Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk

Indigenous perspectives on marital dynamics: A qualitative study of Sotho couples’ experiences with customary marriage, stressors, strengths and indigenous marital counselling

Tankiso Phakane, Veonna Goliath — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study, motivated by higher divorce rates in customary marriages compared to statutory ones in a rural Eastern Cape village, critiques the dominance of Western paradigms in social sciences that marginalise African worldviews. By applying the theory of social constructionism, it explores the stressors and strengths of customary marriages, and the value of indigenous counselling through the narratives of Sotho couples. A qualitative narrative research design was employed, involving 20 participants in customary marriages for 20 twenty years, selected through non-probability purposive sampling. Data were collected through separate focus group interviews for males and females, with thematic analysis used to generate themes for analysis. Findings indicate that customary marriage preserves cultural identity, spiritual unity, and kinship. However, modern influences such as globalisation and women’s empowerment challenge these traditions, contributing to marital stressors. Despite gender equality reforms, patriarchal norms often disempower women and children. Indigenous counselling, rooted in humanism, involves elders and community leaders in conflict resolution, promoting collective responsibility, strengthening bonds and fostering resilience. The study advocates for incorporating indigenous knowledge into social work practice to improve support for Sotho couples, enhance their wellbeing and reinforce cultural resilience.

IsiXhosa-speaking Single Mothers’ Experiences of Intlawulo (paying the damages)

Caileen Lubbe, Christine De Goede, Abraham Greeff — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Almost half of all South African mothers between the ages of 25 and 34 are never-married single mothers, with most of these single mothers belonging to the African population. Single mothers face various challenges. Cultural customs, such as intlawulo, or “paying the damages”, may add to the complexities of single motherhood. Past research has not dealt with single mothers’ direct experiences of this custom within the Xhosa culture. Consequently, this study’s research question is: What are IsiXhosa-speaking single mothers’ experiences of intlawulo? Twelve IsiXhosa-speaking single mothers from the Cape Town metropole, South Africa were recruited through non-probability snowball sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and the data were analysed thematically. The participants’ experiences of intlawulo varied greatly and were often contingent upon whether their partners had acknowledged paternity and/or paid intlawulo to their family. Positive experiences included improvements in self-esteem, positive emotions, and improvements in relationships and communication amongst the families. Participants whose partners had neither paid intlawulo nor acknowledged paternity generally reported negative experiences of the custom. These findings hold practical and social relevance within the South African context, as premarital pregnancies, and the practice of intlawulo, affect individuals and entire families.

A bibliometric analysis of the research trend in child abuse and neglect

Ferda Karadağ, Sükran G. Evinç — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Child abuse and neglect is a topic that maintains its significance worldwide. Despite considerable progress in research on the subject, few studies address the overall perspective. This study aims to assess research on child abuse and neglect over a period of time through bibliometric analysis, systematising research areas and highlighting specific research themes. Adopting a quantitative analysis method, 3,773 articles and review articles about child abuse and neglect written between 1980 and 2021 were examined. The findings reveal an increase over the years both in the quantity and impact of articles published on child abuse and neglect. Especially in 2021 there was a noticeable surge in interest among researchers; however, there is a need for studies conducted in different regions to understand the issue of child abuse and prevent its occurrence. Especially in less developed areas, collaborative efforts are essential to increase the quantity and quality of publications. The widespread adoption of standard structured surveys is crucial in understanding how societal and cultural factors impact on the mistreatment of children globally. Findings from this study can guide new research in the field of child abuse and neglect, as well as social work practice.

Protocol for preparing youths leaving child and youth care centres in South Africa: Insights from social workers

Fezeka Mbangula, Elzahne Simeon De Jager — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

There is still limited research on South African youths aging out of residential care, and there is no established protocol to guide social workers in preparing them for independent living. This study aimed to investigate what elements should be included in a protocol for social workers to effectively prepare youths leaving child and youth care centres (CYCCs). A qualitative research method has been used to achieve the aim of this study. Purposive sampling was employed to select seven CYCCs located in Gauteng province, consisting 24 social workers from the West Rand, Sedibeng and Johannesburg District Municipality. Data were collected through semi-structured, individual interviews using a prepared interview guide. The findings of this study highlight the need for the implementation of mandated preparatory protocols, encompassing life skills and healthy living, entrepreneurship skills, computer skills, interpersonal skills, how to integrate within a family, and the availability of after-care services. The study concludes that it is imperative to implement a standardised transition protocol to assist young people who are transitioning out of care. The findings of this study contribute to social work practice and policy development with evidence-based recommendations which can inform national guidelines and enhance service delivery to care leavers.

Exploring the relationship between resilience and possible selves from the literature on the possible selves of young people: A scoping literature review

Sue Bond — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Young people face many challenges as they journey through adolescence and into emerging adulthood, for example, unemployment, mental health issues, substance misuse and family disintegration. Possible selves is a theory of self-concept and behaviour motivation which argues that self-concept includes a future component comprised of hoped for, feared and expected possible selves. Hoped for and feared selves motivate behaviour either towards or away from a self in a specific future domain. Resilience enablers are those things that facilitate the development of resilience. There is considerable literature on possible selves as well as on resilience, but negligible research on how the two theories might work together. A scoping literature review was conducted to answer the question: “Can the relationship between possible selves and resilience be identified from the literature on the possible selves of young people?” Twenty-seven articles were reviewed, and eight resilience enablers were identified: family (role models, peers), health behaviours (general and sexual) education and career, culture, making (learning by doing promotes self-efficacy), balancing possible selves, enabling environments and hoping for the best. Young people’s possible selves are often global and require detailed planning to become achievable. Achieving possible selves requires persistence despite adverse circumstances which is an aspect of resilience. Thus, integrating resilience and possible selves theories might facilitate the realisation of goals in the lives of young people.

Child adoption as an oppressive child protection practice: The voices of adopted adolescents in Zimbabwe

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Adoption is globally recognised as a child protection strategy, offering children without parental care a stable family environment. However, this study explores how adoption processes in Zimbabwe can perpetuate oppressive dynamics, particularly by marginalising the voices of adopted adolescents. Using anti-oppressive practice (AOP) as the theoretical framework, the study employed a social constructionist, interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach to examine the lived experiences of 19 adolescents aged 14–17 who had contested their adoptions. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, analysed thematically using IPA principles and supported by MAXQDA software. Findings revealed that adolescents felt disempowered and excluded from the adoption process, leading to emotional distress, cultural disconnection and identity crises. They reported secrecy, lack of transparency and inadequate support from social workers, coupled with mixed feelings of gratitude and resentment toward adoptive parents. With the currently closed adoption model prioritising children from 5 years and below, the study underscores that current adoption practices in Zimbabwe often marginalise children’s voices and sever cultural ties, perpetuating oppressive dynamics. This calls for reforms emphasising transparency, inclusivity and cultural preservation. Adoption processes should empower children, respect their rights and foster open communication to promote holistic wellbeing and identity continuity.

Community involvement in the identification of vulnerable child-headed households in Hogsback, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Tafadzwa Mabemba , Pius T. Tanga — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Children from child-headed households are vulnerable, as they experience several challenges; it is therefore imperative to provide them with social support. However, the lingering problem in this endeavour is that it is rather difficult to identify such households. To overcome this difficulty, the community should be involved in the identification of these households. This qualitative study sought to describe the community members’ involvement in the identification of vulnerable child-headed households in Hogsback, Eastern Cape province, South Africa. The data were collected through a discussion with one focus group, consisting of ten community members from the Hogsback area. In addition, five social workers from the Department of Social Development in Alice were interviewed individually. The triangulation of the two data sets ensured credibility. Thematic analysis was employed to interpret the data. Two main themes emerged from the discussions. Firstly, community members are aware of, and capable of making observations and reports on children in need. Secondly, community leaders play a key role in identifying vulnerable children. Thus, enhanced community involvement can help social workers to identify vulnerable children from child-headed families with ease. The study recommended educating communities on reporting, identification, and early-intervention procedures to ensure timely and effective responses.

An assessment of service users’ participation in community-based food and nutrition centres in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa

Olivia S. Boer, Merlene C. Esau — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A people-centred approach (PCA) advocates for community participation. Placing people at the centre of service delivery, this study evaluates community participation in the Northern Cape, focusing on individuals accessing services at community-based food and nutrition centres (CBFNCs). Adopting a quantitative research methodology, 14 CBFNCs were selected from a population of 143 centres. Of the approximately 33,000 beneficiaries from the 14 centres, 357 respondents were included. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires and analysed by means of descriptive statistical analysis using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The study found that these centres are notably characterised by a lack of understanding of what a PCA entails and by low levels of participation as a result of centre-related and personal inhibiting factors that undermine participatory strategies. Recommendations include creating participation opportunities by involving beneficiaries in decision-making and inviting their input into policy-making, planning, implementation, budgeting, evaluation and analysis. Secondly, empowerment opportunities should be established to improve the knowledge of community members, improve their self-esteem, and enhance confidence and assertiveness as vital features of workable community programmes.

Social workers using sign language interpreters to ensure equitable services to the Deaf community

Peter Koeras, Ronel Sanet Davids — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Despite the recognition of sign language in South Africa, individuals who are Deaf face significant barriers, leading to stigmatisation and marginalisation. Social workers must be critically conscious of this and provide the necessary services to address these inequalities. Not all social workers are proficient in South African Sign Language to provide equitable services to the Deaf community and require the assistance of South African Sign Language Interpreters during social work micro interventions. However, there is limited literature on the experiences of social workers using these interpreters during this intervention. Seven social workers were selected to participate in a qualitative study using explorative descriptive research designs to understand the experiences of social workers using South African Sign Language Interpreters during micro-interventions. Non-probability purposive sampling was used with semi-structured interviews for data collection. The thematic analysis revealed three key themes: social workers' feelings of helplessness, uncertainty, and emotional stress related to role clarity; challenges with inadequately trained SASL interpreters, interpretation accuracy, and rapport-building with clients; and enhancing services for individuals who are Deaf by incorporating culturally sensitive sign language training in higher education institutions to foster better relationships with SASL interpreters and clients.

A provincial strategy to empower adult persons experiencing street homelessness from vulnerability: The case of Gauteng Province in South Africa

Emmison Muleya, Mziwandile Sobantu — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

South Africa has had to deal with several uncertainties, with the COVID-19 pandemic accentuating the existing vulnerabilities, which include homeless people living on the street. Inadequate provision of housing and the resultant street homelessness undermine human dignity. In 2020, the Gauteng Provincial Government mandated its Department of Social Development to develop a multisectoral strategy to coordinate responses to homelessness. This commentary article explored the provincial government’s intervention to address homelessness with the aim of highlighting lessons learnt that can inform policy and practice. The article is a product of a synthesis of provincial government reports and the authors’ practice observations of homelessness in the Gauteng province supported by the literature on homelessness. Findings show that perceptible progress has been made in combating adult street homelessness and mitigating the challenges that the homeless have to contend with. For example, some of the practical steps taken by the government to empower the homeless are providing shelter and skills empowerment. Among other things, the article recommends improving stakeholder coordination and proactive social work role in generating reliable data for the homeless interventions.

The crucial role of motivation in the recovery process at inpatient and outpatient substance-related treatment centres

Noxolo Zwane — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

For individuals who use substances, compliance and treatment motivation are crucial to the effectiveness of substance-related treatment services. Thus, exploring motivation is imperative to the holistic treatment of individuals who use substances. The intricate interplay between motivation and the decision to seek substance-related treatment among individuals who use substances is conceptualised. Self-determination theory was the most relevant theoretical framework for the study, as it captures the complex, evolving nature of motivation in the treatment process. Document analysis was employed as the primary research methodology for this study, allowing for a systematic review and interpretation of relevant texts to extract meaningful information aligned with the research objectives. This confirms that extrinsic and intrinsic motivation significantly influence the decision to seek substance-related treatment. The researcher argues that the type of motivation a person exhibits prior to being admitted shapes the success of their substance-related treatment regimen. As a result, treatment plans for individuals who use substances need to be tailored accordingly by social workers in substance-related treatment centres. This article contributes to the academic discourse around substance-related treatment and holds practical implications and offers guidelines for treatment centres and healthcare professionals, such as social workers in treatment centres.

Battling recidivism of parolees: Challenges and coping strategies of social workers at community corrections offices

Mmatsatsi E. Ramokolo-Kutu, Petro Botha — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Effective parolee rehabilitation and reintegration into society are essential to reducing recidivism. This article presents the challenges and coping strategies of social workers responsible for the rehabilitation and social reintegration of parolees within the Department of Correctional Services (DCS). The study was qualitative in nature and the researcher employed a phenomenological design with elements of exploratory, descriptive and contextual research designs to understand social workers' challenges and coping strategies when working with parolees within the DCS. Nineteen (19) participants were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face and telephonic interviews as the study was conducted during COVID-19. The ecological framework was used to analyse the challenges experienced by social workers. The findings revealed that parolees do not comply with parole conditions and are not motivated to attend social work programmes in the community and that social workers do not have adequate resources. Social workers cope in different ways to deal with the challenges, for example, by working weekends to reach more parolees. Recommendations include that services should be accessible to parolees, their needs be addressed, and stakeholders work as a team to win this battle.

The intersectional triad constructs and the future of social work in Africa: Social development, decolonisation and professional social work regulation

Lambert K. Engelbrecht, Wilberforce Kurevakwesu — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Social work in Africa remains a developing profession, still defining its identity and scope. Recent scholarship has emphasised the adoption of a social development approach, the integration of decolonial perspectives, and the establishment of professional regulation as key mechanisms for advancing the profession on the continent (cf. Chidyausiku & Bohwasi, 2021; Kurevakwesu, 2023). Although distinct, these three constructs intersect in ways that strengthen social work’s professional voice and enhance its capacity to respond to local and global challenges.

Navigating family estrangement. Helping adults understand and manage the challenges of family estrangement.

Lambert K. Engelbrecht — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In Navigating Family Estrangement, psychotherapist and estrangement specialist Karl Melvin provides an insightful and practice-oriented exploration of this subject. Structured into thirteen chapters across four parts, the book examines how estranged adults can be effectively supported through a variety of professional perspectives.