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Submission information
Submission Number: 276
Submission ID: 1554
Submission UUID: 8b7d49a8-1daa-43de-aa37-6dd99efc1aab
Submission URI: /2025/abstracts
Created: Mon, 07/28/2025 - 20:35
Completed: Mon, 07/28/2025 - 20:49
Changed: Tue, 08/12/2025 - 20:58
Remote IP address: 105.184.227.16
Submitted by: willihm@unisa.ac.za
Language: English
Is draft: No
Current page: Complete
Webform: Abstract
| Title | Ms. |
|---|---|
| Lastname | Mbatha |
| Firstname | Ayanda princess |
| willihm@unisa.ac.za | |
| Mobile | 0832832419 |
| Institution | University of sout africa |
| Biosketch | Ayanda Princess Mbatha is a qualified social worker with a Master’s degree in Social Work (2025) and over five years of experience in community-based practice, student supervision, and program coordination. Her work focuses on integrated social work methods, psychosocial support, and promoting the well-being of vulnerable communities. She is passionate about digital transformation in social work and has contributed to research on integrating technology into service delivery. |
| Is there a Second Presenter? | Yes |
| Title | Prof. |
| Lastname | Williams |
| Firstname | Heiletje Marili |
| willihm@unisa.ac.za | |
| Mobile | 0832832419 |
| Institution | University of South Africa |
| Biosketch | Prof. Marili Williams is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work at the University of South Africa (UNISA), an Open and Distance e-Learning institution. She holds a PhD and Master’s degree (Cum Laude) in Social Work from North-West University, and a Bachelor of Social Work Honours from the University of Pretoria. A registered social worker with over 25 years of professional experience, she previously served as Deputy Director in the South African Police Service, where she led the Employee Health and Wellness Integrated Strategy. Her academic career spans over a decade, with a focus on postgraduate supervision, research, curriculum development, and engaged scholarship. Her areas of expertise include trauma intervention, occupational social work, programme evaluation and ROI, digital transformation in social work, and leadership development. She is a registered ETDP SETA assessor, external moderator, and certified trainer in Traumatic Incident Reduction. Prof. Williams’ current research explores the integration of digital tools in social work practice, the standardisation of student screening models, and the evaluation of employee wellness programmes. |
| Is there a Third Presenter? | No |
| Title of Presentatation | Digital transformation in Social Work Practice: perspectives from City of Johannesburg Social Workers and SACSSP Board Members |
| Theme Selection | THEME 6: Main-streaming Digital and Assessment Tools in Social Work Practice |
| Subtheme SIX Selection | SUB 6.2 Evaluating the effectiveness of digital tools in Social Work practice. |
| Select your Presentation Type | Poster Presentation |
| Abstract | The traditional practice of social work is increasingly under pressure as the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) advances, requiring practitioners to develop digital competencies and ensure equitable access to technology for their clients. This study examines the experiences of social workers navigating digital transformation in practice, with a focus on professionals from the City of Johannesburg and members of the Professional Board for Social Work under the South African Council for Social Services Professions (SACSSP). A qualitative research design was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with 12 participants from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Data were analysed using Tesch’s eight-step framework, and trustworthiness was ensured through credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. Five key themes emerged - Challenges in accessing and implementing digital technology; Advantages of digital tools in enhancing service delivery; Ethical concerns and confidentiality risks; Coping strategies for managing digital demands; Digital exclusion and client inequity. Findings reveal that while digital tools offer opportunities for improved efficiency and reach, they also present significant barriers related to access, ethics, and inequality. Participants emphasised the importance of structured support, training, and ethical guidance to navigate these challenges effectively. The study offers practical recommendations for integrating digital literacy into social work education and training, fostering partnerships with technology stakeholders, informing inclusive social welfare policy, and guiding future research. Emphasis is placed on ensuring that digital transformation in social work is both practical and equitable, particularly for marginalised populations. |
| Title | Mrs |
| Firstname | Kgomotso |
| Lastname | Ntlatleng (Wagner) |
| Does the Abstract fit the selected Theme? | Yes |
| What Area does this Abstract Focus on? | Empirical Research |
| Status | Accepted |
| Title | Dr |
| Firstname | Nthabiseng |
| Lastname | Latakgomo |
| Does the Abstract fit the selected Theme? | Yes |
| What Area does this Abstract Focus on? | Empirical Research |
| Status | Accepted |