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269 submissions
| # Sort descending | Operations | Status | Status | Title | Lastname | Firstname | Institution | Title of Presentatation | Theme Selection | Abstract | SID | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 144 | Accepted | Accepted | Dr. | Nqaphi | Sivuyile | nqaphis@gmail.com | University of fort hare | Development of an Innovative Strategy to address child sexual abuse investigation delays in the Eastern Cape, South Africa | THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) | This research aimed to establish an approach for examining child sexual abuse (CSA) cases in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, specifically identifying causes of investigation delays. The study also analyzed disputes among CSA stakeholders and their roles, using the ecosystem theory as a framework. A qualitative case study design within an intervention research paradigm was employed. Purposive sampling recruited 68 experts in CSA investigations, including law enforcement, social workers, legal professionals, and healthcare specialists. Participants comprised 30 from SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Units; 14 from government stakeholders; 4 from NGOs; 3 private social workers/psychologists; and 17 from focus groups. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, followed by thematic analysis. Key findings revealed concerns over a shortage of social workers for victim forensic assessments, issues with DNA collection, and a lack of crime kits. While the NPA and SAPS possess investigative aids, they are deficient and poorly maintained, hindering investigations. Participants cited a widespread scarcity of human and physical resources, including insufficient personnel and vehicles. Protracted DNA forensic results were a major obstacle, despite their critical importance. Inadequate directives, policies, or protocols, and poor collaboration among stakeholders, further complicated service provision for child victims. The study concludes that a combination of resource deficiencies and lack of coordination impedes effective CSA case resolution. It proposes a joint CSA investigation model and recommends a pilot study to implement it, advocating for collective coordination among all actors in the value chain to expedite investigations. |
1004 | |
| 145 | Accepted | Accepted | Ms. | Mandlazi | Ntombenhle brenda | nmandlazi@ufh.co.za | University of fort hare | Perceptions of Social Auxiliary Workers on Gender-Related Factors Contributing to Occupational Stress: Exploring the Role of Single-Gender Dominance and Job Design | THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) | Gender-related occupational stress significantly impacts employees' health, well-being, and productivity across various sectors, including South Africa's Department of Social Development. This study explored the gender-specific stressors affecting Social Auxiliary Workers (SAWs) within this department, aiming to understand how these stressors influence their well-being, job performance, and coping mechanisms. A qualitative, phenomenological research design was employed, guided by exploratory, descriptive, and contextual approaches. Purposive, non-probability sampling was utilized to select 37 SAWs (13 male and 24 female) with at least one year of experience in the Ehlanzeni District Municipality of Mpumalanga Province. Data collection involved 13 semi-structured individual interviews and five focus group discussions, employing thematic analysis to identify patterns and themes within the data. The findings revealed that gender-related challenges stemmed from workforce imbalances, including wellness programs not tailored to address gender differences, job designs reinforcing gender roles, and tasks influenced by gender stereotypes. The study underscores the necessity for gender-sensitive wellness programs and policies within the Department of Social Development to enhance SAWs' job satisfaction. Addressing these challenges is crucial for improving employee retention, reducing burnout, and ensuring the delivery of quality services to clients. |
1007 | |
| 146 | Accepted | Accepted | Dr. | Ramoshaba | justin | justin.ramoshaba@ul.ac.za | University of limpopo | Resilience strategies of families post-COVID 19 pandemic in Polokwane, South Africa | THEME 1: Green Social Work and Climate Resilience: Supporting Vulnerable Communities in the Face of Environmental Crises | Natural disasters affect the functioning of some families wherein some lose their bonds whilst some individuals within those families experience mental health issues such as stress and depression. Several studies show that families face challenges such as loss of lives, injury and mental health issues during natural disasters such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic left many individuals within some families needing support services to enhance their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It is from this background that the researcher developed a hunch to explore the resilience strategies of families post the COVID-19 pandemic in Polokwane. The researcher adopted a qualitative approach wherein a case study design was used. Data was collected through semi structure interviews wherein convenient and Snowball sampling techniques were used to select the respondents. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings of the study reveals counselling, home care and support, health services and social activities as some of the resilience strategies that are used by some individuals within some families to become resilient. Conclusions and recommendations are also provided in this study. | 1008 | |
| 147 | Accepted | Pending Review | Ms. | Hadebe | Nondumiso yolande | HadebeN@unizulu.ac.za | University of zululand | The Intersection of Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Technology-based Social Work Therapeutic Intervention: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic. | THEME 6: Main-streaming Digital and Assessment Tools in Social Work Practice | The COVID-19 pandemic exposed prevailing structural and epistemological gaps in psychosocial intervention strategies, particularly within the field of Social Work. In South Africa, the crisis highlighted the systemic marginalisation of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), resulting in therapeutic interventions that were often culturally incongruent and insufficient in meeting the holistic needs of affected communities. As social workers were forced to rapidly transition to digital platforms to ensure continuity of care, this shift inadvertently reinforced Western-centric models of therapy that neglected the relational, spiritual, and communal dimensions fundamental to Afrocentric paradigms. This study critically examines how the exclusion of indigenous epistemologies, coupled with the pressures of the technological access divide, shaped the experiences and effectiveness of frontline social workers during the pandemic. Drawing on qualitative data derived from semi-structured interviews with practitioners, the study uncovers how technology-based therapeutic modalities failed to fully engage with the lived realities and cultural contexts of service users. It further explores the impact of digital inequity, marked by limited access to devices, connectivity, and digital literacy, on the delivery of psychosocial support to marginalised communities. The findings point to a pressing need for a decolonised and contextually grounded approach to technology-based social work practice. The paper proposes a hybrid model that meaningfully integrates Indigenous Knowledge Systems with inclusive and accessible digital strategies. Such a model would not only enhance cultural responsiveness in times of crisis but also serve as a foundation for resilient and transformative practice in a post-pandemic era. By reclaiming indigenous epistemologies and addressing structural digital divides, this study contributes to a growing body of knowledge advocating for equity, relevance, and sustainability in social work interventions. |
1009 | |
| 148 | Accepted | Pending Review | Ms. | Owoiya | Aisha | AbrahamsAT@ufs.ac.za | University of the free state | South African Social Work Students' First-Year Field Instruction Experience | THEME 4: Social Work Education, Transdisciplinarity and Curriculum Development | Field instruction is the signature pedagogy of social work, bridging theoretical knowledge and practical application. It enables students to integrate learning within real-world contexts and develop a professional social work identity. In South Africa, the Council on Higher Education (CHE) has established qualification standards for the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), mandating work-integrated learning through field placements. Students must demonstrate graduate attributes, applied competence, skills, and professionalism as stipulated by the CHE and the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP). However, many social work students face personal and systemic challenges during their field placements, negatively impacting their academic performance and professional behaviour. Field instruction coordinators, facilitators, and supervisors have expressed concerns about students’ preparedness, ethical conduct, and well-being. This highlights the urgent need to explore how first-year field instruction can better support students in overcoming these obstacles and developing professionalism and applied competencies. Professionalism in social work extends beyond compliance with ethical guidelines; it includes technical competence, emotional intelligence, advocacy for vulnerable populations, respect for diversity, and a commitment to social justice and systemic change. By critically examining the first-year experience, this presentation seeks to elicit conversations about strengthening field instruction in South African social work education. It advocates for holistic, context-sensitive approaches that address both pedagogical goals and student well-being, ultimately aiming to improve outcomes for emerging social work professionals and the communities they serve. |
1018 | |
| 149 | Accepted | Accepted | Dr. | Ramabulana-ndzuta | Joyce | ndzuta.joyce@gmail.com | Department of social development | THE IMPORTANCE OF SUPPORT IN SOCIAL WORK SUPERVISION | THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) | CONFERENCE THEME: ADVANCING SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE, PEACE BUILDING, AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH TEACHING, RESEARCH AND PRACTICE. SUB THEME: SOCIAL WORK AND THE ACHIEVEMENT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGs): ABSTRACT THE IMPORTANCE OF SUPPORT IN SOCIAL WORK SUPERVISION. By: Dr Joyce Ramabulana-Ndzuta Department of Social Development South Africa Support is viewed as one of the central pillars of social work supervision because the need for supervision is directly linked to the need for support. Research revealed that supervisees prefer supportive supervision over other types of supervision because it goes beyond supervising their daily workload to focusing on other life factors which may impede their delivery of services. When social workers receive support through supervision, they are likely to perform their work effectively and efficiently. It is mandatory to apply supportive supervision as it is one of the functions of social work supervision. Where they are supported through supervision, social workers can render quality services to clients. Social workers need support due to the challenges they encounter in their work, such as the growing complexity of client’s problems, being exposed to traumatic incidences, unfavourable physical work environments and heavy workloads. All these have the potential of inducing trauma in social workers. Support can be offered in different forms, such as emotional, practical and professional support. Emotional support is most needed by social workers. Keywords: Social Work; Supervision; Supportive Supervision; Professional Support; Practical Support; Emotional Support. |
1029 | |
| 150 | Accepted | Accepted | Mr. | Van rooyen | Christofer | chrisvr19@gmail.com | University of witwatersrand | A social-ecological perspective on the roles of YOLO facilitators in a Youth HIV Prevention Programme. | THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) | In South Africa, young people aged 15 to 24 face a high risk of contracting HIV due to unsafe sexual practices. The Department of Social Development launched the “You Only Live Once” (YOLO) community-based HIV prevention programme to reduce risky behaviour among the youth. YOLO employs facilitators who provide structured information on self-care, assertiveness, and peer pressure, following a social-ecological model focused on children and youth. This study explores the roles of YOLO facilitators through the lens of this model, examining the interplay of individual, interpersonal, and community levels. Conducted in Matlosana, a community grappling with high HIV rates, youth unemployment, and violence, the research involved ten facilitators who shared similar backgrounds to their participants. The research recruited participants through non-probability sampling methods. The method limits the researcher's biases in the selection process. Ten YOLO facilitators participated in the research. The YOLO facilitators represented various age groups, races, genders, skill sets and experiences in the field. Using descriptive qualitative methods, semi-structured interviews were conducted, and thematic data analysis revealed key themes at micro, meso, and macro levels. Ethical clearance was granted by the University of Witwatersrand, with permissions from the National Department of Social Development and the NPO Board. The study found that YOLO facilitators function as “wounded healers”. The researcher discussed the risk of being a wounded healer in the context of the study. The researcher recommends that it is essential to ensure that YOLO facilitators are aware of potential risks and that NPOs provide a safe and supportive environment to mitigate them. YOLO facilitators’ personal experiences can undoubtedly assist them in developing empathy and sympathy, but it is essential to strike a balance between personal growth and personal harm. |
1049 | |
| 151 | Accepted | Accepted | Dr. | Campbell | Emma | emma.campbell@uct.ac.za | University of cape town | Turning the students green: integrating climate change into the Social Work curriculum | THEME 4: Social Work Education, Transdisciplinarity and Curriculum Development | Turning the students green: integrating climate change into the Social Work curriculum is a reflective presentation focusing on ‘greening’ the BSW curriculum. A 4th year Social Policy and Management course is used as an illustrative example for how academics could navigate coursework changes that integrate climate change while still aligning with National norms and standards. It is imperative that Social Work graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the rapidly changing context, both for themselves and for the communities they support. The presentation will provide further motivation for climate inclusive curriculum design as well discuss how this can still align with course norms and standards. Illustratively, the presentation will discuss content and assessment shifts and end with some key reflections and insights. | 1052 | |
| 152 | Accepted | Pending Review | Prof. | Sewpaul | Vishanthie | Sewpaulv@ukzn.ac.za | Ukzn | Linguistic practices, poverty and epistemic injustice: Unraveling power, dominant discourses and ethical conundrums in child ‘protection’ services in the South African context | THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) | Drawing on Fricker’s (2007) thesis on testimonial and hermeneutical injustice, this presentation by a social work academic and two social work practitioners employed in a Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCC), examines linguistic practices and dominant discourses in child ‘protection’ services (CPS) within pervasive positivist, neoliberal and New Public Management (NPM) influences. The main aims of the research were to use the analysis of social workers’ case reports as a springboard for Freireian forms of reflexive discussion, and to counter normalized academic researcher privileges. We did this by adopting an appreciative enquiry, decolonized and praxis-oriented research approach, characterized by ethical, respectful and open dialogue, relationality and reciprocity that validate the contributions of practitioners to research and knowledge development, which is an ethical requisite of practice research. The research was guided by the following questions: • Does the language in social work case reports reflect congruence between the profession’s value premises and social workers’ daily practices? • What is the potential of reflexive dialogue in challenging taken-for-granted, normalised assumptions about child protection (CP) in the South African context? • What is the agential power of social workers within the structural relations of power in the CPS? Drawing on the analysis of referral reports, that included court reports, of social workers motivating for placement of children into the CYCC, and our reflections on them vis-à-vis the broader socio-economic realities of South Africa, we will discuss the three major themes that emerged: 1) Epistemic injustice, poverty and child protection in South Africa; 2) Factors contributing to epistemic injustice; and 3) Countering epistemic injustice: The value of reflexive dialogue. The reflexive discussions on the reports enabled us to interrogate social work’s principles of non-judgmentalism, social justice, human rights, and respect for human dignity vis-a-vis daily practices, which the results of this study reflected, are often characterized by a disjuncture that produces ethical dilemmas. |
1054 | |
| 153 | Pending Review | Pending Review | Dr. | Ogar | Godwin | godwinogar139@gmail.com | University of calabar, nigeria | Assessing the Effectiveness of Green Entrepreneurship as a Catalyst for Climate Resilience in South South Nigeria | THEME 1: Green Social Work and Climate Resilience: Supporting Vulnerable Communities in the Face of Environmental Crises | 1058 | ||
| 154 | Accepted | Accepted | Prof. | Sobantu | Mziwandile | sobantu.mzwandile@gmail.com | University of johannesburg | THE INTRESCETION OF HOUSING, WELLBEING AND BLACK FEMALE-HEADED HOUSEHOLDS IN KATLEHONG TOWNSHIP, JOHANNESBURG: ANY RELEVANCE FOR THE SUSTAINABLE GOALS? | THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) | Housing is a fundamental human need that has an impact on individuals’ economic and social well-being. Housing as an integral welfare item is not only enshrined in Target 11 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but it also bears a direct influence on at least 14 of them. Due to its development ‘multiplier-potential’ the delivery of adequate housing needs to be taken seriously in South Africa particularly pertaining to vulnerable populations. Informed by the social exclusion theoretical framework, this qualitative study explored the intersection of housing and wellbeing of female-headed households (FHHs) in Katlehong, a low-income community in Johannesburg, South Africa. Using purposive sampling, the study selected 10 female heads to whom semi-structured interviews were administered to explore their housing experiences and the implications thereof on their wellbeing. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the data in iteration with the social exclusion lens and the SDGs. The study found that while the FHHs’ housing was poor for the majority, it contributed immensely towards their stability, security, safety and to their incomes and optimum child development. They all appreciated that in many ways, their housing enhanced their wellbeing. Among others, the study recommends an integrated housing policy that is not only gender-aware but also takes into congnisant the intersectional realities of women and FHHs in South Africa. More importantly, the authors appeal that social work as a human-rights-informed profession ought to take more interest in housing and the role played by this welfare item in advancing the rights of the vulnerable population and meeting achieving the SDGs. | 1060 | |
| 155 | Accepted | Accepted | Ms. | Mitileni | Tintswalo catherine | tintswalotinsy@gmail.com | Limpopo department of social development | Exploring Social work interventions in response to two climate related disasters. | THEME 1: Green Social Work and Climate Resilience: Supporting Vulnerable Communities in the Face of Environmental Crises | The study highlights how social work practice integrates environmental justice, sustainability, and ecological perspectives, emphasizing the impact of climate-related disasters on marginalized populations. A qualitative case study approach was used to explore social work interventions in response to two climate-related disasters: the death of a scholar due to floods and a grandmother's death caused by lightning reported to the Social Worker’s office in 2024.The social worker provided immediate psychosocial support to grieving families, facilitated trauma-informed counselling, and coordinated with local authorities for temporary shelter and basic resources. The social worker engaged in advocacy efforts, challenging systemic gaps in disaster response by highlighting the lack of timely emergency alerts and inaccessibility of early warning systems for rural and under-resourced communities. Through community forums and liaison with municipal disaster management teams, social worker advocated for inclusive communication strategies, such as community-based response teams. In collaboration with Indigenous leaders, the interventions included promotion of traditional knowledge systems, such as localized weather interpretation and sustainable land practices to improve disaster preparedness. These efforts aimed not only to respond to immediate needs but also to address long-term vulnerabilities by strengthening community resilience, promoting environmental justice, and advocating for policy reforms that ensure equitable access to emergency services. The findings emphasize the necessity of decolonizing environmental practices and building partnerships with Indigenous communities to foster systemic change that prioritizes ecological integrity and human dignity. Social workers play a role in bridging the gap between environmental and social justice, advocating for inclusive policies and equitable access to emergency services. | 1065 | |
| 156 | Accepted | Accepted | Dr. | Kgole | Mary | mary.kgole@up.ac.za | University of pretoria | Title: The Community Reintegration of Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence Shelter Life: Role of Social Workers as a Facilitators of Social Justice. | THEME 3: Policy and Advocacy for Peace building, Environmental and Social Justice | Women’s crisis centres and women’s shelters have been the cornerstone of empowerment programmes for victims of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). These type of programmes offer individual counselling, job training and assistance in dealing with social services and legal matters to enhance empowerment of victims. Experience has shown, however, that these types of reform are not likely to be effective unless accompanied by significant changes in institutional culture and practice (WHO:2002). Links with continuing support networks and resources, when necessary, should be encouraged after disengagement from the system ensuring that all survivors of IPV have equal access to resources, opportunities, and privileges. The study employed the qualitative research approach, guided by phenomenological, exploratory research deign. One of the goals of the study was to explore the experiences of victim empowerment Social Workers regarding the effective reintegration of survivors into society. Data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews with a sample of 15 IPV victims and 5 Social Workers. Non-probability purposive sampling method allowed the researcher to purposively select persons based on accessibility, suitability, and their embodiment of the characteristics of the study. The study explores how VE Social Workers facilitates the reintegration of survivors back into society post admission into VE/shelters. VE Centres/shelters in their nature are temporary places of shelter and empowerment for victims of IPV. The temporary nature of these centres indicates that victims need to be assisted to prepare for their exit when it is time. To facilitate the seamless reintegration back into their societies without fear and stigma, exit strategies and linkages with external community agencies are essential. KEY WORDS: Reintegration, Empowerment, IPV, Victim, Survivor. |
1068 | |
| 157 | Accepted | Pending Review | Ms. | Mamadi | Khutso | khutso.mamadi@ul.ac.za | University of limpopo | The discourse of mental health issues faced by unemployed social work graduates: Implications for social work training in South Africa | THEME 4: Social Work Education, Transdisciplinarity and Curriculum Development | Research shows that South Africa is increasingly engulfed by the scourge of unemployed graduates wherein social work graduates are of no exception. Whilst this challenge is alarming, the country encounters an increase in social problems which justifies the need for social work practitioners. The writers argue that social workers remain a critical component of the country’s labour force. The writers further argue that whilst the country encounters a vast number of unemployed social work graduates, very little has been explored on how such affect their mental health. Thus, this integrative literature review paper provides a critical analysis of mental health issues affecting unemployed social work graduates and implications for social work training in South Africa. |
1070 | |
| 158 | Accepted | Pending Review | Ms. | Mtshali | Nontsikelelo | mtshalinontsikelelo@gmail.com | University of free state | Community resilience and climate change adaptation: Case Study: uMkhanyakude District Municipality | THEME 1: Green Social Work and Climate Resilience: Supporting Vulnerable Communities in the Face of Environmental Crises | Title of Abstract: Community resilience and climate change adaptation: Case Study: uMkhanyakude District Municipality Authors: Nontsikelelo Mtshali* and Nokuthuthuka Mthethwa University of Free State, KZN Department of Social Development, uMkhanyakude District (KwaMsane Service Office) Corresponding Author: Nontsikelelo Mtshali E-mail:mtshalinontsikelelo@gmail.com Cell: 083 923 8055 Presentation format: [Parallel session presentation] Abstract: Community resilience and climate change adaptation: Case Study: uMkhanyakude District Municipality The climate change issues are global threats that impact weather patterns, ecosystems and human societies. The adopted global framework such as Paris Agreement, the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals and other corporate green initiatives fail to resonate with local realities due to lack of understanding of these concepts, while the Indigenous Knowledge Systems insight is marginalized. Climate change adaptation has emerged as a foreign concept to the most vulnerable communities due to the lack of contextual understanding of global frameworks. The vulnerable communities are highly exposed climate change largely due poor documentation of context-specific knowledge that described the change in climate according to cultural identity. The objective of the research was to contribute to the development of a context –specific knowledge system that will provide equitable climate change adaptation strategies which highlight the importance of traditional knowledge systems. To integrate the Indigenous Knowledge Systems to the mainstream climate change adaptation discourse. The Social Service Practitioner to advocate for inclusive policy framework that promote sustainable community resilience and adaptation strategy to climate change. Drawing from the empirical approach using the interpretivism paradigm research and guided by the Afrocentric Theory. The findings includes, Social Service Practitioners lack concepts to facilitate awareness on climate change adaptation to foster community resilience. Lack of partnership between community organizations and stakeholders to support climate change adaptation. The findings of the study recommends for the development a conceptual framework that includes of indigenous knowledge system in promoting community resilience and adaptation. To expand research across other District in KwaZulu Natal using the qualitative methods. Key words: community resilience, climate change adaptation and Indigenous Knowledge Systems. |
1073 | |
| 159 | Pending Review | Accepted | Dr. | Tshaka | Akhona | tshakaa775@gmail.com | University of zululand | REVIEWING THE RELEVANCE OF GREEN SOCIAL WORK AND RESILIENCE THEORY TO ALLEVIATE POVERTY IN SOUTH AFRICA: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE. | THEME 1: Green Social Work and Climate Resilience: Supporting Vulnerable Communities in the Face of Environmental Crises | This paper provides recommendations for social work professionals in South Africa to manage future disasters and alleviate poverty to enhance well-being. The paper emphasises the importance of building resilience as a strategy for navigating and mitigating the impacts of environmental disasters and climate change. Green social work is a holistic and multifaceted framework to view social work practice that aims to restructure the status quo of social, political, and economic forces that negatively impact the planet and those on the social margins. Resilience theory (RT), in the context of Green Social Work (GSW), emphasizes the capacity of individuals, communities, and systems to cope with and adapt to environmental challenges, particularly those exacerbated by climate change and disasters. The focus is on the social and political factors that exacerbate environmental risks. Thus, building the resilience of marginalized populations to create a more just and equitable future for all is a major component of the (GSW) framework. This could be in a form of various interventions, including providing access to resources, promoting community-based solutions, and advocating for policy changes that address environmental injustices. Resilience theory emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals and communities to take control of their lives and address their own challenges. This review makes recommendations for environmental justice and poverty alleviation through emphasising the importance of empowering individuals and communities to take control of their lives and address their own challenges. | 1076 | |
| 160 | Accepted | Accepted | Ms. | Ngubane | Zandile joyce | NgubaneZJ@ufs.ac.za | University of free state (qwaqwa) | Land Grabs, Food insecurity, and Development Delays: Contextualizing Land Reforms in Rural KwaZulu-Natal (Case study of Umkhanyakude District Municipality) | THEME 3: Policy and Advocacy for Peace building, Environmental and Social Justice | This paper examines the impact of land grabs on rural livelihoods and food insecurity, challenges in land reform implementation, and the balance between community development and traditional land governance in KwaZulu-Natal. South Africa’s history of colonialism and apartheid has left deep social, economic, and environmental scars, contributing to persistent inequality and food insecurity. Despite 30 years of democracy, various forms of stratification continue to hinder development. Land reforms in South Africa are intended to address historical injustices and promote rural development. The paper explores the intersection of land grabs, food insecurity, and development delays, calling for community-driven land governance to enhance agricultural productivity and promote inclusive rural development. Mixed method approach was used. The strata of the sample comprised of 100 participants i.e. 5 IDP officials from 4 Local Municipalities and 1 District Municipality, 20 government officials from different government departments, 5 employees from civil societies and 70 community members. The IDP government officials and civil societies employees were purposively selected whereas community members were systematically randomly selected. Findings revealed that barriers such as low literacy rates, limited access to information, cultural and social norms, and capacity constraints within local government obstruct effective participation in Integrated Development Plan (IDP) processes and raise issues concerning their development. Marginalized groups, such as women and youth, are often excluded from participation, further exacerbating inequalities. To address these challenges, the study proposes several strategies for enhancing education, including community-based programs, technology-driven communication platforms, public forums, and collaboration with civil society organisations. Overall, the study calls for a concerted effort to improve communication, increase community education, and strengthen local governance mechanisms. Key words: Food;Food insecurity; Development;Development delays;Land reform; |
1083 | |
| 162 | Accepted | Accepted | Mr. | Luthuli | Muziwandile | muziwandileluthuli8@gmail.com | North-west university | The Role of Age as a Moderator in the Relationship Between HIV–Related Stigma, Family Support, and Depression Among People Living with HIV in Durban, South Africa | THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) | Depression remains a significant mental health challenge among people living with HIV (PLHIV), with HIV–related stigma and family support being stablished as influential psychosocial factors. Although these relationships are well documented, there is limited research on the role that age may play in this mechanism. This study investigated the associations between HIV–related stigma, perceived family support, and depression, and the potential moderating role of age. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 201 PLHIV receiving care at a tertiary hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to test the study hypotheses. Results revealed a positive association between HIV–related stigma and depression (r = .424, p < .001), and a negative association between family support and depression (r = –.159, p = .024). Age significantly moderated both relationships. Specifically, HIV–related stigma had a stronger impact on depression among younger adults (β = .503, p < .001) compared to older adults (β = .263, p < .001). In contrast, family support was more protective against depression in younger adults (β = –.3535, p = .001), while the effect was not significant among older adults (β = –.048, p = .473). These findings highlight the importance of implementing psychosocial interventions by age group. For younger PLHIV, programs that reduce stigma and strengthen family support may be especially effective in alleviating depressive symptoms. Mental health services in HIV care should consider age-sensitive strategies that address stigma and family dynamics as part of holistic care. Future research should explore longitudinal pathways and culturally relevant support systems to deepen our understanding of these complex interactions. |
1128 | |
| 163 | Accepted | Accepted | Dr. | Mabundza | Lungile | nakiwehlaluko@gmail.com | University of eswatini | Establishing linkages between social work and community health curricula in Eswatini | THEME 4: Social Work Education, Transdisciplinarity and Curriculum Development | Eswatini is a country facing significant challenges with nearly 59% of the population living in poverty, a high HIV/AIDS prevalence of 27%, and increasing food insecurity driven by, among others, climate change. These complex issues are deeply interconnected, especially affecting older adults and women in rural areas. Recognising this, our study seeks to explore how social work and community health education in tertiary institutions could be integrated and become a transformative vehicle to better serve vulnerable groups and communities which are negatively impacted by the aforementioned challenges. We propose a practical framework to build strong links between social work and community health curricula, while aligning it with Eswatini’s Vision 2022 for sustainable development. Our goal is to develop professionals who will be equipped with interdisciplinary skills to enable them to deliver culturally sensitive and holistic interventions that bridge gaps between social welfare and public health systems in Eswatini. Drawing on lessons from global initiatives such as UNICEF’s Gender-Responsive Age-Sensitive Social Protection (GRASSP) programme, the framework emphasises the importance of gender- and age-sensitive approaches to improve health and social development outcomes as well as promoting social equity. Key strategies include collaborating with stakeholders such as the Department of Social Welfare and Traditional Leaders to co-design curricula and offering hands-on training in rural communities, and leveraging the country’s indigenous Tinkhundla system to foster community involvement. In our paper, we also address challenges like limited digital infrastructure and traditional patriarchal norms by advancing innovative solutions such as mobile learning tools and gender-focused education modules. Ultimately, this integrated approach aims to strengthen Eswatini’s social protection system, most notably the Old Age Grant, and build resilience against the impacts of HIV/AIDS, poverty, and climate change. By fostering collaboration across sectors, we hope to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future for all citizens of Eswatini. Keywords: social work, community health, curriculum integration, Tinkhundla system, climate resilience, interdisciplinary education |
1134 | |
| 165 | Accepted | Accepted | Ms. | Mandlazi | Ntombenhle brenda | nmandlazi@ufh.ac.za | University of fort hare | Perceptions of Social Auxiliary Workers on Gender-Related Factors Contributing to Occupational Stress: Exploring the Role of Single-Gender Dominance in the Workplace and Job Design | THEME 5: Feminist Perspectives and Environmental Justice | Gender-related occupational stress significantly impacts employees' health, well-being, and productivity across various sectors, including South Africa's Department of Social Development. This study explored the gender-specific stressors affecting Social Auxiliary Workers (SAWs) within this department, aiming to understand how these stressors influence their well-being, job performance, and coping mechanisms. A qualitative, phenomenological research design was employed, guided by exploratory, descriptive, and contextual approaches. Purposive, non-probability sampling was utilized to select 37 SAWs (13 male and 24 female) with at least one year of experience in the Ehlanzeni District Municipality of Mpumalanga Province. Data collection involved 13 semi-structured individual interviews and five focus group discussions, employing thematic analysis to identify patterns and themes within the data. The findings revealed that gender-related challenges stemmed from workforce imbalances, including wellness programs not tailored to address gender differences, job designs reinforcing gender roles, and tasks influenced by gender stereotypes. The study underscores the necessity for gender-sensitive wellness programs and policies within the Department of Social Development to enhance SAWs' job satisfaction. Addressing these challenges is crucial for improving employee retention, reducing burnout, and ensuring the delivery of quality services to clients. Keywords: Gender, Occupational Stress, SAWs, Department of Social Development, Practice |
1141 |