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Submission information
Submission Number: 173
Submission ID: 1165
Submission UUID: 0b837062-c414-43eb-ae26-d6c81004ec3a
Submission URI: /2025/abstracts
Created: Sat, 06/14/2025 - 14:53
Completed: Sat, 06/14/2025 - 15:19
Changed: Wed, 07/02/2025 - 15:46
Remote IP address: 165.16.186.158
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English
Is draft: No
Current page: Complete
Webform: Abstract
| Title | Ms. |
|---|---|
| Lastname | Mhlauli |
| Firstname | Nolusindiso |
| sindisomhlauli@gmail.com | |
| Mobile | 0680663496 |
| Institution | University of kwazulu-natal |
| Biosketch | s. Nolusindiso Mhlauli is a registered South African social worker with over 20 years of experience in psychosocial support and community development. She is the Executive Director of Ekupholeni Mental Health and Trauma Centre, a leading NGO in Gauteng Province specialising in Victim Empowerment Services. She also leads the Ekupholeni Consortium NPC, a social enterprise initiative focused on sustaining non-profit work through innovative funding strategies. Ms. Mhlauli previously held senior roles within the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development (2006–2023), including Deputy Director and Assistant Director for HIV and AIDS programmes. Her qualifications include a BA in Social Work (University of the Western Cape), a certificate in Human Resource Management (UNISA), and a Master of Social Science in Social Work (University of KwaZulu-Natal), where she is currently pursuing her PhD. She is passionate about advancing social justice, ethical practice, and strengthening community-based responses to trauma and vulnerability. |
| Is there a Second Presenter? | No |
| Title of Presentatation | HARNESSING TECHNOLOGY FOR JUSTICE: EKUPHOLENI’S APPROACH TO DIGITAL EQUITY IN SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE |
| Theme Selection | THEME 6: Main-streaming Digital and Assessment Tools in Social Work Practice |
| Subtheme SIX Selection | SUB 6.1 Integrating digital tools into traditional social work settings. |
| Select your Presentation Type | Oral Presentation |
| Abstract | HARNESSING TECHNOLOGY FOR JUSTICE: EKUPHOLENI’S APPROACH TO DIGITAL EQUITY IN SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE Background This paper explores the potential of digital technologies to promote social, economic, and environmental justice within South African social work practice. Ekupholeni Mental Health and Trauma Centre services a practice context marked by digital inequality, rural-urban disparities, and frequent electricity load shedding challenges. In this regard, integration of accessible and sustainable technologies has both, practical and ethical imperatives. Theoretical framework The study is grounded in social work’s commitment to human rights, digital equity, and environmental sustainability. It draws on ecological systems and critical digital justice frameworks to interrogate how technology can be locally adapted to serve marginalised communities while upholding the profession’s core values. Methodology A qualitative, exploratory approach was employed, drawing on a review of existing policy frameworks, digital innovations in the South African public and NGO sectors, and emerging practices among frontline social workers. Data were gathered through document analysis, reports by practitioners, and observation of community-based digital interventions. Preliminary findings Initial findings suggest that cost-effective, user-friendly, and offline-capable tools can enhance service delivery in resource-constrained settings. Key innovations include digital assessment platforms, ethical data management systems, and mobile applications for psychosocial support. Emphasis is placed on the need for centralised digital records to reduce fragmentation, and for digital training to be integrated into social work education. The findings point to the transformative potential of technology when ethically aligned with social work values and responsive to local contexts. This paper contributes to a growing body of knowledge advocating for inclusive digital transformation and offers practical strategies for advancing justice and sustainability through technology-integrated social work. Keywords: Digital technology, justice, equity, social work practice and ecological systems theory |
| Title | Professor |
| Firstname | Mbongeni |
| Lastname | Sithole |
| Does the Abstract fit the selected Theme? | Yes |
| What Area does this Abstract Focus on? | Practice |
| Status | Accepted |
| Title | Mrs |
| Firstname | Kgomotso |
| Lastname | Wagner |
| Does the Abstract fit the selected Theme? | Yes |
| What Area does this Abstract Focus on? | Practice |
| Status | Accepted |