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Submission information
Submission Number: 237
Submission ID: 1399
Submission UUID: 115b3b81-8396-4c66-b5d3-ba3685bd791c
Submission URI: /2025/abstracts
Created: Mon, 06/30/2025 - 13:14
Completed: Mon, 06/30/2025 - 13:24
Changed: Wed, 08/13/2025 - 13:06
Remote IP address: 105.245.173.51
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English
Is draft: No
Current page: Complete
Webform: Abstract
Presenters
Ms.
Mphuthi
Dimakatso hessie sylvia
Department of social development
Biosketch
Dimakatso Hessie Sylvia Mphuthi is a Social Work Manager at the Department of Social Development ( Free State Province). She has meticulously acquired her BA (SOCIAL WORK) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She further acquired Masters in Child Care and Protection ( Department of Law and Social Work) at the University of KZN
Dimakatso Hessie Sylvia Mphuthi is a Social Work Manager at the Department of Social Development ( Free State Province). She has meticulously acquired her BA (SOCIAL WORK) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She further acquired Masters in Child Care and Protection ( Department of Law and Social Work) at the University of KZN
Yes
Ms.
Legegeru
Kelopile Suzan
Department of Social
K.S. Legegeru holds a Bachelor degree in Social Work as obtained from the University of the Free State.She is currently working as a Ocial Work Supervisor in the FS Department of Social Development.
No
Abstract
THE ROLE OF SOCIAL WORKERS DURING COVID-19 ERA WITHIN THE THABO MOFUTSANYANA DISTRICT.
THEME 3: Policy and Advocacy for Peace building, Environmental and Social Justice
SUB 3.2 Social workers, social movements and advocacy during wars, natural and medical disasters.
Oral Presentation
THE ROLE OF SOCIAL WORKERS DURING THE COVID 19 ERA
The Covid-19 pandemic subjected people to a range of adversities; leaving many practitioners unprepared for what has often been described as the most challenging medical disaster of the century. The pandemic has proven to have long-term and far-reaching ramifications impacting on communities even long after it has been contained.
The purpose of the study was to explore the role of social workers during Covid-19 era. This study employed a qualitative method and a descriptive design. The researchers purposively sampled 20 social workers employed by the FS Department of Social Development in Thabo Mofutsanyana District. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews and was using thematic analysis.
The findings of the study demonstrated increased demand for psycho-social support services in response to emerging social issues, which were aggravated by the pandemic. The findings further show a lack of capacity building in responding to medical disasters. This in turn contributed to poor preparedness and innovative response.
Taking into consideration the restrictions imposed during the pandemic, social workers struggled to integrate digital tools into traditional social work settings. Moreover, the government’s introduction of the 21-day lockdown neglected social work as an essential service. By ignoring this critical aspect of psycho-social intervention, the government neglected other social ills that could occur concurrently with the pandemic. For example, increase in GBVF and mental ill-health.
Based on the above findings, it can be seen that social workers utilize their expertise in social work practice; including assessment, intervention and advocacy. However, there is a need to integrate this expertise into the modern non-traditional social work settings. Therefore, the role of social work in medical disasters need to be amplified so as to improve population health outcomes due to their ability to work with communities, mobilize resources, build capacity and promote health initiatives.
The Covid-19 pandemic subjected people to a range of adversities; leaving many practitioners unprepared for what has often been described as the most challenging medical disaster of the century. The pandemic has proven to have long-term and far-reaching ramifications impacting on communities even long after it has been contained.
The purpose of the study was to explore the role of social workers during Covid-19 era. This study employed a qualitative method and a descriptive design. The researchers purposively sampled 20 social workers employed by the FS Department of Social Development in Thabo Mofutsanyana District. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews and was using thematic analysis.
The findings of the study demonstrated increased demand for psycho-social support services in response to emerging social issues, which were aggravated by the pandemic. The findings further show a lack of capacity building in responding to medical disasters. This in turn contributed to poor preparedness and innovative response.
Taking into consideration the restrictions imposed during the pandemic, social workers struggled to integrate digital tools into traditional social work settings. Moreover, the government’s introduction of the 21-day lockdown neglected social work as an essential service. By ignoring this critical aspect of psycho-social intervention, the government neglected other social ills that could occur concurrently with the pandemic. For example, increase in GBVF and mental ill-health.
Based on the above findings, it can be seen that social workers utilize their expertise in social work practice; including assessment, intervention and advocacy. However, there is a need to integrate this expertise into the modern non-traditional social work settings. Therefore, the role of social work in medical disasters need to be amplified so as to improve population health outcomes due to their ability to work with communities, mobilize resources, build capacity and promote health initiatives.
Reviewer ONE Feedback
Dr
Nthabiseng
Latakgomo
Yes
Empirical Research
Accepted
Reviewer TWO Feedback
Prof
Roelf
Reyneke
Yes
Empirical Research
Accepted