The View page displays a submission's general information and data. Watch video
Submission information
Submission Number: 82
Submission ID: 862
Submission UUID: 36cb7f5c-af28-4d90-98b3-21e051487ccc
Submission URI: /2025/abstracts
Created: Tue, 04/29/2025 - 10:04
Completed: Tue, 04/29/2025 - 11:39
Changed: Sun, 06/01/2025 - 09:30
Remote IP address: 41.122.1.7
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English
Is draft: No
Current page: Complete
Webform: Abstract
Presenters
Ms.
Mbangeni
Nonhlanhla
Department of social development
She is a social worker with 17 years of experience in generic social work, committed to advocating for marginalised communities. However, she is particularly passionate about the well-being of women, striving to ensure they are empowered, self-sufficient, and protected from gender-based violence and other social ills that may affect them negatively. Her work spans community engagement and service provision for vulnerable populations. Currently, her research explores the criminalisation of sex work, examining its social and legal implications, particularly on female sex workers in Newcastle, KZN. Through her work, she aims to contribute to evidence-based policy reforms that promote human rights, gender equality, and social justice. She is at an advanced stage of her Master of Social Work undertaken at the University of Zululand.
No
Abstract
Bridging the Gap: Understanding the Role of Social Workers Through the Eyes of Sex Workers in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal
THEME 1: Green Social Work and Climate Resilience: Supporting Vulnerable Communities in the Face of Environmental Crises
SUB 1.4 How social workers influence policies to address climate justice and environmental sustainability.
Oral Presentation
Bridging the Gap: Understanding the Role of Social Workers Through the Eyes of Sex Workers in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal
Authors:
Mbangeni Nonhlanhla*, Ntini-Makununika Thobeka and Rautenbach John
Department of Social Development 1, University of Zululand 2, University of Zululand 3
Corresponding Author:
Nonhlanhla Sizakele Mbangeni Email: sizakele.mbangeni@gmail.com
Phone: +27-73 060 9641
Presentation Format:
Parallel session presentation
Abstract:
This paper explores the lived experiences of street-based female sex workers in
Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, through the lens of feminist theory, focusing on their
perceptions of the role of social workers within a criminalised and structurally vulnerable
environment. Using a qualitative approach with snowball sampling, 15 participants
engaged through semi-structured interviews and two focus group discussions. Thematic
analysis of findings revealed intersecting challenges, including stigma, discrimination,
violence, poverty, substance use, sexually transmitted infections, homelessness, and
exclusion from public services, compounded by broader environmental insecurities such
as unemployment, fatherlessness, and poor sanitation. Participants reflected on the
limited presence of social workers and emphasised the need for greater advocacy,
psychosocial support, and access to essential services. Grounded in feminist principles
of agency, empowerment, and justice, the findings suggest that social workers can play
a critical role in developing accessible, empowering, and rights-based interventions.
Between sex workers, social workers, government and non-government institutions
to address complex challenges faced by female sex workers. This study contributes to
broader conversations about bridging the gap between policy, practice, and the lived
realities of sex workers, ensuring that no community is left behind in the pursuit of
justice and sustainable development.
Key Words: Sex Work, Social Work, Criminalisation, Vulnerable Communities, Human Rights, Stigma and Discrimination
Authors:
Mbangeni Nonhlanhla*, Ntini-Makununika Thobeka and Rautenbach John
Department of Social Development 1, University of Zululand 2, University of Zululand 3
Corresponding Author:
Nonhlanhla Sizakele Mbangeni Email: sizakele.mbangeni@gmail.com
Phone: +27-73 060 9641
Presentation Format:
Parallel session presentation
Abstract:
This paper explores the lived experiences of street-based female sex workers in
Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, through the lens of feminist theory, focusing on their
perceptions of the role of social workers within a criminalised and structurally vulnerable
environment. Using a qualitative approach with snowball sampling, 15 participants
engaged through semi-structured interviews and two focus group discussions. Thematic
analysis of findings revealed intersecting challenges, including stigma, discrimination,
violence, poverty, substance use, sexually transmitted infections, homelessness, and
exclusion from public services, compounded by broader environmental insecurities such
as unemployment, fatherlessness, and poor sanitation. Participants reflected on the
limited presence of social workers and emphasised the need for greater advocacy,
psychosocial support, and access to essential services. Grounded in feminist principles
of agency, empowerment, and justice, the findings suggest that social workers can play
a critical role in developing accessible, empowering, and rights-based interventions.
Between sex workers, social workers, government and non-government institutions
to address complex challenges faced by female sex workers. This study contributes to
broader conversations about bridging the gap between policy, practice, and the lived
realities of sex workers, ensuring that no community is left behind in the pursuit of
justice and sustainable development.
Key Words: Sex Work, Social Work, Criminalisation, Vulnerable Communities, Human Rights, Stigma and Discrimination
Reviewer ONE Feedback
DR
SANDILE
DHLUDHLU
Yes
Empirical Research
Accepted
Reviewer TWO Feedback
Dr
Martha
van Straaten
Yes
Empirical Research
Accepted