The Table page displays a submission's general information and data using tabular layout. Watch video
Submission information
Submission Number: 250
Submission ID: 1447
Submission UUID: ca6cac95-b4b2-44c3-b173-5154a6c0a917
Submission URI: /2025/abstracts
Created: Fri, 07/04/2025 - 05:56
Completed: Fri, 07/04/2025 - 08:48
Changed: Thu, 08/14/2025 - 14:05
Remote IP address: 192.96.15.27
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English
Is draft: No
Current page: Complete
Webform: Abstract
| Title | Mr. |
|---|---|
| Lastname | Deliwe |
| Firstname | Olwethu |
| deliweolwethu@gmail.com | |
| Mobile | 0650988933 |
| Institution | Nelson mandela university |
| Biosketch | I am a qualified and registered social worker with over 10 years of experience in social work practice across hospitals, NGOs, and both public and private sectors. I am currently serving as a research assistant on disability issues, a 4th year research and 3rd year community development supervisor at Nelson Mandela University; and works with the Chair: Critical Studies in Higher Education Transformation under the DVC office for Engagement and Transformation. I have taught at university level, facilitated community work, and organized various workshops and conferences. My professional background includes working with individuals, families, and groups in diverse communities, with a strong focus on inclusion and transformation. |
| Is there a Second Presenter? | No |
| Title of Presentatation | Enhancing Resilience in Healthcare Social Work: Strategies for Advancing Mental Health and Wellbeing Towards Sustainable Development |
| Theme Selection | THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) |
| Subtheme TWO Selection | SUB 2.2 Research and practice strategies pertaining to health, mental health and wellbeing including poverty eradication, quality education, gender equality, decent work and economic growth. |
| Select your Presentation Type | Poster Presentation |
| Abstract | Title: Enhancing Resilience in Healthcare Social Work: Strategies for Advancing Mental Health and Wellbeing Towards Sustainable Development Author: Mr Olwethu Deliwe - Nelson Mandela University Abstract: This paper explores the resilience of social workers operating within healthcare and mental health settings in Nelson Mandela Metropole, South Africa. Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals—Good Health and Wellbeing, and Decent Work and Economic Growth—this study highlights how social work practice in high-pressure, under-resourced environments can be reimagined to promote mental health and sustainable service delivery. The study was motivated by increasing evidence of burnout, emotional fatigue, and inadequate institutional support experienced by social workers, despite their crucial role in integrated health systems. Guided by the ecological systems theory and resilience framework, the study adopted a qualitative, exploratory-descriptive design underpinned by a constructivist paradigm. Eight social workers were purposively sampled from public and private health facilities. Data was collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews and analysed thematically. Findings revealed that social workers face systemic challenges including low professional recognition within multidisciplinary teams, high caseloads, emotional fatigue, and lack of supervision. Despite these challenges, participants demonstrated notable resilience, drawing on self-awareness, informal peer support, spiritual practices, and limited formal debriefing opportunities. Participants identified key support needs such as trauma debriefing, structured supervision, upskilling of supervisors, and enhanced professional development and advocacy. The study concludes that investing in the resilience of social workers is essential for realising health-related SDGs and sustaining quality care delivery. It recommends integrating resilience-building strategies into professional training, institutional policies, and national mental health frameworks. Research-informed practice and collaborative health governance can enhance social workers' mental wellbeing, retention, and effectiveness—positioning them as vital agents in achieving inclusive and sustainable development. Keywords: Resilience, Social Work, Mental Health, Healthcare, Sustainable Development Goals, Burnout, Coping Strategies [286 words] |
| Title | |
| Firstname | Fikile |
| Lastname | Xaba |
| Does the Abstract fit the selected Theme? | Yes |
| What Area does this Abstract Focus on? | Empirical Research |
| Status | Accepted |
| Title | Prof |
| Firstname | Roelf |
| Lastname | Reyneke |
| Does the Abstract fit the selected Theme? | Yes |
| What Area does this Abstract Focus on? | Empirical Research |
| Status | Accepted |