Abstract

205 submissions

# Sort descending	Operations	Status	Status	Title	Lastname	Firstname	eMail	Institution	Title of Presentatation	Theme Selection	Abstract
105	View	Accepted	Accepted	Prof.	Zelnick	Jennifer	[email protected]	Touro College Graduate School of Social Work	Social Work Role in Differentiated Service Delivery for People with HIV/AIDS and Multidrug Resistant Tuberculosis	THEME 1: Promoting stakeholder partnerships that protect, support and enhance resilience during adverse events and trauma	For people living with HIV/AIDS, Differentiated Service Delivery (DSD) has focused on enhancing resilience, self-efficacy, and engagement. For people co-infected with HIV/AIDS and multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), there are severe challenges associated with treatment, including stigma, social and structural barriers. We used empirical adherence data and qualitative research based in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, to identify longitudinal barriers to medication adherence to inform an MDR-TB/HIV DSD-model incorporating social work interventions that address psychosocial/structural barriers to care engagement. Based on these data, DSD for people with MDR-TB/HIV should 1) intensify support for severely adherence-challenged subpopulations, while adherent patients may require less intensive support, 2) address decreased adherence over time and 3) account for psychosocial, behavioral, and structural challenges linked to discrete treatment stages. Social work role in DSD to address the psychosocial dimensions of health can improve outcomes for individuals with MDR-TB/HIV and the health and well-being of their families and communities.
106	View	Accepted	Accepted	Prof.	Bila	Nontembeko	[email protected]	University of Pretoria	Building Resilience: Strengthening Mental Health Services for Disaster Preparedness and Recovery: A Social Work Perspective	THEME 2: Building sustainable, resilient, and self-reliant communities through indigenous modalities, inter-sectoral collaborations, and partnerships	This abstract stresses the importance of resilience and mental health services in disaster preparedness and recovery, specifically from a social work standpoint. It highlights the role of social workers in addressing mental health needs during and after disasters, exploring the connection between resilience and mental well-being. Factors contributing to resilience in individuals and communities are discussed, alongside the unique role of social work in disaster preparedness, including the integration of mental health services. Strategies for strengthening mental health services in disaster-affected communities, such as collaboration, trauma-informed care, and community engagement, are presented. Case studies, best practices, and lessons learned demonstrate the impact of social work in promoting resilience. The abstract concludes by addressing challenges, opportunities, and recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders, highlighting the significance of a social work perspective in enhancing mental health services for disaster resilience.
107	View	Accepted	Accepted	Dr.	Sithole	Mbongeni	[email protected]	UKZN	Ma’at Institute’s role in adverse situations: Collective autoethnographic reflections of facilitators rendering African-centred psychosocial interventions	THEME 1: Promoting stakeholder partnerships that protect, support and enhance resilience during adverse events and trauma	This paper synthesises findings drawn from the Ma’at Institute facilitators’ reflective experiences of rendering African-centred psychosocial interventions with clients in distress. Ma’at Institute is a multidisciplinary centre established through partnership between the UKZN and the HWSETA. This paper explores how the facilitators describe their developmental process and what it means to be a Ma’at Institute facilitator in an African-centred context. This article is based on the reflection stories and experiences of five facilitators. It is framed within the autoethnographic framework influenced by the reflective practice approach. Four themes that emerged are self-critical approach, maximised orientation to African-based skills, personal-cultural connection and maintaining of personal-professional balance. The paper concludes with the view that the Ma’at Institute provides an intermediate platform for practitioners transitioning from a theory-based learning context to an African-centred practice context. The paper recommends the need for the expansion of centres of this nature to bridge theory and practice effectively.
108	View	Accepted	Accepted	Prof.	Bila	Nontembeko	[email protected]	University of Pretoria	Load Shedding and Its Impact on the Mental Psyche of South African Citizens	THEME 2: Building sustainable, resilient, and self-reliant communities through indigenous modalities, inter-sectoral collaborations, and partnerships	This abstract examines the psychological, emotional, and social consequences of living in a power-constrained environment. The psychological impact of load shedding is explored, highlighting feelings of powerlessness, anxiety, and stress resulting from unpredictable power outages and the inability to carry out essential tasks. Emotional well-being is also affected, with heightened irritability, frustration, and a sense of deprivation. Load shedding has significant social consequences, straining relationships and family dynamics due to disrupted routines and increased responsibilities. Community well-being is also affected, evidenced by decreased social cohesion and increased crime rates due to reduced lighting and security systems. Economically, load shedding imposes financial burdens on individuals and businesses, leading to spoiled food, reduced productivity, and increased costs for alternative energy sources. Long-term effects on employment, economic growth, and investment are also considered. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions, face disproportionate impacts from load shedding, necessitating targeted support and resources to mitigate health risks. Effective communication and transparent information are vital in managing the mental impact of load shedding. Public awareness campaigns, proactive communication from utility providers, and access to reliable information can reduce anxiety and enhance coping mechanisms among citizens.
109	View	Accepted	Accepted	Prof.	Bila	Nontembeko	[email protected]	University of Pretoria	Psychological First Aid: Supporting Individuals and Communities in the Aftermath of Disasters	THEME 2: Building sustainable, resilient, and self-reliant communities through indigenous modalities, inter-sectoral collaborations, and partnerships	The abstract highlights the importance of Psychological First Aid (PFA) in providing immediate and compassionate support to individuals and communities affected by disasters. It emphasizes the need to address the psychological well-being of survivors alongside their physical needs. The abstract explores the core principles of PFA, including safety, comfort, and connection, and discusses the psychological reactions and emotional distress commonly experienced by survivors. It also emphasizes the significance of cultural sensitivity and individualized approaches in delivering PFA. Furthermore, the abstract outlines specific strategies and techniques employed in PFA, while addressing the challenges and ethical considerations faced by social workers. Overall, the abstract underscores the vital role of PFA and social workers in disaster response and recovery, emphasizing the importance of providing empathetic support to promote psychological well-being.
110	View	Accepted	Accepted	Ms.	Mthethwa	Nontobeko	[email protected]	University of Zululand	Lived Experiences of Single Teenage Mothers at Mtubatuba Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal	THEME 3: Strategies toward the normative development of society	In an era marked by the complex challenges confronting young people, addressing teenage pregnancy requires a comprehensive multisectorial response that empowers and supports adolescents on multiple fronts. This qualitative study’s objectives were to explore the psycho-social experiences of single teenage mothers from northern KwaZulu-Natal, understand their experience of absent fathers in the parental relationship, identify sources of support, and provide recommendations to multiple sectors. Thirteen participants were sampled by snowballing, data and participated in face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions, that were manually coded and thematically analysed. The empowerment theory was used as a framework. The study’s findings highlight several key areas for multi-sectorial interventions to address teenage pregnancy, that include psycho-social challenges, social rejection, disrupted life plans, academic difficulties, financial problems, father absenteeism, and poor mental health. Recommendations include developing participatory strategies that promote positive father involvement, establish support systems for psychosocial support for teenage mothers, and foster whole community-based initiatives to promote awareness and dialogues on teenage pregnancy.
111	View	Accepted	Accepted	Prof.	Goliath	Veonna	[email protected]	Nelson mandela university	The Hope Revolution Vision -The process of establishing Community based substance abuse prevention and treatment	THEME 2: Building sustainable, resilient, and self-reliant communities through indigenous modalities, inter-sectoral collaborations, and partnerships	The Enyobeni tragedy of June 2022 East Londen, RSA where 21 young people lost their lives in a tavern, offers us a glimpse of the depth of the substance abuse scourge in South Africa, amongst an increasingly younger population. Unfortunately the cost of substance abuse treatment is unaffordable for the communities where it is needed the most; and the relapse rate of persons who completed residential or outpatient treatment programmes are compelling a community based response to both the prevention and treatment of substance abuse. Section 5 of the Prevention of and Treatment of Substance Abuse Act 70 of 2008 provides guidelines in this regard; and the National Drug Master Plan 2019-2024 foreground community based treatment as the more sustainable response to substance abuse. This presentation describes the processes followed in a collaboration between Nelson Mandela University Engagement Unit, the Dept of Social Development Professions and The Hope Revolution Vision (THRV) with communities in Gqeberha to establish a community based substance abuse prevention and treatment programme. This collaboration with THRV gives effect to our Universities’ focus to be of service to society, and honours the voices of community as knowledge keepers and multiple stakeholders as equalising partners for impactful change.
112	View	Accepted	Accepted	Prof.	Zelnick	Jennifer	[email protected]	Touro College Graduate School	MEETING THE MULTIFACETED NEEDS OF PATIENTS WITH DRUG-RESISTANT TUBERCULOSIS: A FRONTLINE PERSPECTIVE	THEME 1: Promoting stakeholder partnerships that protect, support and enhance resilience during adverse events and trauma	A drug-resistant TB diagnosis can be devastating for patients and their families. Long-term hospitalization and facing a stigmatized disease lead to loss of income, disruptions in families, social isolation, and lower self-esteem. Social workers (SWs) are well-placed to enhance social protection for patients, families, and communities. Involving the patient as a central member of the healthcare team may improve health outcomes. SW knowledge of the healthcare system may help patients navigate this often-complex system. Families and other treatment supporters may benefit from treatment literacy, infection control strategies, and the management of side effects. Community awareness involves TB education that may help to destigmatize TB. This presentation draws on cases from the perspective of a SW at a TB referral hospital in KwaZulu-Natal to develop recommendations for how SWs can use their expertise to link patients with resources and work collaboratively outside the healthcare system to meet multifaceted patient needs.
113	View	Accepted	Accepted	Ms.	Moodley	Yougendri	[email protected]	The Association for the Aged (Tafta)	The Experience Incubator as an economic empowerment modality for strengthening sustainability and self reliance in older persons.	THEME 2: Building sustainable, resilient, and self-reliant communities through indigenous modalities, inter-sectoral collaborations, and partnerships	With only 1 in 6 South African’s having saved for retirement (Business Tech, 2022) and the ageing population growing at a rapid rate, the conservative retirement age limits formal work opportunities, rendering the majority of older persons destitute, vulnerable to abuse and financially dependent on the State or family. In collaboration with the Global Institute for Experienced Entrepreneurship (GIEE); Tafta launched a Pilot Experience Incubator® (EI) Programme. This paper will explain how the EIP capacitates older people with entrepreneurial skills by utilising modules designed to support the development of ideas and expansion of existing businesses with marketing, financial and business skills. The program helps to build resilience and self-reliance in older persons through entrepreneurial opportunities whilst using their life experience to sustain and supplement their livelihood. It builds on the experiential knowledge and skills of older persons to promote their economic empowerment thereby enhancing their resilience and self-reliance.
114	View	Accepted	Accepted	Ms.	Amukwelele	Dainess Ziba	[email protected]	University of Namibia	Strengthening Resilience of Community-Based Structures: A Multi-Sectorial Approach to Addressing Adverse Events.	THEME 2: Building sustainable, resilient, and self-reliant communities through indigenous modalities, inter-sectoral collaborations, and partnerships	Communities worldwide, face vulnerabilities due to environmental threats, disasters, and pandemics. Strengthening the resilience of community-based structures is crucial for understanding, withstanding, and overcoming adverse events. This presentation discusses how adopting a multi-sectoral approach to building community resilience fosters sustainable development, adaptation, and responses to adverse events. It is based on a desk review of the literature which examines four crucial components of building resilience, namely: (i) Resilience through skills, knowledge, and resources development, (ii) Using community assets for copying, recovery, and risk reduction, (iii) proactive measures to lessen vulnerability, and (iv) Community-based flexible multi-sectoral structure development to handle uncertainties. It further, discusses the roles of social workers in promoting resilience before and during crises and challenges faced by community-based organizations in strengthening community ownership and effective response. This presentation will contribute to the advancement of sustainable approaches to disaster risk management and Community stability in the face of adverse events.
115	View	Accepted	Accepted	Ms.	Kwakwa	Winnifred	[email protected]	University of Limpopo	Political activism and social work practice in South Africa: A reality or an anomaly?	THEME 4: Quality management and enhancement of social services	The study sought to explore factors that inhibit political activism among social workers in South Africa. Grounded Theory, Multiple case studies and Exploratory design assisted in achieving the goals of the article. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and open ended questionnaires with social work practitioners in South Africa in their respective private spaces. Data was analysed thematically using content thematic analysis. The general consensus was that the colonial social work curriculum failed to prepare students for political activism and ignored the critical lens towards contemporary systemic and neo-liberal realities which were said to be exacerbating disunity and fragmentation within the profession. The paper is envisaged to set a way forward for further debate on the radical field of social work as a vehicle for the alteration of the social work education in South Africa.
116	View	Accepted	Accepted	Dr.	Maphosa	Ntandoyenkosi	[email protected]	University of Johannesburg	Adolescent Gender Attitudes and Norms: The Role of a Comprehensive Sexuality Education Programme	THEME 3: Strategies toward the normative development of society	Harmful norms and unequal gender attitudes have been identified as risk factors to poor choices adolescents make with regards to their interpersonal relationships and violence. These perpetuate gender inequalities and predispose adolescents to gender based and domestic violence. Interventions addressing gender inequalities, particularly gender attitudes and harmful norms are crucial to improve the overall outcomes of psychosocial and gender relations for adolescents. Underpinned by the social learning theory, this paper suggests that adolescents can learn gender attitudes and norms through socialization and these can be relearned. The paper draws from data collected qualitatively in an ethnographic manner using structured observations, transcribed session recordings, and field notes during the delivery of a Comprehensive Sexuality Education Programme (CSE) with 40 grade 8 learners in high school. Positive changes were observed on issues like gender relations which suggested the adoption of more equitable gender attitudes. The findings support the argument that these programmes are a worthwhile intervention to address negative gender attitudes which predisposes adolescents to the risk of perpetration and victimization of domestic violence. Recommendations on what best practices to follow whenever choosing and implementing a programme to address negative gender attitudes and harmful norms for programme efficacy conclude the paper.
117	View	Accepted	Accepted	Ms.	Dlamini	Muriel	[email protected]	University of the Witwaterdrand	Long-term Effects of Gender-Based Violence on Children: Social Workers perspectives.	THEME 1: Promoting stakeholder partnerships that protect, support and enhance resilience during adverse events and trauma	Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is one of the leading social ills that remains a challenge in South Africa. It is usually violence between two adults, however, not much is spoken about the children who witness the violence. Due to the poor living conditions that some Black families find themselves living in urban South African townships, children are often exposed to violence within the home environment. These circumstances include dire living conditions experienced in informal settlements or overcrowding where families of more than three people dwell in one backroom. This study explored the long-term effects that affect the children who witness GBV as they get affected indirectly. The study employed a qualitative research approach and adopted a case study design. Eight social workers from organizations in four townships in Gauteng who had worked with child victims of GBV were interviewed. The participants were invited through snowball sampling techniques. Data was collected through one-on-one individual interviews using a semi-structured interview schedule. The findings of this study revealed that there is a need for child secondary victims of GBV to get access to counselling services after witnessing violence at home as a way of processing and dealing with the long-term effects of psychological trauma.
118	View	Accepted	Accepted	Dr.	Mulqueeny	Delarise	[email protected]	University of Zululand	Insider and outsider positionality: Reflexive log on a supervision research partnership on HIV-seropositive patients’ adherence on antiretrovirals	THEME 3: Strategies toward the normative development of society	Abstract The study that informs this reflexive log, interrogates a HIV-seropositive supervisor and HIV-seronegative supervisee’s relationship while engaging in a qualitative master’s study on the Factors affecting adult patients’ adherence on antiretroviral therapy at Municipality clinics in Alfred Duma Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Both team members narratives explore their insider/outsider positionality that is based on honest disclosure and their transparency while highlighting their challenges, similarities, and strengths in an endeavour to develop and complete an ethically sound, and relevant study. This was achieved through the use of reflexive bracketing, reciprocal communication, disclosure of both positionalities and HIV status, a respectful research relationship and the recognition of the fluid relationship of both. The research team recommends that such honest disclosure of both positionalities from the onset, provides opportunities for discordant supervisor-supervisee relationships to pursue and engage in more HIV research and destigmatise HIV and other chronic and sexually related illnesses. Keywords: Insider/Outsider, HIV, Positionality, ART, ARV adherence
119	View	Accepted	Accepted	Ms.	Mbonambi	Nyameka	[email protected]	University of the Witwatersrand	Coming together to overcome, educate, support each other and rebuild hope for rural community using Ubuntu: Narratives of academics, community leaders and the Shembe women of UMbumbulu Community, South of Durban, KwaZulu Natal.	THEME 2: Building sustainable, resilient, and self-reliant communities through indigenous modalities, inter-sectoral collaborations, and partnerships	The community of uMbumbulu rural community located in the South of Durban, like many rural areas in South Africa lack resources including financial resources that affords them every day living. The uMbumbulu Community Empowerment Drive is a research projects that identified mental health education support as a major challenges as many had lost loved ones in 2020-2021, however, the deaths were never a result of the Covid-19 virus. Additionally, the province was hit by floods in April 2022 forcing the initial project deal with additional trauma and assist with basic necessity in order for families to bury loved ones with dignity. We identified Weyer’s community asset-based community-led development (ABCD)to engage with communities. The team also followed a systematic process that follows 4 steps; community organizing, visioning, planning and implementation and evaluation.
120	View	Accepted	Accepted	Dr.	Perumal	Nevashnee	[email protected]	Nelson Mandela University	Co-generating indigenous and decolonised curricula from the ground: An imbizo for the helping professions	THEME 4: Quality management and enhancement of social services	We are six social work academics from five different universities in South Africa researching in a project funded by the NRF that spans three years (2021-2023) entitled: DECOLONISING AND INDIGENISING THE SOCIAL WORK CURRICULUM BY CO CREATING AFRICAN KNOWLEDGE PRODUCTION INCUBATORS AT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS. The imbizo (workshop) aims to interact with academics, students, researchers and helping professionals so as to critique, reflect and share their experiences of decolonising and indigenising their teaching, learning and practice within the historically colonial work and study environments. The first segment of the workshop entails a brief presentation of the work done thusfar which is aligned to the following main project objective: To tell stories of our lived experiences of being an African. The next segment of the workshop will be based on prompts pertaining to colonialism and higher education to encourage critical self reflection culminating in robust conversations among participants linked to the following project objective: To share our experiences of the curricula we teach and our own contribution to decolonial/indigenous knowledge production. The final segment will draw the main thrusts of the workshop to a logical conclusion encouraging further personal reflections among the participants within their professional spaces.
121	View	Accepted	Accepted	Dr.	MASILO	DANIEL	[email protected]	Walter Sisulu University	Making a Case for a Mandatory Recourse Program for the Victims and Survivors of Rape in South Africa: A Social Work Perspective	THEME 3: Strategies toward the normative development of society	Rape remains one of the heinous crimes committed in South Africa, and in majority of cases, women and children are the victims and survivors. The purpose of this paper is to advance an argument from a social work perspective for the consideration, introduction and implementation of a mandatory recourse program for the victims and survivors of rape in South Africa. This purpose is informed by the fact that courts only incarcerate the offenders of rape while there is no mandatory recourse offered to the victims and survivors of rape, except in the cases of whereby they institute litigations against the perpetrators, which is time consuming as well as has financial implications. This desktop paper is divided into five sections. The first section is on problem statement, while the second section focuses on the theoretical framework. The third section discusses reasons for the consideration, introduction and implementation of a mandatory recourse program for the victims and survivors of rape in South Africa. The fourth section answers the question on who should benefit from the proposed mandatory recourse program and the last section focuses on the role of social work in the mandatory recourse program for victims and survivors of rape.
122	View	Accepted	Accepted	Ms.	Kalaoane	Mashoeshoe	[email protected]	National University of Lesotho	Psychosocial Damage to children who experience sexual and physical abuse in Mafikeng, Ha Motoko, Lesotho	THEME 1: Promoting stakeholder partnerships that protect, support and enhance resilience during adverse events and trauma	Child abuse, encompassing sexual and physical forms, is prevalent worldwide, often perpetrated by close relatives. This study explores the psychological and social repercussions of sexual and physical abuse on children, incorporating insights from victims, caregivers, and key informants. Results reveal a host of negative consequences, including symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, impaired relationships, and social isolation. Promoting awareness campaigns and educating caregivers on handling cases of abuse is recommended. The study aligns with interpretivism as the research paradigm and employs a qualitative approach and study design. Data collection was premised on in-depth interviews, which was meticulously analyzed and organized with the utilization of narrative and conservation data analysis techniques. Ethical considerations, such as confidentiality, informed consent, and trustworthiness were integral to the study’s implementation. Mokhele, N.A., Kalaoane, M.J., Mphatle, T.R., Khetheng, M.E., Tsoeunyane, K.P., Motloung, T.J.
123	View	Accepted	Accepted	Prof.	Gutura	Priscilla	[email protected]	University of Pretoria	Engaging men and boys to prevent intimate partner violence: A holistic approach to change gender attitudes and behaviour	THEME 3: Strategies toward the normative development of society	There is a global movement to engage men in initiatives to reduce gender-based violence and increase awareness of the negative societal impacts of violence against women and girls. This paper explores the efforts to engage men in preventing intimate partner violence in South Africa. A qualitative study was conducted by fifteen participants who run programmes involving men and boys in Gauteng Province. The findings reflect broader debates within the gender and development literature around “bringing men and boys in” and may thus be relevant in justifying the greater need of involving men and boys in efforts to reduce intimate partner violence. Further, the findings reflect that interventions engaging men and boys have the potential to change gender attitudes and behaviours. This paper concludes that efforts to engage men and boys are essential. Holistic approaches should be taken to end all forms of intimate partner violence through men’s inclusive programmes that build the capacity of men and boys.
124	View	Accepted	Accepted	Ms.	Nemutandani	veronica	[email protected]	University of Venda	The well-being of social workers in remote areas, who cares?	THEME 4: Quality management and enhancement of social services	Social work is a poorly understood profession that is rarely taken seriously. Social workers assist people in addressing a wide range of challenges by providing supportive and empowering environments. While social work is intended to promote and ensure the well-being of a constantly changing society, relatively little attention is paid to the well-being of the social worker. The basis of the article is primarily based on these areas as outlined by (Nortje, 2021): continuous self-development and growth, good social connections, the belief that one can overcome obstacles, and the belief that life has meaning, life has a purpose and a positive self-image about oneself. This choice is also based on recognising that a social worker's professional development is centred on these areas. Mental well-being is also a positive factor in workplace productivity. Therefore, a well-cared-for social worker will lead to effectiveness and efficiency in all aspects of her work.

Primary tabs

Secondary tabs

2023 Conference