Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk

REVISITING THE LEGACY OF ERIKA THERON FOR CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL WORK: SONDER HOED OF HANDSKOEN (“WITHOUT HAT OR GLOVES”)

Lambert K Engelbrecht — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Sixty years have passed since the first issue of Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk was published, with Erika Theron serving as the founding editor. As the journal marks this significant milestone, it is appropriate to reflect on Theron’s legacy. Many scholars from varying ideological perspectives (cf. Barnard, 2000; Collins, 2007; Esterhuyse, 2007; Terreblanche, 1999) have described her as a pioneer of social work in South Africa. A review of past journal issues and literature on Theron’s contributions (cf. Tayler, 2010) reveals that her advocacy for marginalised communities, particularly through her research, offers valuable lessons for contemporary practice in South Africa and beyond.

SOCIAL WORK IN THE 21ST CENTURY: SCHOLARSHIP AND PRAXIS REIMAGINED TOWARDS VULNERABILITY

Nyasha Hillary Chibaya — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Social Work in the 21st century: Scholarship and praxis reimagined towards vulnerability, edited by Allucia L. Shokane, Annaline Keet and Varoshini Nadesan, is the third volume in the Knowledge Pathing: Multi-, Inter-, and Trans-Disciplining in Social Sciences series. This open access book is a meticulous collection of scholarly contributions that emanated from the 2021 Association of South African Social Work Education Institutions (ASASWEI) colloquium, which focused on the theme "Pandemics, Poverty, Inequality, and Disability: Social Work in the 21st Century."

EMOTIONAL POVERTY OF OLDER PERSONS IN RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES IN THE WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE OF SOUTH AFRICA

Melanie Human, Ilze Slabbert — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Older persons are often referred to as a forgotten generation even as the population is rapidly ageing worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, it is estimated that by 2030 one in every eight people will be over 65. A number of older persons regularly move to residential facilities owing to unforeseen circumstances such as deteriorating health. This study was conducted to explore the concept of the emotional poverty of older persons in residential facilities in the Western Cape province of South Africa. A qualitative approach was followed which was descriptive and explorative in nature. Purposive sampling was used to recruit and involve participants. Interviews were conducted with 20 older persons and 10 social workers. Data were verified by ensuring the credibility, authenticity, dependability and transferability of the study. The data were analysed and sorted into themes and sub-themes, with relevant narratives underpinning the themes and sub-themes. Findings of the study indicated that older persons in residential facilities often experience loneliness, depression and limited contact with the outside world, resulting in emotional poverty. Recommendations of the study include improved service rendering to reduce the emotional poverty of older persons.

PERCEIVED CHALLENGES SOCIAL WORKERS EXPERIENCE IN PROVIDING DEINSTITUTIONALISED SERVICES TO MENTAL HEALTH CARE USERS

Portia Webb, Anri Gretha Adlem — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Mental, physical and social health are vital, interdependent strands of life for all individuals. Unfortunately, in most parts of the world mental health and mental disorders are not regarded with the same importance as physical health, and are consequently largely ignored or neglected. This article aims to understand the challenges encountered by social workers in mental health care. The phenomenological design, supported by the exploratory, descriptive, contextual and case study designs, was utilised to answer the research question. Ten purposely selected social workers were interviewed by using semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis following Tesch’s model was applied. The trustworthiness of the study was ensured. Ethical principles were adhered to. The findings of this study indicated that most social workers in mental healthcare are not adequately trained and, similarly, social workers bear the burden of educating mental health care users, their families and the community at large on mental health. Authorities and policymakers need to craft customised, effective and efficient care for mental health care users.

DETERMINANTS OF RETURN TO ACTIVE USE AMONGST PREVIOUSLY REHABILITATED USERS OF NYAOPE WITH A HISTORY OF MULTIPLE REHABILITATIONS

Azwihangwisi Tshiangwana, Kai J. Jonas, Rob R.C Ruiter — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Returning to active use of nyaope is one of the most problematic issues amongst previously rehabilitated persons who use this substance in South Africa. To understand this aspect in-depth, the study sought to explore the determinants of return to active use from those who have been rehabilitated multiple times. An exploratory qualitative design was utilised for this study. A semi-structured interview guide was developed, and face-to-face interviews were conducted with 13 participants who were recruited from a rehabilitation centre in Tshwane, Gauteng, South Africa. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was the method utilised to analyse the data collected. During analysis, lack of mental determination/compelled rehabilitation, incomplete rehabilitation sessions, failure to cope with stressful life events, supernatural influence, boredom, and hanging out with the same peers who are active users of nyaope, were identified as determinants of relapse. The findings of this study show that successful detoxification and therapy do not guarantee sustainable abstinence from nyaope. The results of this study highlight the need to improve the current interventions by incorporating strategies that will prevent users from returning to active use after going through the rehabilitation process.

THE EXPERIENCES OF SURVIVORS OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND THE IMPLICATIONS FOR SOCIAL WORK SERVICES

Bongeka Zawani, Marinei Herselman — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This article examines the experiences of survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) during the Covid-19 pandemic and the implications for social work services. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, utilising both quantitative and qualitative data. The quantitative data were collected from 30 GBV survivors in Matatiele in the Eastern Cape, selected through stratified sampling. The research also utilised qualitative insights from five social workers who are practitioners in the GBV field, sampled through purposive sampling. Data collection included questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, and the data were analysed through thematic and narrative analysis for qualitative data and SPSS for quantitative data. The findings show that the due to the COVID-19 pandemic, access to GBV services was deprioritised, resulting to inadequate service provision by social workers. Recommendations emphasise the urgent need to prioritise GBV response and prevention services during health crises, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the necessary support to mitigate their impact, particularly in times of heightened risk such as pandemics.

FATHERS’ PERSPECTIVES ON THE PREPARATION OF SONS FOR FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES

Charity Bekunda Rutaremwa, Modjadji Linda Shirindi — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Being an effective father requires a close relationship with sons, which leads to fostering trust, open communication, mutual support, respect and shared values. This paper sought to gain an insight into fathers’ perspectives on the preparation of sons for family responsibilities in South-Western Uganda. A qualitative research method supported by phenomenological, explorative, descriptive and contextual designs was adopted. Purposive sampling facilitated the identification of twenty Bakiga fathers, who were interviewed through semi-structured interviews in Kabale, South-Western Uganda. The ecological system theory was employed to understand how various systems such as family, school, community and work in the father-son environment influence their functioning. The study found that fathers play a pivotal role in preparing sons holistically for family responsibilities across various dimensions such as emotional, mental, spiritual, social, economic and academic aspects. This preparation involves cultivating deep friendships, providing formal and informal education, promoting good money management, offering emotional support, emphasising spiritual values and passing on culturally relevant customs. Given the unique needs of fathers and sons, social workers should collaborate with stakeholders to provide tailored interventions that promote self-reliance and strong father-son bonds, ultimately improving their social functioning.

YOUTHS IN GANGS ON THE CAPE FLATS, SOUTH AFRICA: PARENTS TALK BUT WHO LISTENS?

Glynnis Dykes, Ronel Sanet Davids, Uwarren September — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The appeal of gang membership to young people is an ongoing concern, especially for social workers serving affected communities. This article is part of a larger research study (2016-2018) by social work students. These are the findings of the 2017 study on the perceptions of parents or caregivers about the allure of gang membership to young people. A qualitative approach, utilising an exploratory research design, was employed. The necessary ethics approval from the institution was obtained for data collection. Individual interviews were conducted with 325 parents on the Cape Flats in the Western Cape. Six themes emerged from a thematic data analysis, such as socio-political causes and effects, the role of parents and family, as well as interventions and role players. Key findings show that parents do reflect on what happens in communities, but their opinions do not always count for interventions and policies. Policy and justice issues require considerable thought as they frame the world in which people live and are intended to ensure that the voices of those most affected are heard. Community participation and professional intervention should be a reflection of the role of marginalisation and powerlessness.

THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF STREET CHILDREN IN MAHIKENG, NORTH WEST PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA

Tsholofelo Shophi, Nopasika Fidelia Maforah — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The phenomenon of street children is a worldwide problem affecting children and all aspects of their lives. These children continue to migrate to the streets for multiple reasons beyond their control. Attempts have been made globally to eradicate this problem; however, statistics on the increasing number of street children suggest that it will take years to eliminate. This study sought to explore the lived experiences of street children in Mahikeng, North West, South Africa. This study was underpinned by Erikson’s psychosocial theory and Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory. This was a qualitative study, based on purposive sampling; five street children were interviewed in semi-structured interviews. Data were thematically analysed, and findings showed that child homelessness is primarily the consequence of the absence of supportive family and friends, limited access to essential social services, inadequate income generation and poor financial management, and misuse of substances. These findings add to the body of knowledge of the social work profession, inform effective interventions, and shape policies to better support marginalised children. The researcher recommends that community practitioners and researchers strengthen community education on the causes that push children onto the streets. In addition, faith-based organisations must be consulted when designing programmes to support family stability.

YOUNG PEOPLE’S EXPERIENCES OF HOW MANAGED OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDEPENDENCE CONTRIBUTE TO BUILDING RESILIENCE AND PREPARATION FOR LEAVING CARE

Joyce Hlungwani — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Young people growing up in residential care often transition to independent young adulthood without adequate preparation, which increases their vulnerability to poor outcomes. Recognition that some care-leavers achieve better-than-expected outcomes has raised interest in care-leavers’ resilience processes. However, research on how their resilience is built in care is limited. Similarly, there remains a research gap on the preparation for leaving care practices from the perspective of young people in care. This article explores the contribution of managed opportunities for independence to building young people’s resilience and preparing them for life after care. Eleven young people were purposively sampled from child and youth care centres in South Africa. The study employed a qualitative, explorative approach, informed by a grounded theory design. Semi-structured interviews were analysed following a constructivist grounded theory method. Findings reveal that managed opportunities for independence contribute positively towards the preparation for leaving care through the acquisition of independent living skills, mentally preparing individuals to leave care and building their resilience. Young people’s perceptions of related risks and gaps are also explored. The study concludes that strengthening practices in preparation for leaving care, such as managed opportunities for independence, is crucial for building resilience and improving leaving care outcomes.