Social Work / Maatskaplike Werk (E-Journal)
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Digital parenting interventions to prevent violence against adolescents: Lessons from the ParentApp for Teens trial for South African social work practice
Full text linkViolence against children remains a critical challenge in South Africa, with disproportionate impacts on marginalised families. This note from practice reflects on the ParentApp for Teens trial in Tanzania — a blended digital parenting programme adapted from the Parenting for Lifelong Health model — and considers its implications for South African social work. Preliminary insights suggest the intervention may reduce adolescent physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, improve caregiver and adolescent mental health, and decrease caregiver intimate partner violence, at a delivery cost of approximately USD 6 per family. This commentary examines how such a model can support prevention-focused social work, extend services to underserved communities, and align with the profession’s ethical mandate for empowerment and social justice. Key considerations for implementation include addressing the digital divide, safeguarding and data privacy, cultural adaptation, and workforce readiness. The findings suggest that digital interventions, when ethically and contextually adapted, can be a valuable addition to South Africa’s violence prevention strategies
DETERRITORIALISATION OF ZIMBABWEAN IMMIGRANTS' LEGACY BELIEFS IN WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA
Full text linkDespite the growth of immigrant families, little has been done to bridge the gap on the legacy beliefs of the Zimbabwean immigrants in South Africa. The legacy beliefs and migration system models underpinned acculturation process and outcomes related to assimilation, rejection, biculturalism and marginalisation. An exploratory-descriptive qualitative research design was employed to explore the experiences of fifteen Zimbabwean immigrants, in the Western Cape province; they were purposively recruited to explore and describe their perceptions regarding legacy beliefs. Semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Trustworthiness was enhanced through a credible iterative process involving transferability, dependability and confirmability. Three themes were identified: understanding of legacy beliefs; generation of legacies; and complexities influencing preservation of family legacy beliefs. The theoretical implication of this study is that social protection systems should consider the legacy beliefs of immigrants to enhance their social integration, and promote social relationships in a harmonious environment that encourages interdependence as well as resilient societies. Overall, this study contributes to the migration systems aimed at advancing acculturation, resettlement and successful integration. This provides innovative ways for social services to improve the quality of life and well-being of immigrant families and children living in precarious situations
Unravelling the dynamics of successful collaboration and the potential for community-based learning in child and youth care
Full text linkThe aim of the research was to investigate successful collaborative community-university partnerships. The intention was to identify factors that contribute to effective service in rural spaces as transformative teaching and learning environments for final-year child and youth care students from a University of Technology in KwaZulu-Natal. Utilising a qualitative research methodology, the research design involved non-probability purposive sampling, with twelve students recruited for semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis to identify key themes related to the effectiveness of the engagement process and its impact on both students and the community. The findings highlight the importance of mutual trust, clear communication and shared goals in fostering successful collaborations. The study underscores the potential for community engagement projects not only to serve local needs, but also to enrich students' educational experiences, ultimately suggesting that thoughtful partnerships can lead to sustainable community engagement and enhanced learning outcomes
Trajectories into gang membership: Exploring risk exposure, protective factors and the factors motivating involvement in devil-worshipping gangs
Full text linkGangs represent a complex phenomenon, emerging in response to social exclusion, limited opportunities and systemic inequalities. In South Africa, gang-related crime is rife, impacting on individuals, families and broader society. Gang practices in the Free State province allegedly incorporate elements of the occult, including devil-worshipping and witchcraft, generating fear within affected communities. These gangs engage in spiritually-motivated crimes including blood sacrifice, animal slaughter and communication with demons. Drawing on qualitative data obtained from interviews with detained gang members, non-gang-affiliated offenders and service providers, the paper explores key factors motivating membership as well as the protective factors which safeguard against gang involvement. Moreover, the existence of ‘devil-worshipping’ gangs and the prominent risks and protective features in this regard are explored. The findings highlight the need for protection, poverty and peer influence as pertinent factors perpetuating gang membership, while creating prosocial activities, employment and gang-awareness were noted as key protective factors. Understanding risk exposure, gang trajectories and factors that enhance resilience from the lived experience of offenders serve to humanise the gang issue and assists social workers and other stakeholders to strengthen support services for vulnerable youths, develop targeted interventions, refine policies and systemic responses, and incorporate relevant protective factors when designing or facilitating programmes within gang-prone communities.
A scoping review of research on family resilience in South Africa: What is known and what are the gaps?
Full text linkFamilies are a central building block of society. The social work profession has always been invested in strengthening family life, and one of the ways this can be done is by building family resilience. South African social workers should base their work with families on solid research on family resilience and conduct some of this research themselves. The study aimed to answer the question: What is known about the research on family resilience in South Africa? The answers to this question would aid social workers and people from other disciplines to conduct their own research on this important topic to fill gaps identified in the review. Following the PRISMA guidelines, the authors conducted a scoping review of 251 publications in South Africa on family resilience between 2004 and 2023, generating 59 eligible journal articles, theses or dissertations. Most studies were conducted by psychologists and only four by social workers. Although numerous risks are addressed, several risks important for social work have not been studied, e.g. fostering, teenage pregnancy and family reunification. Family resilience is conceptualised as an intrafamilial process in nine out of ten studies – few focus on the family’s social ecology. Social workers are well placed to study families within their broader context. Most studies used mixed methods or qualitative designs, but none interviewed whole families. Recommendations for social work family resilience research are offered to address gaps in the current literature and to increase social work’s contribution to understanding family resilience
Protocol for preparing youths leaving child and youth care centres in South Africa: Insights from social workers
Full text linkThere 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
The intersectional triad constructs and the future of social work in Africa: Social development, decolonisation and professional social work regulation
Full text linkSocial 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
The consequences of vehicle hijacking
No full textAlthough incidents of vehicle hijacking are spiralling world-wide, vehicle hijacking has been identified as a priority crime in South Africa. The status it has acquired is directly related to the serious implications it holds for the individual in terms of the physical, emotional, financial and social consequences associated with it, as well as the negative local and international response it elicits.
The inclusion of violence or threats of violence, as well as the theft of a vehicle in definitions of vehicle hijacking, often leads to confusion regarding the classification whereby hijacking is alternatively classed as either a violent crime or a property crime. This may be attributed to the fact that vehicle hijacking is primarily a form of theft as a vehicle is taken from the victim, thus constituting a property crime. In this regard researchers (Block, 1989:235; Steenkamp, 1997:19) emphasise that during a robbery the primary aim is not to injure the victim, but to obtain valuable goods such as a vehicle. On this basis police and members of the criminal justice system as well as those in the helping professions often treat such victims as victims of a property crime (i.e. in the same manner as burglary victims) without acknowledging the trauma they have experienced. Lack of knowledge of the fact that violence and threats of violence are used to facilitate the robbery, and that hijacking without an element of violence is not a possibility, often leads to these important elements being ignored. A further reason for this may be inadequate knowledge about the serious consequences of vehicle hijacking.
The aim of this exposition is therefore to shed some light on the position of trauma victims of vehicle hijacking experience, to emphasise the far-reaching consequences of this priority crime, and to highlight some of the problems that are experienced with currently available support. This is done in the hope that such information will not only broaden the knowledge of social workers, but also encourage them and others in the helping professions to treat victims of vehicle hijacking in the same way as other victims of violent crimes
THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF STREET CHILDREN IN MAHIKENG, NORTH WEST PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA
Full text linkThe 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
Battling recidivism of parolees: Challenges and coping strategies of social workers at community corrections offices
Full text linkEffective 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