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# Operations Status Status Title Lastname Firstname eMail Institution Title of Presentatation Theme Selection Abstract SID
104
Accepted Accepted Prof. Boshoff Pieter pieter.boshoff@nwu.ac.za North-west university The Experiences of Psychosocial Allostatic Load and Intervention Expectations of Registered Professional Nurses in a South African Private Hospital Group: A Quantitatvie Study THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) The Experiences of Psychosocial Allostatic Load and Intervention Expectations of Registered Professional Nurses in a South African Private Hospital Group: A Quantitatvie Study
Authors:
Jean van Huyssteen, Pieter John Boshoff*, Mariette van der Merwe
Department of Social Work, COMPRES, North-West University; School of Psychosocial Health, COMPRES, North-West University; Centre for Child, Youth and Family Studies, COMPRES, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University.
Corresponding Author:
Pieter John Boshoff
Email: Pieter.Boshoff@nwu.ac.za
Phone: +27-082-771-2413
Presentation Format:
Parallel session presentation
Abstract:
Nurses are particularly vulnerable to elevated levels of psychosocial allostatic load due to their stressful working environment and nature of their profession. This study adopted a social work approach to examine the perceptions of psychosocial allostatic load and intervention expectations among registered professional nurses in a South African private hospital group. A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive survey design was employed. A self-developed questionnaire was electronically distributed to an all-inclusive willing sample of 559 (n=559) nurses across various hospital units with 67 (n=67) valid responses received. Statistical methods used include frequencies, descriptive statistics, reliability, factor analysis and comparisons. Descriptive statistical analysis identified nursing profession-specific stressors as the most significant cause of work-related stress. Physical reactions such as exhaustion highlighted potential burnout. Unexpectedly positive stress was experienced slightly more often than the other stress levels and emotion focussed coping strategies were most commonly used. Inferential statistics revealed strong correlations between elevated stress levels and psychological and professional strain. Additionally, a significant correlation was found between stress reactions and avoidance coping raising concern about maladaptive coping mechanisms. The findings emphasise the urgent need of social work informed psychosocial intervention programmes that focus on improving interpersonal relationships, communication and conflict handling techniques to promote nurses’ well-being and professional sustainability.
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Accepted Accepted Dr. Lekganyane Glory mmasetjana Mmasetjana.Lekganyane@nwu.ac.za Northwest university Exploration on Policies and Environmental Justice: A Social Work Perspective THEME 3: Policy and Advocacy for Peace building, Environmental and Social Justice Globally, climate change and wars create a precarious situation due to economic, social, and mortality impacts. The primary aim of this paper is to examine social workers' role in influencing policies to address climate change, wars, and environmental sustainability by advocating for human rights and social justice for affected, diverse, and marginalised populations. Social workers play a crucial role in communities impacted by environmental degradation. They advocate for those affected by wars by fostering peace through the Social Work Associations, especially in the countries that are impacted. The provision of successful peace-building activities fosters a supportive environment for self-sustaining and durable peace, reconciles opponents, prevents conflict from reigniting, integrates civil society, promotes good governance, and addresses underlying structures and societal issues. The provision of policy frameworks to address sustainable practices and ensure equitable access to resources serves as a priority for effective policies. Hence, social workers are expected to advocate through raising awareness, influencing decision-making, mediating, and mobilising public support for these causes. Google Scholar and Scopus will be employed to explore these discourses. The findings will assist the government and various countries to improve policies, build sustainable social networks across conflict boundaries, and address environmental degradation and a diverse, marginalised Society.
Keywords
Policies, climate change, good governance, social workers, and resources
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Accepted Accepted Ms. Bhengu Jabulisile jabulisileb@gmail.com Department of social development Challenges experienced by children in child headed households (CHH) in South Africa (SA) THEME 1: Green Social Work and Climate Resilience: Supporting Vulnerable Communities in the Face of Environmental Crises Since the beginning of civilisation, societal development has often led to unintended consequences. In South Africa, the growing number of orphans and vulnerable children has been linked to rising morbidity and mortality rates among adults due to HIV/AIDS, poverty, violence, and motor vehicle accidents. Orphans often face significant challenges. This study explored the coping strategies available to them through public and private sector programs, including the Social and Behavior Change Programme, the Isibindi Model, and foster care placements offered by the Department of Social Development. It also examined the legal frameworks that protect children living in child-headed households (CHHs).
The study used desktop-based research, drawing on data from books, academic journals, published articles, and online sources. A qualitative approach was applied to analyse documented facts and literature about the challenges children in CHHs face. Poverty and economic vulnerability emerged as key issues. These children struggle to meet basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. Their education is often disrupted, resulting in poor academic performance and, in many cases, school dropout. The loss of parental care and the added burden of caregiving responsibilities present further challenges. The absence of support systems, such as psychosocial services and material resources, intensifies their vulnerability.
Overall, the findings show that assuming parental responsibilities makes coping extremely difficult for these children.
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Accepted Accepted Prof. Schiller Ulene uschiller@ufh.ac.za University of fort hare Bridging Protection and Innovation: A Design Science Approach to the Development of the Integrated Child Protection Management App (ICPMA THEME 6: Main-streaming Digital and Assessment Tools in Social Work Practice In the face of mounting pressures on child protection systems, exacerbated by climate-induced vulnerabilities and socio-economic instability, social workers are navigating complex landscapes with limited digital infrastructure. During this workshop, a novel intervention—the Integrated Child Protection Management App (ICPMA)—a digital tool co-developed with frontline practitioners to streamline case management and enhance service delivery to vulnerable children and families in South Africa will be presented.
The development of the ICPMA will be presented, guided by the principles of Design Science Research. The ICPMA was conceptualised, prototyped, and tested through iterative engagement with social workers in the Eastern and Western Cape provinces of South Africa. This approach ensured that the technology responded directly to practitioner needs and sector-specific constraints. The app enables secure data capturing, decision-making support, and performance tracking across the frontline child protection social workers, administrators and supervisors, while aligning with local legislative frameworks such as the Children’s Act and POPIA.
Findings suggest that the ICPMA reduces administrative burden and empowers social workers to act proactively in high-risk cases, improving child safety outcomes and systemic responsiveness. By embedding digital innovation within social work practice, this initiative offers a scalable model for social service transformation, grounded in research, driven by need, and aligned with environmental and social justice. The audience will receive a sneak preview of the developed application during this workshop and this will also be the FIRST launch of the ICPMA to the public.
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Accepted Accepted Dr. Manthosi Frans Frans.Manthosi@nwu.ac.za North west university Towards development of guidelines for pre-service training of prospective foster parents: A scoping review THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Pre-service training is mandatory in foster care services to ensure that the purpose of foster care is achieved. The aim of this scoping review was to establish what the existing guidelines are for pre-service training of prospective foster parents. The six steps of Arksey and O'Malley's framework were used. Thirteen databases were searched; of the 19 studies that met the sampling criteria, six were included in this scoping review. The sample criteria were English, full text, peer reviewed, open access studies conducted between 2017 and 2021 on guidelines for pre-service training of prospective foster parents. Data was analysed thematically. This study revealed that three pre-service training programmes are widely used in the USA, mostly delivered through in-person individual sessions, in-person group sessions or online, or a combination of all three, and all in-person sessions involved roleplays. There is a dearth of peer-reviewed research on pre-service training, which is mainly found in published dissertations and theses or unpublished reports. Therefore, further research is needed on this topic. The study contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by addressing the quality and preparedness of foster prospective foster parents, which is essential for the well-being and protection of vulnerable children. Ensuring that foster parents receive appropriate pre-service training strengthens foster care system and safeguards children's rights 904
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Accepted Accepted Dr. Moganedi Matshemo matshemo.moganedi@ul.ac.za University of limpopo Empowering women as leaders in environmental advocacy and sustainability. THEME 5: Feminist Perspectives and Environmental Justice South Africa as a country is facing multiple challenges such as environmental, economic, social, health and others which all impact on the wellbeing of its citizens. This qualitative study employed purposive sampling to sample all the relevant printed and online materials regarding environmental issues as well as green social work. Empowerment theory guided the study. Its basic tenet is that individuals are given autonomy and power to function willingly and through that they can take ownership of their behaviour and responsibilities. Document analysis was followed to analyse collected data. The findings are that empowering women on environmental advocacy and sustainability is an ongoing and effective investment as they (women) are the leaders and teachers in communities as far as education is concerned. Education in this regard, starts from the socialisation of children from birth going forward. When children start attending early childhood development outside their homes, it is because the foundation has been laid by the women (mothers). Protecting and sustaining environments in societies is not an individual responsibility but community, and if lead by women it becomes the social responsibility. The women as compared to men act or react quickly to crisis as they always think about protecting their children and adopt science-based policies as intervention strategies. As highlighted by sustainable development plan (SDP), number seventeen, women as partners in communities cannot be left aside or be excluded as social development theory emphasises partnerships. In this situation, sustainable development goals 10 (mitigation of gender disparities), 13 (challenges associated with climate change); and 17 (the importance of partnerships in achieving SDG) cannot be addressed separately. Women inclusion in the issues of environmental advocacy and sustainability are not only emphasised as partners but as leaders. 906
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Rejected Pending Review Dr. Moganedi Matshemo matshemo.moganedi@ul.ac.za University of limpopo Climate change as a ground for fertile soil for sexual exploitation in South Africa: human trafficking as a false solution to unemployment THEME 5: Feminist Perspectives and Environmental Justice All human beings in South Africa are having human rights and this affirmation is in the Constitution. Contrary to the abovementioned fact, human beings and especially vulnerable groups such as young women and girls find themselves in a sexual exploitation bondage called trafficking. The Quarterly Labour Force Survey, 2nd quarter (2024) confirmed that unemployment for women is at 35.8%. This situation, authenticate the fact that girls and young women are the targets in the trafficking industry. This study seeks to report on the qualitative desktop research conducted to determine the strategy to end human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Human capital theory underpinned the study. Purposive sampling was used to sample the relevant documents to gather data. Document analysis was employed to interpret the data. The findings confirmed that majority of the victims of trafficking are without certain forms of economic skills, hence they were easily deceived for better employment opportunities despite the lack of the necessary competencies. The climate change and the outburst of COVID-19 accelerated the issue of unemployment, poverty and hunger and therefore challenges the sustainable development goal 1 (poverty mitigation), 2 (hunger eradication) and 8 (employment and economic growth). Basically, social and economic issues cannot be dealt with separately from environmental, health, political, educational and others. The provision of educational campaigns on the causes and impacts of climate change as well as accredited skills development at the community level addressing sustainable development goal 4 (quality education) should be considered. Communities should be capacitated on the climate change, human trafficking and their implications as well as how to deal with them. On the other hand, different Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) should provide skills at community level where young women will be trained to acquire skills to make them competent in the market. 907
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Accepted Pending Review Ms. Dlamini Charity sithabile domadedlamini80@gmail.com Dept of social development Age of consent and lack of policy harmonization THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Purpose: South Africa is amongst the countries with the highest burden of teenage pregnancy with 41 births per 1,000 adolescents aged 15-19 . As a result, age of consent norms has been extensively legislated.it is crucial to analyze age of consent and policy harmonization, the extent to which the legal and policy frameworks address or perpetuate the early and unintended pregnancy .
Methods: We used information from websites, data and reports from StatsSA, the Department of Health, and the Department of Social Development. We make use of online databases and archives for health statistics such as the World Health Organization and South Africa government sources on public health. I used relevant peer-reviewed academic journals and books.
Results: The protection of children’s rights is in line with constitutional democracy, However, there is a lack of Policy harmonization for instance in relation to children’s laws and the age of consent. Children’s maturity age is 18 years while the age of consent to sex is 16 years , and the children aged 12-16 years can assent to sex without any adult consent according to the sexual offences Act . However, the consent is irrelevant if the age difference between the child and the other person is more than two years. The hike of sexual engagement of 10-14 years suggests that the lack of criminal sanction might be perpetuating teenage pregnancy and child abuse .Children has insufficient knowledge of sexuality, gender reproductive health and their rights( National Clinical Guideline for Contraception , 2019).
Conclusion: Laws necessitate ongoing evaluation to ensure alignment with the evolving societal dynamics. Furthermore, increased education on topics such as sexuality, gender, reproductive health, and rights is essential and also the persecution of adults who engage in statutory rape.
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Accepted Accepted Prof. Chilanga Emmanuel emmanuel.chilanga@unbc.ca University of northern british columbia Theory and Practice of Green Social work field education in rural Malawi and Rural Canada THEME 1: Green Social Work and Climate Resilience: Supporting Vulnerable Communities in the Face of Environmental Crises Green Social Work (GSW) also referred to as Ecological social work, Environmental social work, and Eco-social work is a holistic approach to social work practice that considers the wellbeing of individuals, families, communities and the environment. It focuses on the intersection between environmental conditions and human wellbeing. Green social workers address the impacts of environmental degradation on individuals, families, and communities. They promote sustainable practices, advocates for environmental protection and social change. There is a growing commitment among social work education regulatory bodies in promoting environmental justice and sustainability through accreditation standards. There is an emerging and growing body of environmentalism and sustainable social work spearheaded by scholars like Lena Dominelli, Mel Gray, John Coates, Susan Hillock and many more. There is a limited body of knowledge relating to GSW pedagogy and praxis. To address this gap in knowledge, GSW field education models were piloted in Malawi and Canada to enhance students’ attainment of GSW praxis. This presentation shares with participants how GSW practice was implemented in rural areas of Malawi to promote household food security through agroecology research project. It will also share how the GSW approach has been applied in remote areas of Canada to mitigate wildfires. The conversation delves into demonstrating the application of GSW theory and practice in two unique Geographical contexts. 912
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Accepted Pending Review Mr. Muthala Mashudu shadrack mashudu.muthala@univen.ac.za University of venda Exploring strategies perceived by female black academics to be effective ways of helping them achieve work-life balance THEME 3: Policy and Advocacy for Peace building, Environmental and Social Justice Work-life balance is increasingly becoming an interest and priority within the corporate space and institutions of higher learning in South Africa and worldwide. Many employers have realised the significant benefits of having employees with effective well-being and balanced work-life and non-work-domain. Work-life balance prioritizes both personal well-being and professional responsibilities. This study explored the work-life balance of black female academics working at Universities in Gauteng. This study adopted the qualitative research approach and used the exploratory research design to focus on the experiences of black female academics and their need to achieve or realize a work-life balance. The study purposively sampled 10 respondents to participate in the data collection process. Semi-structured interviews were applied to collect relevant and necessary data for the study. The study used thematic content to analyze the collected data. The study found that black female academics experience personal and professional barriers that hinder their work-life balance. It further revealed that family responsibilities and patriarchal and cultural practices are barriers to achieving work-life balance. Unmarried black female academics found it easy to have a work-life balance. The study used the intersectionality theory developed by Kimberle and Crenshaw to provide the foundation and background.

Keywords: black academics, exploring, female, strategies, work-life balance.


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Accepted Accepted Mr. Mtshali Aubrey aubreymoeketsi51@gmail.com Social development free state Title: Environmental Social Work in Action: The Young Social Workers Network’s Role in Disaster Management and Community Resilience THEME 1: Green Social Work and Climate Resilience: Supporting Vulnerable Communities in the Face of Environmental Crises Title: Environmental Social Work in Action: The Young Social Workers Network’s Role in Disaster Management and Community Resilience

Abstract:
The Young Social Workers Network (YSWN) recognizes the increasing role of social workers in disaster management, particularly in marginalized and climate-vulnerable communities. This abstract explores the integration of environmental social work principles within disaster response strategies, focusing on the intersection of community resilience, psychosocial support, and post-disaster recovery. The YSWN's advocacy for effective, trauma-informed interventions underscores the importance of training social workers to navigate the complex dynamics of environmental and human-made crises. By leveraging social work’s foundational values of empowerment, advocacy, and social justice, the YSWN aims to contribute to the development of comprehensive and inclusive disaster management frameworks that prioritize the needs of vulnerable populations. This paper highlights the value of interdisciplinary collaboration, the role of social workers in disaster preparedness and recovery, and the importance of community-based approaches to enhance long-term resilience. It emphasizes the need for equitable, climate-responsive disaster management systems that ensure just access to support and resources in times of crisis.
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Accepted Accepted Mr. Myeni Themba cyprian thembamrhope@gmail.com Kwazulu-natal department of health Recommendations for social workers’ interventions to improve paediatric HIV disclosure in uMzinyathi District, Kwa-Zulu Natal: Insights from In-depth Semi-Structured Interviews THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) BACKGROUND: The disclosure of HIV status to children living with HIV (CLHIV) poses a challenge due to several factors. Non-disclosure results in clinical and psychological challenges which threaten the child’s health and quality of life. Involvement of social workers in paediatric HIV is extensive as they render multifaceted therapeutic and psychological support to children infected with HIV and their parents or caregivers.
METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted between December 2023 and January 2024 using semi-structured interviews to collect data from 20 caregivers of CLHIV who access ART at four public health clinics in uMzinyathi District, Kwa-Zulu Natal. All participants were purposively sampled. Thematic analysis was used to identify and analyse themes.
RESULTS: Participants recommended that 1) social workers should capacitate caregivers with knowledge and skills to initiate and carryout disclosure process to CLHIV, 2) warrant that essential services and resources are available and easily accessible for them, 3) provide counselling, treatment adherence support, disclosure counselling to CLHIV and their caregivers, 4) form and facilitate peer support groups for both CLHIV and caregivers so they can learn from the experiences of others who have already initiated disclosure process with their children, and 5) should frequently act as coordinators between medical and psychosocial care to ensure that CLHIV receive the care they deserve, adhere to treatment and that disclosure is done in the best interest of CLHIV.
CONCLUSION: Social workers, caregivers and healthcare workers play a pivotal role in ensuring that HIV disclosure process occurs timely to prevent negative consequences that may result from delayed and accidental disclosure and from not disclosing to a child. Preparation and education can play a huge role in empowering caregivers with appropriate knowledge and skills to lead a successful health-promoting disclosure. The support of social workers is essential in preparing caregivers for disclosure and during the disclosure process.
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Accepted Accepted Mr. Myeni Themba cyprian thembamrhope@gmail.com Kwazulu-natal department of health Barriers affecting caregivers from disclosing HIV status to children living with HIV in uMzinyathi District, KwaZulu-Natal: Insights from semi structured interviews THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) BACKGROUND: The disclosure of HIV status to children living with HIV (CLHIV) poses a challenge due to several factors. Non-disclosure results in clinical and psychosocial challenges which threaten the child’s health and quality of life. Caregivers’ experiences of disclosure to their children are not fully understood. Hence, this study explored the barriers affecting caregivers from disclosing their children’s HIV status to them.
METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted between December 2023 and January 2024 using semi-structured interviews to collect data from 20 caregivers of CLHIV who access ART at four public health clinics in uMzinyathi District, KwaZulu-Natal. All 20 caregivers were purposively sampled. Thematic analysis was used to identify and analyse themes.
RESULTS: Participants acknowledged the importance and benefits of disclosing to their CLHIV. Howbeit, they volunteered their barriers as, 1) a lack of disclosure skills and support, 2) fear of the outcomes of disclosure, 3) fear that their children will not keep the HIV diagnosis secret to themselves, 4) guilt and shame associated with their children’s HIV status, 5) absence of fathers in the disclosure process, and 6) stigma and discrimination associated with HIV positive status.
CONCLUSION: Intervention strategies that aim to address these barriers to foster improved paediatric HIV disclosure need to be developed and implemented. Caregivers need to be trained on all aspects of HIV including paediatric HIV disclosure. Social workers can assist with breaking these barriers and equipping caregivers with knowledge and skills to overcome these barriers and engage in well-meaning disclosure practices. Social workers play a key role in facilitating caregiver and care recipient support groups or online support to enhance adherence to ART, combat further transmission of HIV, improve health literacy, promote open communication about HIV, and reduce caregivers' disclosure challenges. Social workers can effectively advocate for the rights of CLHIV and ensure that disclosure is done properly.
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Accepted Accepted Prof. Malan Hanelie Hanelie.Malan@nwu.ac.za North-west university The Missing Link in Risk and Safety Assessments: Parental Capacity for Change THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Globally, social workers are tasked with the removal and placement of children in alternative care when their developments well-being is threatened. However, beyond the act of removal, it is critical that social workers conduct a comprehensive risk and safety assessment with active involvement of the child’s parents, to evaluate parental capacity for change. Existing literature reflets a notable gap in examining the specific challenges associated with assessing parents' ability to change and the effective role of social workers in facilitating successful reunification. The study employed a qualitative research approach, underpinned by the ethics of care theoretical lens, and guided by an interpretivist paradigm, to explore how parental capacity to change is understood and assessed during risk and safety evaluations. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with nine social workers and eight parents recruited through purposive sampling from the Department of Social Development (DSD) and Rata in the Modimolle Waterberg District of South Africa. Findings indicate a lack of standardised risk and safety assessment tools, inconsistent application of existing assessments, limited parental involvement, and inadequate communication between social workers and parents. The study concludes that the implementation of standardised assessments protocols, improved communication strategies, and ethical practices that centre parental participation can significantly enhance the outcomes of successful reunification. 918
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Accepted Accepted Ms. Fisher Lauren 4206740@myuwc.ac.za University of the western cape Poverty is not neglect: Rethinking Policy and Practice of Family Reunification in South Africa THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Background
Children are frequently removed from their families not because of abuse, but due to poverty-related neglect. In South Africa, the child protection system often conflates poverty with parental failure, prioritising separation over family support. This raises serious ethical and human rights concerns, particularly in low-income communities.
Aim
This study explores how current legislation and policy contribute to institutional barriers that prevent the reunification of families whose children were removed due to poverty. It seeks to contribute to rethinking a rights-based, family-centered reunification as contemplated in the SDGs.
Research Questions
To explore how South African laws and social policies define and interpret “neglect”.
To identify the service delivery gaps in agencies responsible for family preservation.
Research question
How South African laws and social policies define and interpret “neglect?
Theoretical framework:
The study draws on a Rights-based approach and Ecological systems theory to examine the interaction between individual, familial, community, and systemic factors influencing reunification.
Methodology:
Using a desktop research approach, the study includes:
A systematic review of relevant laws and policies
Case study analysis focused on poverty-related child removals in South Africa
Preliminary findings
Initial analysis reveals that the system often fails to distinguish poverty from neglect. Families receive inadequate post-removal support, which undermines reunification efforts and perpetuates intergenerational trauma.
Recommendation
The study calls for a shift from punitive interventions to holistic, justice-based support. It aligns with the Revised White Paper on Families (2021) and contributes to the development of poverty-sensitive, inclusive child protection policies in line with the SGDs.		 920
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Accepted Accepted Ms. Zulu Nokuthula zulunokuthula392@gmail.com Social development Experiences of Social Workers in Gender-Based Violence & Femicide (GBVF): A Study of Pillar 4 Implementation THEME 3: Policy and Advocacy for Peace building, Environmental and Social Justice Title: Experiences of Social Workers in Gender-Based Violence & Femicide (GBVF): A Study of Pillar 4 Implementation
Abstract
This study explores the challenges faced by Social Workers in supporting survivors of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), with a focus on the implementation of Pillar 4 of South Africa’s National Strategic Plan on GBVF. Pillar 4 emphasizes the provision of comprehensive care and support services for survivors, yet Social Workers-key frontline responders face significant barriers in delivering effective interventions. The study employed a qualitative research approach, semi-structured and in-depth interviews conducted with Social Workers engaged in GBV response services. The findings highlighted systemic and organizational challenges including limited resources, complex caseloads, inadequate supervision, and a lack of trauma-informed training. Participants also reported institutional gaps in inter-agency coordination, inconsistent application of policy, and emotional burnout due to high exposure to violence and trauma. The study underscored the need for structured capacity-building initiatives, improved referral systems, and consistent organizational support to empower Social Workers to meet the diverse needs of GBV survivors. Survivors often require a multidisciplinary response addressing physical safety, emotional counselling, medical care, legal assistance, and long-term protection needs that cannot be met without adequate training and infrastructure. Policy recommendations included the revision of key frameworks such as the Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP) and the Domestic Violence Act (DVA) to ensure adequate resource allocation, enforce trauma-informed practices, and strengthen referral pathways. Addressing these gaps is crucial to build an effective and responsive GBV support system while promoting the well-being and sustainability of Social Workers within the field.
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Accepted Accepted Ms. Gumede Nonhlanhla nhlafgumede@gmail.com University of pretoria Male perpetrators’ perceptions of gender-based violence in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Title of Abstract: Male perpetrators’ perceptions of gender-based violence in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Authors:

Nonhlanhla Florence Gumede*, Priscilla Gutura
University of Pretoria

Corresponding Author:
Nonhlanhla Florence Gumede
E-mail: nhlafgumede@gmail.com
Cell: +27 78 353 9376

Presentation format: Plenary
Abstract:
Gender-based violence (GBV) against women and children remains alarmingly prevalent in developing countries such as South Africa, posing a persistent challenge to both public discourse and academic inquiry. This study aims to explore the perspectives of male perpetrators of GBV to better understand the underlying factors contributing to such violence. Using a qualitative research approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 male GBV perpetrators who were purposively selected from a social worker’s caseload at the KwaNgwanase Service Office in the uMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Social workers assisted in the recruitment process. Thematic analysis of the data revealed two main themes and eight sub-themes reflecting males’ perceptions of GBV. The majority of perpetrators identified individual, relationship dynamics, community influences, and broader societal factors as key contributors. Despite various intervention programmes developed by the Department of Social Development (DSD), findings indicate these strategies have not yet effectively addressed the needs of GBV victims or reduced the prevalence of violence. The paper concludes with recommendations aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 5, target 5.2, which calls for the elimination of all forms of violence against women and children by 2030. Suggested strategies include reducing stigma, increasing community awareness of cultural norms, and integrating GBV education into schools, families, and broader society.
Keywords: Gender-based violence, Male perpetrators, Perceptions 		923
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Accepted Accepted Mr. Singwane Thembinkosi thembinkosi.singwane@ul.ac.za University of pretoria Service Provider Perspectives on Alcohol Harm Reduction: Advancing SDG 3.5 through Strengthened Prevention and Treatment of Harmful Alcohol Use in South Africa THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) The harmful use of alcohol remains a significant public health concern globally and poses a substantial burden on healthcare systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In South Africa, managing alcohol use disorders (AUDs) in outpatient treatment settings presents ongoing challenges. This paper reports findings from Phase 1 of an intervention study aimed at informing the development of a contextually relevant alcohol harm reduction intervention. Specifically, it presents data gathered from service providers working in outpatient treatment centres across Mpumalanga, Gauteng, and Limpopo provinces.
Using a concurrent mixed-methods design, the study employed purposive sampling to recruit 60 service providers from eight centres. Data were collected via a non-standardised QualtricsXM web-based survey and analysed using Stata SE.18, incorporating both descriptive and associative statistics. Findings reveal a high general awareness of treatment models (87.5%) among service providers, but only 23% were familiar with harm reduction approaches. Nevertheless, 70% endorsed harm reduction as a suitable model for addressing AUDs. Only 45% had received training in harm reduction, most of it through in-service efforts. Notably, 90% of participants believed that insufficient efforts are currently in place to develop targeted interventions for harmful alcohol use.
Service providers emphasised the need for holistic, culturally grounded interventions that address responsible drinking, mental health, anger management, and risky behaviours. These findings underscore the critical role of frontline service providers in informing strategies aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.5, which calls for the strengthening of prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including harmful alcohol use. The study concludes with a call for enhanced training and capacity-building in harm reduction, tailored to the realities of outpatient service contexts in South Africa.

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Accepted Accepted Prof. Pillay Roshini roshini.pillay@wits.ac.za University of the witwatersrand Social Work Education post Covid 19 Course Redesign- Rediscovering new ways of learning and teaching in South Africa THEME 4: Social Work Education, Transdisciplinarity and Curriculum Development This presentation shares information about a collaborative project that spans 2023-2025 by nine educators representing various higher education institutions across South Africa. The project seeks to examine course design in a post COVID-19 era. The project was funded by the National Research Fund and considered how social work course design has or has not changed since COVID 19. The initial phase of the project began by reviewing the value of the elements of authentic eLearning in social work course design. As the project is ongoing until the end of 2025 some of the preliminary learnings and artefacts will be shared. Two questions that the presentation will unpack are:
1. Why the use of Authentic eLearning has the potential for social work students to achieve success in the workplace
2. What are the elements of Authentic eLearning –
1. Development of an authentic context
2. Development of a complex and messy problem
3. Iteration
4. Reflection
5. Expert performance
6. Collaboration
7. Articulation and debate
8. Socio-emotional learning
9. Coaching and scaffolding
10. Multiple sources of information

Aspects that will be explored include the affordances and constraints of this framework for social work education. Significant contributions of this framework are the use of experiential learning and collaborative learning. However, incorporating the ten elements is both time-consuming and requires the use of various creative strategies such as photovoice. As part of the presentation, some of the artefacts created during the project are shared, along with the website https://www.social-work-education-sa.org/, which provides additional resources and context. The presentation has value for social work educators as it offers new and exciting ways for course design within the South African Context that promotes student-centred learning.

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Accepted Accepted Ms. Coleman Robyn rcoleman@ufh.ac.za University of fort hare Social Media-Induced Emotional Distress and Its Impact on Emerging Adults' Well-Being THEME 4: Social Work Education, Transdisciplinarity and Curriculum Development To uncover the truth, depth, and richness in researching a phenomenon, a constructivist grounded theory researcher goes to great lengths to delve deep beneath the surface and co-construct emerging insights where there were none before. The phenomena: to understand Generation Z’s dynamic interactions in a dichotomous world where online and offline interconnectedness is a normality. Statistically, they are both the highest users of social media and the most anxious generational cohort. With their overarching pressure to continually engage and interact on social media, this pressure precariously balances on the precipice of being both positive and detrimental to their well-being. A constructivist grounded theory (CGT) research study was conducted in the Buffalo City Metro in Eastern Cape, South Africa. The study selected 12 emerging adults aged 18 – 26 years old in 2023, which fell within the Generation Z age category. Data collection took the shape of in-depth interviews and a seven-day daily diary submission process that was iteratively shaped over three phases. This presentation will provide insight into the core concepts of CGT required to iteratively approach the study, one phase at a time; from data collection and analysis to the final emergence of co-constructed data, which depicts emerging adults' disclosure that social media content heightened their well-being, by experiencing both pain and pleasure while scrolling online. The insightful, rich, emergent findings presented emerging adults as experiencing emotional pain from viewing social media content, detrimentally influencing their offline well-being. This study recommends encouraging social work post-graduate students to embrace CGT as their research methodology to enhance the depth of rich, meaningful South African research, which is desperately required.
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