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Submission information
Submission Number: 89
Submission ID: 878
Submission UUID: 1de54ef3-0d71-4995-b975-237bab4113d4
Submission URI: /2025/abstracts
Created: Tue, 04/29/2025 - 18:37
Completed: Tue, 04/29/2025 - 19:07
Changed: Wed, 06/25/2025 - 13:57
Remote IP address: 105.245.28.38
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English
Is draft: No
Current page: Complete
Webform: Abstract
| Title | Mr. |
|---|---|
| Lastname | Shilenge |
| Firstname | Meshack ownchei |
| owncheimeshack@yahoo.com | |
| Mobile | 0766728130 |
| Institution | North west university |
| Biosketch | Meshack Ownchei Shilenge is a committed professional social worker currently serving the Department of Social Development in Mopani District, Limpopo Province. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from the University of Limpopo. following that he obtained a master’s degree specializing in child protection, an area of particular interest to him. Now holding a Doctorate in Social Work, he continues to make strides in the field. His groundbreaking research, titled "Traditional Beliefs and Cultural Practices Surrounding Child Adoption in the Tsonga Community: A Qualitative Study," delves into the cultural perspectives on adoption within the Tsonga community. His work represents a valuable contribution to academia, the child protection sector, and the enhancement of adoption practices in his community. |
| Is there a Second Presenter? | Yes |
| Title | Prof. |
| Lastname | mabvurira |
| Firstname | vincent |
| Vincent.mabvurira@nwu.ac.za | |
| Mobile | 0731124150 |
| Institution | North-West University |
| Biosketch | Professor Vincent Mabvurira holds a Bachelor of Social Work Honours degree and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Zimbabwe and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Social Work from the University of Limpopo. He is currently serving as an Associate Professor in the School of Psychosocial Health, Faculty of Health Sciences at North-West University (Mahikeng Campus). He is a researcher in the Community Psychosocial Research (COMPRES) entity in the same university. Prior to joining North-West University, Professor Mabvurira served as a Senior Lecturer of Social Work at the University of Zimbabwe. His research interests are in climate change, indigenous knowledge systems, child welfare and the interface among religion, spirituality and social work. He is a Y2 NRF rated researcher. He has supervised several postgraduate students at the University of Zimbabwe, University of Limpopo and North-West University. |
| Is there a Third Presenter? | No |
| Title of Presentatation | Traditional Beliefs and Cultural Practices Surrounding Child Adoption in the Tsonga Community: A Qualitative Study |
| Theme Selection | THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) |
| Subtheme TWO Selection | SUB 2.3 Work with special and vulnerable populations (children, families, women, older persons, LGBTQIA+ etc). |
| Select your Presentation Type | Oral Presentation |
| Abstract | Traditional Beliefs and Cultural Practices Surrounding Child Adoption in the Tsonga Community: A Qualitative Study Shilenge Meshack Ownchei Department of Social Development, Mopani District, Limpopo/ COMPRES, North-West University owncheimeshack@yahoo.com Vincent Mabvurira COMPRES, North-West University Vincent.Mabvurira@nwu.ac.za Abstract Adoption as a legal alternative care system has its origins in Western cultures. In contrast, African societies, including the Tsonga community, emphasize communal child-rearing, involving parents, extended families, and the broader community. Despite its potential to address socio-economic challenges, adoption rates among Africans remain low due to cultural beliefs and a lack of reliable information. This qualitative study examined the Tsonga traditional beliefs and customs regarding child adoption, focusing on cultural values, practices, and spiritual obligations. The study sample was drawn from Mopani district in Limpopo province. Data was collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 2 social workers and 17 community members, along with a focus group discussion with traditional council members, provided rich data. Thematic analysis, supported by Atlas ti-7 software, was used to analyze the findings. The results reveal that Tsonga adoption prioritizes kinship, collective parenting, and adherence to traditions. Polygamy, guided by the husband's blessing, and birth rites ensure lineage continuity and ancestral acceptance. However, barriers such as inheritance restrictions, spiritual concerns, and taboos challenge the integration of adopted children, discouraging adoption from outside the culture. Domestic adoption is favored for preserving ancestral bonds and cultural identity. The study emphasizes the need for greater understanding of adoption processes to promote cultural harmony and community support. Key terms: Child, Adoption, Tsonga people, Beliefs, cultural practices |
| Title | Mrs |
| Firstname | Kgomotso |
| Lastname | Wagner |
| Does the Abstract fit the selected Theme? | Yes |
| What Area does this Abstract Focus on? | Practice |
| Status | Accepted |
| Title | Dr |
| Firstname | Bashizi Bashige |
| Lastname | Murhula |
| Does the Abstract fit the selected Theme? | Yes |
| What Area does this Abstract Focus on? | Empirical Research |
| Status | Accepted |