global Agenda (2012) theme on promoting environmental and community sustainability. It presents the essential knowledge, skills, and values for environmental and green social work which social workers could draw from in developing an integrated view of people and the environment and thereby intervening for people, planet, and prosperity.
40	View	Accepted	Accepted	Dr.	lelaka	Tshidi	[email protected]	University of Witwatersrand	The need to support HIV-serodiscordant couples: Perspectives from family members	THEME 2: Building sustainable, resilient, and self-reliant communities through indigenous modalities, inter-sectoral collaborations, and partnerships	The need to support HIV-serodiscordant couples: Perspectives from family members Constance Matshidiso Lelaka, Daniel Tuelo Masilo, Dr Zintle Ntshongwana The Discipline of Social Work, School of Human & Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa. ORCID Number: 0000-0003-3021-562X Corresponding author: [email protected] Background: The psychosocial support of family members for the HIV discordant couples is necessary for HIV intervention and programming. Method: An interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) design was used. Data were collected from eight family members of the HIV-serodiscordant couples using a snowball technique. A face-to-face unstructured interview guide was used to collect data. Data were analysed using the interpretive phenomenological analysis framework. Results: Family members shown disbelief, inadequate knowledge regarding HIV-serodiscordancy and provided emotional and psychosocial support to HIV-serodiscordant couples. The couples attend their clinic consultations, adhered to medication, ate well, received financial support, and both (couples and families) were able to share HIV essential knowledge to empower each other to combat HIV stigma. Conclusions: There is need for increased family-based psychosocial support, intervention, education, and public awareness to educate family members. The government may consider interventions based on the views of HIV-serodiscordant couples and families when designing policies to tackle familial lack of information.
41	View	Accepted	Accepted	Dr.	Coetzee Spies	Magriet	[email protected]	UP	The Community Oriented Substance Use Programme in the City of Tshwane: a cross sectional survey of stakeholder perceptions.	THEME 1: Promoting stakeholder partnerships that protect, support and enhance resilience during adverse events and trauma
42	View	Accepted	Accepted	Dr.	Chiba	Jenita	[email protected]	University of Pretoria	An Evaluation of a Family- and Community-based Intervention: Sihleng’imizi ‘We Care for Families’	THEME 2: Building sustainable, resilient, and self-reliant communities through indigenous modalities, inter-sectoral collaborations, and partnerships	In South Africa, the provision of social grants, such as the Child Support Grant (CSG), has the aim of addressing high poverty and inequality in post-apartheid South Africa. The CSG in particular has had positive impacts on the educational, nutritional and health outcomes of children. In countries such as Columbia, Mexico, Niger, Brazil and Peru, there has been a shift to scale up the positive impacts of cash transfer programmes by offering complementary interventions, otherwise known as ‘cash plus care’ programmes. A study by Patel, et al. (2017) indicated the need for an evidenced-based family intervention which would scale-up the positive impacts of the CSG. Emanating from the findings of the abovementioned study, the Sihleng’imizi Family Programme was designed. This paper will present the evaluation of the pilot Sihleng’imizi intervention, to inform the development of an appropriate programme to promote and improve child-well-being outcomes of CSG beneficiaries.
43	View	Accepted	Accepted	Dr.	Mundau	Mulwayini	[email protected]	National University of Lesotho	The effectiveness of Community-Based Participatory Partnerships in combating children’s vulnerability in Maseru, Lesotho	THEME 3: Strategies toward the normative development of society	The complex nature of child vulnerability cases in Lesotho has contributed to the need for Community-Based Partnerships in addressing the scourge. Using a qualitative research approach and an explorative design, the paper explored the effectiveness of these partnerships in combating child vulnerabilities that manifest themselves through teenage pregnancy and early marriages. The population of the study was constituted of members from the Child and Gender Protection Unit, child welfare organisations, Social Development officers and the traditional local authorities. The findings of the study show the relevance of traditional child protection mechanisms, the strength of collaboration and optimal resource utilization. However, the study findings also show the effects of migration on the family system, cultural barriers, competition and lack of commitment. The paper conclusively notes the critical role of partnerships in combating children’s vulnerability and recommends capacity building, the promotion of positive cultural practices and more financial support.

Primary tabs

Secondary tabs

2023 Conference