Social Work / Maatskaplike Werk (E-Journal)
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DETERMINANTS OF RETURN TO ACTIVE USE AMONGST PREVIOUSLY REHABILITATED USERS OF NYAOPE WITH A HISTORY OF MULTIPLE REHABILITATIONS
Full text linkReturning 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
Grandmothers unite: Sharing wisdom and advocacy for the wellbeing and success of foster children
Full text linkA foster care awareness programme (FCAP) can play a critical role in strengthening caregivers’ understanding of ways to support vulnerable children under their care. Despite the significance of such programmes, grandmother-headed families face challenges such as managing indiscipline, establishing family values, parenting and addressing health risks. Moreover, there is lack of literature on grandmothers’ experiences of FCAPs as an intervention strategy. Using a qualitative approach and a phenomenological research design, 10 grandmothers were purposefully recruited with the aim of developing an in-depth understanding of their experiences of foster care awareness programmes as an intervention strategy. Data were collected through individual, face-to-face semi-structured interviews and analysed using six steps of thematic data analysis. The findings revealed that grandmothers shared experiences and learnt from one another, leading to significant changes in their families' lives, particularly in communication, parenting and financial management. These changes contributed to emotional stability within their households. The study recommends extending foster care programmes to include joint and individual sessions for foster children and their parents. Additionally, social workers are encouraged to invest more time in group and community work as alternative strategies to traditional casework
Social workers using sign language interpreters to ensure equitable services to the Deaf community
Full text linkDespite 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
STRENGTHENING INTERGENERATIONAL SOLIDARITY FOR ENDURING WELLBEING: BUILDING INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
Full text linkThe inaugural issue of Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk in 2025, commemorating the journal’s 60th anniversary, examines the critical role of promoting care and collaboration across generations, involving social work students, practitioners and academics in this shared endeavour. This issue engages with the theme of World Social Work Day 2025 through articles that focus on social workers’ wellbeing, as well as their experiences, roles, knowledge and perspectives in strengthening intergenerational solidarity within communities
YOUTHS IN GANGS ON THE CAPE FLATS, SOUTH AFRICA: PARENTS TALK BUT WHO LISTENS?
Full text linkThe 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 EXPERIENCES OF SURVIVORS OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND THE IMPLICATIONS FOR SOCIAL WORK SERVICES
Full text linkThis 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
Interdisciplinary pathways for advancing social justice, peace, and sustainable development in social work education and professional practice
Full text linkThis issue of Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk celebrates the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Association of South African Social Work Education Institutions (ASASWEI) and the journal’s diamond jubilee, highlighting interdisciplinary scholarship that advances social justice, peace, and sustainable development in social work education and practice. It includes a special article, ten research studies, a book review, and a note from practice. Together, these contributions demonstrate how research, education, and practice intersect to strengthen professional capacity, inform policy, and foster transformative interventions for individuals, families, and communities
An assessment of service users’ participation in community-based food and nutrition centres in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa
Full text linkA 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
Indigenous perspectives on marital dynamics: A qualitative study of Sotho couples’ experiences with customary marriage, stressors, strengths and indigenous marital counselling
Full text linkThe 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
A provincial strategy to empower adult persons experiencing street homelessness from vulnerability: The case of Gauteng Province in South Africa
Full text linkSouth 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