Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk

Cultural challenges of young black widows in Mangaung in the Free State, South Africa

Shirley N. Hugo — 2026-03-20

Young black widows in Mangaung, in the Free State Province of South Africa, experience particular cultural challenges once their partners pass away. The aim of this article was to explore and describe these cultural challenges and identify strategies for the empowerment of widows within their communities. Utilising a qualitative approach, 16 widows (ages 24-40) were sampled using both purposive and snowball sampling. Focus groups, individual in-depth interviews and workshops within a participant action research design were employed for data collection. A thematic data analysis was performed. The credibility of the findings was enhanced by triangulating the data. The Ethics Committee of the University (HS 17/5/1) approved the study and all ethics considerations were taken into account. The main theme of the article highlights how young widows experienced marginalisation and isolation, which included being blamed for the death of their husbands, stigmatisation from the community and financial vulnerability. The second theme describes how participants identified support groups, counselling and community education as empowerment strategies to deal with patriarchal cultural practices. It is recommended that social workers and non-governmental organisations engage with the government to address the discrimination that young black widows face.

Groupwork and Afrocentric perspectives in social work education at the University of KwaZulu-Natal: A transformative autoethnographic journey

Sandile N. Gumbi — 2026-03-20

Social work with groups serves as a vital method for groupwork facilitating healing and promoting social interventions. Historically, Western theories have shaped South African social work, often overlooking indigenous knowledge and cultural practices, which has led to criticism for failing to address African sociocultural dynamics. As a result, the University of KwaZulu-Natal Social Work Department, in collaboration with the Ma’at Institute, integrated Afrocentric perspectives into the social work with groups module and practice. It is within this context that the main aim of this article is to critically explore the integration of Afrocentric perspectives into social work education and groupwork practice at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. Methodologically, this article presents a collaborative autoethnographic study co-authored by the research collective, which consists of three Social Work lecturers and four second- and third-year Social Work students. The shared experiences of the researchers were analysed through a critical narrative approach. The findings highlight the need for a holistic framework in teaching social work with groups that incorporates African cultural and spiritual values that align education and practice with Afrocentric perspectives; this will address theory-practice gaps and improve the effectiveness of interventions in African contexts. To advance the decolonisation of the curriculum and to foster a more culturally grounded social work pedagogy, the article recommends integrating Afrocentric epistemologies and theoretical frameworks into the curriculum, promote Afrocentric research and establishing sustained partnerships with African indigenous knowledge centers.

Reframing social work in a Pan-African agenda: An Afrocentric approach to combatting gender-based violence

Goitseone Leburu — 2026-03-20

Despite the growing discourse on the Africanisation of social work and the urgent need to address gender-based violence in South Africa, there remains a significant disconnect between theory and practice. Most existing GBV interventions rely on Eurocentric models that overlook indigenous African knowledge systems, communal worldviews and the historical context of colonisation, apartheid and patriarchy. Using a conceptual literature review methodology, this article explores the significant role of social work within a Pan-African agenda, emphasising an Afrocentric approach to combatting gender-based violence. Findings highlight that current GBV responses do not take indigenous worldviews into account, undervalue communal healing practices, and overlook the spiritual and relational dimensions central to African life. The article recommends a paradigm shift in social work education and practice, calling for the integration of Afrocentric philosophies, community-led interventions and culturally grounded models. These include reforming the curriculum, strengthening interventions through indigenous collaboration, professional capacity-building and aligning GBV policies with Pan-African ideals.

The process of social work intervention in addressing the substance use challenges of young people

Jan Masombuka — 2026-03-20

Social workers play a vital role in the provision of services to young people in South Africa who are experiencing substance use challenges. Importantly, social workers serve as the primary point of contact for young people seeking treatment for substance use challenges. This study sought to investigate the process of social work intervention in the provision of substance use services to young people. The data were collected from 11 social workers employed by the Department of Social Development at 10 service points in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality in South Africa. A non-probability purposive sampling method was employed to select 11 social workers. A qualitative research methodology was employed, incorporating explorative and descriptive research designs. Data collection was conducted through individual face-to-face semi-structured interviews. For data analysis, the framework of Tesch's eight steps was utilised. The findings showed that the process of social work intervention in providing substance use services to young people is comprised of seven essential components, namely intake, one-on-one therapy, family therapy, home visits, group sessions, referral to an inpatient treatment centre, and aftercare and reintegration services. The findings encourage thoughtful reflection within the social work community and offer new insights, paving the way for developing future policies and intervention strategies.

Factors affecting the effectiveness of diversion programmes for children in conflict with the law

Jerry Tshivhase — 2026-03-20

The main objective of this qualitative study was to investigate the factors that affect the effectiveness of diversion programmes for children in conflict with the law. Data were generated from in-depth semi-structured interviews that were conducted with probation officers. Data were analysed using Tesch's framework for thematic analysis. Exploratory, contextual and phenomenological research designs were employed to analyse the data collected. The study complied with standard ethical principles such as informed consent, confidentiality, anonymity, voluntary participation and avoidance of harm. The findings revealed that peer pressure and substance abuse, lack of family support, poor parenting, lack of after-care services, poverty and school dropout were the factors that had an impact on the effectiveness of diversion programmes. The study recommends that parents and caregivers must actively participate in the facilitation of diversion programmes in order for them to have a positive impact on diversion services. After-care and social reintegration have to be arranged for all the children who completed diversion programmes. The study further recommends that parents must attend parenting skills programmes where necessary. The supervision of probation officers must be improved.

Vicarious traumatisation: Experiences of social workers working with intimate partner violence victims in victim empowerment programmes

Mary M. Kgole — 2026-03-20

This study sought to investigate the experiences of a cohort of social workers who primarily work with women who have been victimised by their intimate partners within victim empowerment programmes (VEPs). It explores the nature of vicarious trauma, its impact on social workers, and strategies for recognising, managing, and mitigating its effects. Six social workers participated in individual semi-structured interviews as part of a broader study on the experiences of victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) and the experiences of social workers regarding the victim empowerment programmes. The data were subjected to thematic analysis, identifying themes to guide the analysis. Participants reported experiencing symptoms of vicarious trauma, which included compassion fatigue. The study further revealed that professionals who deal with victims of any form of violence are at risk of being affected by their experiences. The study, therefore, concludes that because of the amount of vicarious trauma that professionals (social workers) of VE programmes experience, it is imperative that psychological support in the form of debriefing be incorporated into workplace support. Moreover, self-care strategies and the utilisation of organisational support services should be developed and encouraged.

Strengthening Zimbabwean migrant families in South Africa: Insights from second-generation migrants and professionals

Sheron Mpofu — 2026-03-20

This article explores the strengthening of Zimbabwean migrant families through a qualitative study on the integration experiences of second-generation migrants in Johannesburg and Pretoria, South Africa. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 16 second-generation migrants from various socio-economic backgrounds, who were born in or migrated to South Africa before adolescence, as well as with 10 expert contributors from the fields of social work, law and education. The study finds that both first-and second-generation migrants encounter challenges in the early stages of migration, particularly related to documentation, barriers to support services, poverty and invisibility – factors that weaken migrant families, placing them at risk of separation. Furthermore, intergenerational transmission of disadvantage, as challenges of legal status and exclusion are often carried over from parents to children. However, some families receive support from South African community members, social workers, teachers and lawyers, which helps strengthen their families. Nonetheless, following the identification of structural factors that contribute to the difficulties that migrants face, we conclude that initiatives to support and strengthen Zimbabwean migrant families must adopt more structural, anti-oppressive approaches to service delivery.

Housing challenges encountered by single mothers heading households in Tyutyu Village, Bhisho Eastern Cape, South Africa

Athenkosi Ndima — 2026-03-20

Access to social and economic opportunities, such as housing and property rights, remains gendered in many developing countries such as South Africa due to institutionalised forms of exclusion. Focusing on rural female-headed households (FHHs), this descriptive qualitative study explored the interconnectedness between housing and rurality challenges in Tyutyu Village, Bhisho, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The study applied purposive sampling to select 10 female household heads to whom semi-structured interviews were administered. Thematic analysis was used to make sense of the data. The study found that FHHs experienced several housing-related challenges, such as persistent unemployment and poverty, unsafe and insecure housing and neighbourhoods, and the absence of a father figure. Based on the findings, the study recommends integrated and inclusive gender-aware housing policy responses to cater for the housing needs of FHHs.

The therapeutic role of horses in equine-based therapy: An exploratory study with South African mental health practitioners

Lyrise Naidu — 2026-03-20

Recently published literature on the use of equines in a therapeutic context has explored the connection between humans and horses in addressing social, educational, emotional and mental health challenges amongst clients presenting with various psycho-social problems. Despite the growing momentum around the therapeutic value of the human-horse connection, there is still little published literature on equine-based therapy and the role of the horse as a therapeutic partner. This study sought to deepen an understanding of equine-based therapy and the role of the horse in the therapeutic process. This understanding is crucial to establishing a strong foundation for such therapeutic efforts and for broadening its application within the field of social work. This study adopted a qualitative exploratory design as it sought to extract rich information pertaining to the process of equine-based therapy, its benefits and its significance in social work. The study was further guided by an instrumental case study approach. Non-probability sampling strategies, specifically purposive sampling and snowball sampling, were used to recruit fifteen mental health practitioners across four provinces in South Africa. Mental health practitioners who used equine-based therapy were selected for in-depth, semi-structured interviews. An interview guide was used to guide the interviews. The study identified three major themes, i.e. understanding equine-based therapy in a therapeutic context, horses as therapeutic partners, and equine-based therapy as a healing tool for all through the process of inductive thematic analysis.

Social workers’ perspectives and recommendations with regard to the training needs of social work supervisors

Nadia Von Wielligh — 2026-03-20

Social work supervision is vital for the success of social work practice. A shift towards a developmental paradigm to address community needs and reduce inequality has increased the demand for social work services and put a stronger focus on supervision to support social workers. However, current supervision practices are not aligned with this developmental paradigm, and supervisors often lack the necessary training to provide adequate support. The literature confirms the scarcity of training, leaving supervisors unprepared for their roles. To address this gap, a qualitative study guided by four of the six phases of the Design and Development (D&D) model was conducted to develop a training programme for supervisors in a development context. This article presents the findings of one phase in which individual semi-structured interviews with social workers were conducted to explore their experiences and perceptions of supervisors’ training needs. Participants were selected using non-probability purposive sampling. The findings of this study confirm the lack of training for social work supervisors. The themes and subthemes that emerged through thematic analysis highlighted the training needs of supervisors and also recommended training in, amongst other aspects, supervisory roles and responsibilities, contextual and practical supervision, functions of supervision, systemic challenges and leadership.

Social work associations: Towards unified professional voices

Lambert K. Engelbrecht — 2026-03-20

Professional social work associations represent the collective conscience and strategic voice of the profession. In diverse contexts, they provide platforms through which practitioners advance professional standards, advocate for social justice, influence policy and consolidate professional identity. Engagement in such associations is therefore not a peripheral activity but a fundamental aspect of ethical and accountable social work practice. Through collective organisation, social workers enhance the credibility, visibility and influence of the profession within broader socio-political systems. This central theme underpins the current issue of Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk, which features ten research articles and one book review; nine of the articles are collaborative.

Community development in the 21st century: Empowerment for breaking the cycle of poverty

Marquin E. Smith — 2026-03-20

This edition provides a valuable overview of practitioner competencies and situates community development within the local government and policy environment. The expanded discussion on professionalisation reflects broader government efforts to formalise community development practice within occupational frameworks. This aligns with broader public sector transformation objectives and the recognition of community development as a professionalised field within a developmental state.