The following checklist is offered to authors to enhance the quality of manuscripts, together with the Article Content Guide for submissions to Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk. The questions below will also be considered and used as a guide for referees when they review the manuscript and prepare their referee reports. An objective and meticulous self-evaluation of manuscripts by authors may thus enhance the publication merit of a manuscript.

Title and abstract

• Is the title clear and does it evoke the interests of the reader?
• Is the abstract concise and descriptive of the article contents, including the following elements: problem statement/rationale; aim/goal/objectives/research questions of the article, research methodology, principal finding(s), key conclusion(s), and main recommendation(s)/implication(s) for social work practice?
• Is the word count of the abstract between 150 and 250 words?

Conceptualisation and contextualisation

• Is the rationale/problem statement, conceptualisation and demarcation of the topic relevant and convincing?
• Is the focus/aim/goal/objectives/research questions of the article clear?
• Is the applicability of the article's content to the field of social work distinctly defined?
• Does the article indicate how its content can be related or juxtaposed to other global contexts?
• Is the article's content applicable to the South African context?
• Does the article include citations to pertinent sources from Africa, particularly South Africa, related to the subject matter?

 Research methodology (if applicable)

• Does the article present an appropriate research approach and design to answer research question/s, reach the formulated aim/goal/objectives or address a problem statement?
• Are all relevant aspects of the research methodology adequately described?
• Are the findings presented in a clear, concise, and organised manner?
• Are the findings analysed and synthesised based on literature control, and discussed in depth?
• Are conclusions and recommendations or implications for practice presented and in line with the formulated aim/goal/objectives/research questions of the article?

 Style and presentation

• Are arguments clearly presented, logical, coherent, and well-developed?
• Is the writing clear, well-structured and easily readable?
• Are the literature references in the text relevant, contemporary (but including primary/seminal work), and adequate to substantiate arguments/comments/facts, within an appropriate context?
• Are referencing in the text, quotations, and the list of references, correct and in line with the stylistic requirements of the Journal?

 Language and technical (referencing) editing

• Does the article adhere to the APA referencing style and journal-specific technical requirements as indicated on the Journal's website?
• Does the article need another round of language and technical editing?

 Originality and scholarly contribution

• Does the article show originality of thought and does it expand an understanding of the subject matter?
• Does the article make a significant contribution to contemporary theory and/or practice in the social work discipline, specifically in South Africa, but also beyond, to warrant publication in a scholarly international journal?

 Ethical validation

• Do you have any ethical concerns about any aspect of the article?
• Do you think that ethical clearance from an accredited gatekeeper institution is needed to publish this article, and if so, are details about ethical clearance adequately indicated and discussed in the manuscript (such as an *ethical clearance reference number)?