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Submission information
Submission Number: 13
Submission ID: 746
Submission UUID: bfd71a5c-6148-454b-a7c8-700eb330e423
Submission URI: /2025/abstracts
Created: Fri, 03/28/2025 - 08:08
Completed: Fri, 03/28/2025 - 08:31
Changed: Tue, 05/27/2025 - 09:52
Remote IP address: 41.71.90.84
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English
Is draft: No
Current page: Complete
Webform: Abstract
| Title | Mr. |
|---|---|
| Lastname | Smith |
| Firstname | Marquin e. |
| mesmith@uwc.ac.za | |
| Mobile | 0834403634 |
| Institution | University of the western cape |
| Biosketch | Marquin E. Smith is Lecturer in the Bachelor of Community Development Programme within the Department of Social Work. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Social Work at Stellenbosch University, focusing on financial capability development in social service training. He holds a Master of Social Work (cum laude) from the University of the Western Cape, alongside a BA Honours in Sociology and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of South Africa. With over a decade of experience in social development, social work and community development, Marquin has served in various roles, including a Social Work & Community Development Supervisor at the Western Cape Department of Social Development (WCDSD), where he oversaw key initiatives and policy implementation. His expertise spans sustainable livelihoods in rural communities, poverty alleviation, financial empowerment, and governance in the NPO sector. |
| Is there a Second Presenter? | Yes |
| Title | Prof. |
| Lastname | Engelbrecht |
| Firstname | Lambert K. |
| lke@sun.ac.za | |
| Mobile | 0849512448 |
| Institution | Stellenbosch University |
| Biosketch | Lambert K. Engelbrecht is a Professor of Social Work at Stellenbosch University, renowned for his leadership in social work education, supervision and management. With a PhD in Social Work, he has authored numerous scholarly works and edited key international handbooks in his field. He has taught and presented globally, contributed to international research collaborations, and served on editorial boards of leading journals. Prof. Engelbrecht is also known for his extensive community engagement and advisory roles in shaping national and international social work policy and training frameworks. |
| Is there a Third Presenter? | No |
| Title of Presentatation | FINANCIAL CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT AS A DRIVER FOR POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN SOUTH AFRICA: THE NEED TO TRAIN SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONALS |
| 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 | Oral Presentation |
| Abstract | Despite decades of government intervention and international aid, poverty remains deeply entrenched in South Africa. In response, over two decades ago, the South African government adopted a developmental approach to social welfare, as outlined in the White Paper for Social Welfare (1997). This approach advocates for integrating social and economic development to enhance the overall wellbeing of communities. Social service professionals, particularly those in social work and community development practice, are central to this vision due to their engagement with vulnerable individuals, families, and communities which are most affected by poverty. One promising strategy within this framework is the implementation of financial capability development interventions, which aim to improve the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviours necessary for sound financial decision-making. These interventions not only strengthen individual financial wellbeing but also contribute to broader poverty alleviation efforts and the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). However, a critical question arises: are South African social service professionals adequately prepared to develop and lead financial capability interventions? Drawing conceptually on Sen’s Capabilities Approach and Financial Capability theory within the context of social development, this paper critically examines the profession’s readiness. Through a synthesis of current literature, policy analysis, and professional curriculum frameworks, it identifies opportunities and barriers, including limited specialised training, resource constraints, and organisational challenges. The paper argues that while social service professionals are well positioned to drive financial empowerment, systemic and educational gaps must be addressed. Practical recommendations are offered for curriculum reform, targeted professional development, and policy innovation. |
| 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 |
| Title | Dr |
| Firstname | Samkelo |
| Lastname | Bala |
| Does the Abstract fit the selected Theme? | Yes |
| What Area does this Abstract Focus on? | Empirical Research |
| Status | Accepted |