Abstract | ASASWEI

View
Results

269 submissions

# Sort descending	Operations	Status	Status	Title	Lastname	Firstname	eMail	Institution	Title of Presentatation	Theme Selection	Abstract	SID
276	View	Accepted	Accepted	Ms.	Mbatha	Ayanda princess	willihm@unisa.ac.za	University of sout africa	Digital transformation in Social Work Practice: perspectives from City of Johannesburg Social Workers and SACSSP Board Members	THEME 6: Main-streaming Digital and Assessment Tools in Social Work Practice	The traditional practice of social work is increasingly under pressure as the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) advances, requiring practitioners to develop digital competencies and ensure equitable access to technology for their clients. This study examines the experiences of social workers navigating digital transformation in practice, with a focus on professionals from the City of Johannesburg and members of the Professional Board for Social Work under the South African Council for Social Services Professions (SACSSP). A qualitative research design was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with 12 participants from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Data were analysed using Tesch’s eight-step framework, and trustworthiness was ensured through credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. Five key themes emerged - Challenges in accessing and implementing digital technology; Advantages of digital tools in enhancing service delivery; Ethical concerns and confidentiality risks; Coping strategies for managing digital demands; Digital exclusion and client inequity. Findings reveal that while digital tools offer opportunities for improved efficiency and reach, they also present significant barriers related to access, ethics, and inequality. Participants emphasised the importance of structured support, training, and ethical guidance to navigate these challenges effectively. The study offers practical recommendations for integrating digital literacy into social work education and training, fostering partnerships with technology stakeholders, informing inclusive social welfare policy, and guiding future research. Emphasis is placed on ensuring that digital transformation in social work is both practical and equitable, particularly for marginalised populations.	1554
277	View	Accepted	Accepted	Dr.	Manganyi	Patricia siphiwe	patricia.manganyi@ump.ac.za	University of mpumalanga	Reimagining Social Work Education for a Complex World	THEME 4: Social Work Education, Transdisciplinarity and Curriculum Development	Dr. Patricia S. Manganyi Discipline of Social Work University of Mpumalanga, South Africa e-mail: patricia.manganyi@ump.ac.za orcid.org.: 0000-0002-8577-4982 Reimagining Social Work Education for a Complex World Abstract In an era marked by global crises, systemic inequalities, and rapidly shifting social landscapes, there is an urgent need to reimagine social work education to better prepare practitioners for the multifaceted realities they face. This paper explores innovative and transformative approaches to curriculum development that respond to the complexity of contemporary social issues. Emphasizing the integration of critical pedagogy, transdisciplinary knowledge, indigenous epistemologies, and global-local interconnectedness, the study challenges conventional models rooted in rigid disciplinary silos. It argues for a more dynamic, reflexive, and justice-oriented educational framework that equips future social workers with the analytical, relational, and ethical competencies required in diverse practice settings. Through case studies and pedagogical critiques, the paper highlights best practices and pathways for redesigning social work education in ways that are inclusive, context-sensitive, and capable of fostering social transformation. Keywords: Social work education; curriculum reform; complexity; transdisciplinary; global social issues; indigenous knowledge systems.	1556
278	View	Accepted	Accepted	Dr.	Giliomee	Corlie	corlie.giliomee@up.ac.za	University of pretoria	The link between human rights literacy and artificial intelligence (AI) in social work education	THEME 4: Social Work Education, Transdisciplinarity and Curriculum Development	As artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly shapes the social, economic, and political landscapes, social workers must be equipped not only with digital literacy but also with AI-related human rights literacy. This conceptual paper based on an integrative literature review (ILR) (Snyder, 2019) explores the integration of AI ethics and human rights into social work education, with a focus on preparing future practitioners to engage critically with AI technologies that affect vulnerable populations. Current debates highlight how algorithmic systems can reinforce discrimination, undermine privacy, and compromise social justice principles (Eubanks, 2018; Noble, 2018). Yet, social work curricula rarely address these challenges directly, creating a gap in professional preparation. Drawing on critical digital pedagogy and decolonial approaches (Neden, 2023), the paper argues that human rights literacy in social work must evolve to include AI-specific competencies. These include understanding data justice, resisting digital profiling, and advocating for ethical AI governance aligned with social work values (IFSW, 2023). The presentation concludes by proposing guidelines for embedding AI and human rights into social work education, encouraging students to become critical digital citizens and ethical advocates. This is an urgent educational imperative in an age where AI systems increasingly mediate access to rights and services.	1567
279	View	Accepted	Accepted	Ms.	Nkosi	Nozipho	noziphoenkosi@outlook.com	University of johannesburg	Navigating Sustainability Transitions: A Theoretical and Practical Analysis of Sustainable Development Challenges in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa	THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)	The study aims to critically investigate the function of social work in fostering sustainable development in Mpumalanga Province by examining how principles of environmental, economic, and social sustainability are incorporated into governance, planning, and developmental strategies. Mpumalanga being in a region significantly affected by coal mining, environmental degradation, and socio-economic disparities, the study delves into the ways social workers advance sustainability through advocacy, community involvement, and influencing policy. Utilizing conceptual frameworks such as Green Social Work and the Global Agenda for Social Work and Social Development, this research underscores the profession's ability to tackle environmental justice issues, facilitate inclusive development, and assist vulnerable communities who bear the brunt of ecological damage. It assesses regional efforts like the Mpumalanga Vision 2030 Strategic Implementation Framework and evaluates how well social work is integrated into these initiatives. Through systematic literature review, the study indicates that although social workers in Mpumalanga are becoming more cognizant of the links between social and environmental justice, their engagement in sustainability planning is still lacking. The results call for a deeper incorporation of social work into environmental governance, improved training in ecological literacy, and the use of interdisciplinary strategies in development. In conclusion, the study positions social work as a transformative element capable of connecting community needs with sustainable policy enactment, highlighting its potential to encourage resilience, equity, and ecological stewardship amid climate and development challenges.	1569
280	View	Accepted	Accepted	Mr.	Madise	Welcom kagiso	kagiso.madise@gmail.com	University of the free state	School Social Work's Contribution Toward Global Sustainability and Equity Goals	THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)	The role of school social work’s advocacy is increasingly essential in addressing the complex challenges associated with sustainable development, social justice, and environmental resilience within educational contexts. This paper, using systematic literature review, explores how school social work can strategically advocate for policies and practices that support the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas such as reducing student poverty, combating health inequalities, addressing gender disparities, and ensuring equitable access to quality education. The paper highlights school social workers influence on policy changes at various levels, aiming to reduce disparities, protect vulnerable populations, and promote equitable access to quality education. Their advocacy aims to address issues such as poverty, health inequalities, gender disparities, and educational inequities, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals’ focus on reducing inequalities and promoting inclusive development. The paper concludes that strengthening the advocacy role of school social workers is vital for fostering social equity, resilience, and inclusivity in education worldwide. As key agents of transformative change, their advocacy efforts help create equitable, sustainable, and supportive learning environments that contribute significantly to achieving the global sustainability and equity goals.	1572
281	View	Accepted	Accepted	Dr.	Mokhine-martins	Motlalepule	motlalepule@temogo.co.za	South valley university	ADVANCING SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE, PEACE BUILDING, AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH TEACHING, RESEARCH AND PRACTICE	THEME 3: Policy and Advocacy for Peace building, Environmental and Social Justice	The paper outlines a qualitative evidence synthesis protocol designed to investigate, the extent to which social workers successfully implement the gender justice commitments as outlined in the SDG 5, in alignment with the NDP in South Africa. South African women currently hold 44–46% of seats in the National Assembly and 36% of board positions in organizations. However, challenges of symbolic compliance remain evident in the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5), as it aligns with the National Development Plan (NDP) in South Africa. This investigation seeks to determine whether the strategies in place move beyond symbolic compliance toward realistic, actionable goals that can enhance the lived experiences of South Africans. The research question the investigation seeks to answer is, ’to what extent are social workers in practice effectively implementing the gender justice commitments outlined in SDG 5, in alignment with South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP)? The theoretical framework is informed by Nancy Fraser’s theory of participatory parity, whose importance and relevance is in how it links gender justice to redistribution to address economic inequalities that disproportionately affect women and gender minorities, recognition to challenge and transform harmful gender norms, stereotypes, and cultural devaluation, and representation to ensure that all genders have an equal voice and influence in political and institutional decision-making processes. Thematic synthesis will guide data analysis, utilizing the COSTAQDA technique and software. Ultimately, this study intends offering social workers a renewed perspective on engaging with the SDG 5 and the NDP, as evolving platforms for continuous problem-solving rooted in southern epistemologies. Keywords: Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5), National Development Plan (NDP), Symbolic Compliance, Gender Justice, Participatory Parity. There is more legislative rhetoric than actual transformation affecting women’s daily lives	1576
282	View	Accepted	Accepted	Dr.	Mashamba	Magala erick	magala.mashamba@unive.ac.za	University of venda	Working with children in conflict with the law in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa	THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)	Working with children in conflict with the law is a field which is receiving attention globally. It is a daunting task that can be best dealt with through collaborative efforts. Despite intervention through diversion programmes, children in conflict with the law still reoffend. The current prescripts are quiet about parental involvement when they are rehabilitated through diversion programmes. Some programmes are implemented in a disjointed manner owing to scarcity of resources. This study was qualitative in nurture.The study employed a phenomenological research design that is steeped in a qualitative research approach. Data collection was done through semi-structured, face to face interviews. The target population was parents of children in conflict with the law who undergone diversion programmes in the Department of Social Development. The purpose of the study was to explore how parents could be involved in diversion programmes of their children. The sampling method applied was purposive sampling which is a form of non-probability sampling. The sample size was determined through the principle of data saturation. Data was analysed using thematic analysis which is very useful in qualitative research studies. In order to ensure adherence to ethical protocols, the following were applied throughout the study, informed consent, confidentiality, anonymity, beneficence, management of information and debriefing. The main findings of the study suggest that parental involvement is crucial in the implementation of diversion programmes. The findings further proffer that supervision and specialty in probation service are major concerns as well as lack of resources. Therefore, programmes aimed at training, capacitating, and empowering probation officers and parents should be developed. Keywords: Parents, diversion programme, social work, social development, probation officer.	1603
283	View	Pending Review	Pending Review	Dr.	Von wielligh	Nadia	nvonwielligh@hugenote.ac.za	Hugenote kollege	In pursuit of training: Voices of social work supervisors in a developmental context	THEME 4: Social Work Education, Transdisciplinarity and Curriculum Development	In the ever-evolving field of social work, effective supervision is essential to ensure ethical, accountable and developmentally aligned practice. This holds particular significance in South Africa, where the unique socio-economic challenges demand a well-supported and capacitated workforce. Within the South African developmental social welfare context, supervision is not merely encouraged, it is mandated by professional regulations. The training of social work supervisors is also a legislative and ethical requirement. Yet, in practice, a significant gap exists as there is a persistent lack of training and training opportunities for supervisors, a shortfall that undermines service quality and the development of social workers. To address this gap, a qualitative study was undertaken, drawing on four of the six phases of the Design and Development (D&D) model, with the aim of developing a context-specific training programme. This article, however, focuses on one phase of the study, which involved conducting individual semi-structured interviews with supervisors to gain insight into their perspectives and experiences regarding their training needs. Participants were selected using non-probability purposive sampling. Thematic analysis revealed a range of themes and subthemes that include the explicit and implied training needs of supervisors. The findings also reaffirm the inadequate training currently available to supervisors.	1604
284	View	Accepted	Accepted	Ms.	Ngwasheng	Manare belsie	belsie.ngwash@gmail.com	Unisa	NAVIGATING MARRIAGE POST-INFIDELITY: LIVED EXPERIENCES OF MARRIED PERSONS AND THEIR NEED FOR SOCIAL WORK SERVICES	THEME 1: Green Social Work and Climate Resilience: Supporting Vulnerable Communities in the Face of Environmental Crises	Infidelity is a painful experience that often leads to emotional distress, broken trust, and challenges to the overall well-being of a marriage. Although many studies focus on why infidelity happens and its consequences, fewer studies look at how married persons who remain in marriage navigate life post-infidelity and their need for professional support. This study used a qualitative approach to explore how married persons cope and rebuild their relationship after infidelity, as well as how social work services can support their healing journey. The main aim of the study was to explore the lived experiences of married persons who remained in marriage post-infidelity and to understand their needs for social work services. The research focused on three main objectives: (1) to explore and describe the experiences of married persons who remained married post-infidelity; (2) to explore and examine the emotional, psychological, and relationship impacts of infidelity; and (3) to identify suggestions from these married persons on how social workers can support them. A qualitative research design was used, drawing on phenomenological, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants from the Capricorn District in Limpopo Province. Key themes emerged from the data, including how married persons discovered the infidelity, their emotional and psychological reactions, reasons for staying, coping strategies, and the importance of external support systems. The findings highlight the resilience and inner strength of married persons who chose to rebuild their relationship. The study also shows how resilience- and strength-based approaches can be useful in supporting these married persons. Social work services play a vital role in helping married persons recover emotionally, improve communication, and rebuild trust. This study provides important insights for social work practitioners working with married persons who face challenges after infidelity. Keywords: marriage; post-infidelity; lived experiences; married persons; social work services	1609

⇡

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.