Magister Social Work -MSW

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A Critical Inquiry Into Social services of· South African Local Authorities with specific reference to Social Work
(University of the Western Cape, 1996) Middleton, Winston William; Kotze, Frans
The effective and efficient delivery of social services in South Africa has suffered as a result of the apartheid policies and practices. Now that we have legitimate political structures in our country, social workers in local authorities have the opportunity to take their rightful place in our social service delivery system. In order to enhance the quality of life in South Africa, we must ensure that people are not serviced at a distance. The broad intention of this study is to critically examine social work practice in local authorities in South Africa in order to identify the pertinent elements of a model of practice and to clarify the role of the local authority social worker. Five theoretical issues are identified within structural Marxism which was selected as the theoretical orientation for this study. These are the individual-society relationship, basic needs and services, social change, community participation and professionalism. The literature review of the h-uman services rendered by local authorities in the United Kingdom and the U.~nite-d-S-ta-tes of America, and in South Africa. of which there is a Raucity of research, sensi-ti-ze-d-the res-earcher to the-relevant issues and debates, and informed the empirical study.Ten (10) directors and fifty (50) social work practitioners of social services departments completed the mailed questionnaires. The response rate was, 24,39% and 27,47%, respectively. The empirical data has provided important information about the rationale and types of social services provided by local authorities in 1992-1993. To varying degrees, casework, group work, research and community work/development are practised. While the latter method was purported by many respondents to be their priority, casework was found to be the most popular method. These services were often provided because no other services existed in the area or were inaccessible. In most cases, the social services departments, unfortunately, did not have a mission statement nor terms of reference to guide their planning and interventions. As the majority of the South African population were excluded from the political process, local authority structures were discredited by many people and this caused anxiety among many practitioners and tensions with the communities. There was a high level of co-operation between social services departments and their respective health departments. The conclusions drawn from this study are that local authorities should provide social services through a comprehensive social services department which should include, among other, the health department; and that local government is an important site for the practice of developmental social work. Other researchers could build on this foundation so as to develop clearer policy and practice guidelines for this field of speciality.
A Critical Inquiry Into Social services of· South African Local Authorities with specific reference to Social Work
(University of the Western Cape, 1996) Middleton, Winston William; Kotze, Frans
The effective and efficient delivery of social services in South Africa has suffered as a result of the apartheid policies and practices. Now that we have legitimate political structures in our country, social workers in local authorities have the opportunity to take their rightful place in our social service delivery system. In order to enhance the quality of life in South Africa, we must ensure that people are not serviced at a distance. The broad intention of this study is to critically examine social work practice in local authorities in South Africa in order to identify the pertinent elements of a model of practice and to clarify the role of the local authority social worker. Five theoretical issues are identified within structural Marxism which was selected as the theoretical orientation for this study. These are the individual-society relationship, basic needs and services, social change, community participation and professionalism. The literature review of the h-uman services rendered by local authorities in the United Kingdom and the U.~nite-d-S-ta-tes of America, and in South Africa. of which there is a Raucity of research, sensi-ti-ze-d-the res-earcher to the-relevant issues and debates, and informed the empirical study.Ten (10) directors and fifty (50) social work practitioners of social services departments completed the mailed questionnaires. The response rate was, 24,39% and 27,47%, respectively. The empirical data has provided important information about the rationale and types of social services provided by local authorities in 1992-1993. To varying degrees, casework, group work, research and community work/development are practised. While the latter method was purported by many respondents to be their priority, casework was found to be the most popular method. These services were often provided because no other services existed in the area or were inaccessible. In most cases, the social services departments, unfortunately, did not have a mission statement nor terms of reference to guide their planning and interventions. As the majority of the South African population were excluded from the political process, local authority structures were discredited by many people and this caused anxiety among many practitioners and tensions with the communities. There was a high level of co-operation between social services departments and their respective health departments. The conclusions drawn from this study are that local authorities should provide social services through a comprehensive social services department which should include, among other, the health department; and that local government is an important site for the practice of developmental social work. Other researchers could build on this foundation so as to develop clearer policy and practice guidelines for this field of speciality.
Evaluation of the community participation process of build a better society (BABS) Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 1997) Jacobs, Laurence Peter; September, William
The study was undertaken of Build A Better Society (BABS) Western Cape because a comparison of the membership and public profile of the organisation from the time of its inception to recent times showed a decrease in its activities. Feasible explanations in changes in the political system and funding priorities could be established to account for the reduction in community participation. However, there is a lack of information on community organisation projects in this country and, until recently, a dearth of literature on the subject of community participation as very few projects have been systematically evaluated and published which could have provided another explanation for the decrease. Registered as a welfare organisation, BABS is regarded as one of the pioneering community work organisations in Cape Town. It became a model for several organisations in the Western Cape who adopted its philosophy and formally constituted as affiliates. The aims, therefore, of the study were to examine whether the programmes of the organisation were successful in eliciting community participation, the extent of this involvement and whether this involvement was sustained over time; to describe the efforts of the staff and members in applying the techniques and procedures inherent in the community participation process; to describe the impact of this process on affiliated organisations and to ascertain whether economic status or organisational structure had influenced the development of projects. The findings were to be compared to those of other studies. community participation, in the context of the study, occurs when people take part in programmes they desire and are able to sustain their interest after external support has been phased out. The research methodology involved two surveys: Interviews with the members and staff of BABS Western Cape in order to describe participation patterns and the impact of programmes on participants. A study of available data which profiled the BABS organisations, their goals and programmes. The data analysis was completed by the researcher. The findings indicate that community participation involved people becoming involved to a lesser or greater degree at different times in response to different issues. This suggested that there are several answers to the question raised in regard to the decrease in the activities of BABS. The findings also suggest that major problems facing deprived areas, such as crime and housing, are beyond the resources and scope of neighbourhood development agencies. Finally, the recommendations call for BABS, which no longer functions as a grassroots community development agency, to institute a process of termination with its former affiliates, to maximise the use of the Pegasus centre in Kewtown, and to continue in its new direction as a training organisation. other recommendations provide suggestions with regard to their community participation strategies to other organisations seeking to enter the field .
Evaluation of the community participation process of build a better society (BABS) Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 1997) Jacobs, Laurence Peter; September, William
The study was undertaken of Build A Better Society (BABS) Western Cape because a comparison of the membership and public profile of the organisation from the time of its inception to recent times showed a decrease in its activities. Feasible explanations in changes in the political system and funding priorities could be established to account for the reduction in community participation. However, there is a lack of information on community organisation projects in this country and, until recently, a dearth of literature on the subject of community participation as very few projects have been systematically evaluated and published which could have provided another explanation for the decrease. Registered as a welfare organisation, BABS is regarded as one of the pioneering community work organisations in Cape Town. It became a model for several organisations in the Western Cape who adopted its philosophy and formally constituted as affiliates. The aims, therefore, of the study were to examine whether the programmes of the organisation were successful in eliciting community participation, the extent of this involvement and whether this involvement was sustained over time; to describe the efforts of the staff and members in applying the techniques and procedures inherent in the community participation process; to describe the impact of this process on affiliated organisations and to ascertain whether economic status or organisational structure had influenced the development of projects. The findings were to be compared to those of other studies. community participation, in the context of the study, occurs when people take part in programmes they desire and are able to sustain their interest after external support has been phased out. The research methodology involved two surveys: Interviews with the members and staff of BABS Western Cape in order to describe participation patterns and the impact of programmes on participants. A study of available data which profiled the BABS organisations, their goals and programmes. The data analysis was completed by the researcher. The findings indicate that community participation involved people becoming involved to a lesser or greater degree at different times in response to different issues. This suggested that there are several answers to the question raised in regard to the decrease in the activities of BABS. The findings also suggest that major problems facing deprived areas, such as crime and housing, are beyond the resources and scope of neighbourhood development agencies. Finally, the recommendations call for BABS, which no longer functions as a grassroots community development agency, to institute a process of termination with its former affiliates, to maximise the use of the Pegasus centre in Kewtown, and to continue in its new direction as a training organisation. other recommendations provide suggestions with regard to their community participation strategies to other organisations seeking to enter the field .
Evaluation of the community participation process of build a better society (BABS) Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 1997) Jacobs, Laurence Peter; September, W
The study was undertaken of Build A Better Society (BABS) Western Cape because a comparison of the membership and public profile of the organisation from the time of its inception to recent times showed a decrease in its activities. Feasible explanations in changes in the political system and funding priorities could be established to account for the reduction in community participation. However, there is a lack of information on community organisation projects in this country and, until recently, a dearth of literature on the subject of community participation as very few projects have been systematically evaluated and published which could have provided another explanation for the decrease. Registered as a welfare organisation, BABS is regarded as one of the pioneering community work organisations in Cape Town. It became a model for several organisations in the Western Cape who adopted its philosophy and formally constituted as affiliates. The aims, therefore, of the study were to examine whether the programmes of the organisation were successful in eliciting community participation, the extent of this involvement and whether this involvement was sustained over time: to describe the efforts of the staff and members in applying the techniques and procedures inherent in the community participation process; to describe the impact of this process on affiliated organisations and to ascertain whether economic status or organisational structure had influenced the development of projects. The findings were to be compared to those of other studies. Community participation, in the context of the study, occurs when people take part in programmes they desire and are able to sustain their interest after external support has been phased out. The research methodology involved two surveys: • Interviews with the members and staff of BABS Western Cape in order to describe participation patterns and the impact of programmes on participants. • A study of available data which profiled the BABS organisations, their goals and programmes. The data analysis was completed by the researcher. The findings indicate that community participation involved people becoming involved to a lesser or greater degree at different times in response to different issues. This suggested that there are several answers to the question raised in regard to the decrease in the activities of BABS. The findings also suggest that major problems facing deprived areas, such as crime and housing, are beyond the resources and scope of neighbourhood development agencies. Finally, the recommendations call for BABS, which no longer functions as a grassroots community development agency, to institute a process of termination with its former affiliates, to maximise the use of the Pegasus centre in Kewtown, and to continue in its new direction as a training organisation. Other recommendations provide suggestions with regard to their community participation strategies to other organisations seeking to enter the field .
Evaluation of the community participation process of build a better society (BABS) Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 1997) Jacobs, Laurence Peter; September, W
The study was undertaken of Build A Better Society (BABS) Western Cape because a comparison of the membership and public profile of the organisation from the time of its inception to recent times showed a decrease in its activities. Feasible explanations in changes in the political system and funding priorities could be established to account for the reduction in community participation. However, there is a lack of information on community organisation projects in this country and, until recently, a dearth of literature on the subject of community participation as very few projects have been systematically evaluated and published which could have provided another explanation for the decrease. Registered as a welfare organisation, BABS is regarded as one of the pioneering community work organisations in Cape Town. It became a model for several organisations in the Western Cape who adopted its philosophy and formally constituted as affiliates. The aims, therefore, of the study were to examine whether the programmes of the organisation were successful in eliciting community participation, the extent of this involvement and whether this involvement was sustained over time: to describe the efforts of the staff and members in applying the techniques and procedures inherent in the community participation process; to describe the impact of this process on affiliated organisations and to ascertain whether economic status or organisational structure had influenced the development of projects. The findings were to be compared to those of other studies. Community participation, in the context of the study, occurs when people take part in programmes they desire and are able to sustain their interest after external support has been phased out. The research methodology involved two surveys: • Interviews with the members and staff of BABS Western Cape in order to describe participation patterns and the impact of programmes on participants. • A study of available data which profiled the BABS organisations, their goals and programmes. The data analysis was completed by the researcher. The findings indicate that community participation involved people becoming involved to a lesser or greater degree at different times in response to different issues. This suggested that there are several answers to the question raised in regard to the decrease in the activities of BABS. The findings also suggest that major problems facing deprived areas, such as crime and housing, are beyond the resources and scope of neighbourhood development agencies. Finally, the recommendations call for BABS, which no longer functions as a grassroots community development agency, to institute a process of termination with its former affiliates, to maximise the use of the Pegasus centre in Kewtown, and to continue in its new direction as a training organisation. Other recommendations provide suggestions with regard to their community participation strategies to other organisations seeking to enter the field .
A qualitative exploratory study on creativity in human resource development
(University of Western Cape, 2002) Allie, Shahieda; Booley, S.
This was an exploratory study on the perceptions and experiences of the service providers at the TRAUMA Centre on creativity in human resource development and its contribution towards organisational sustainability. The researcher used the qualitative research methodology as this method was deemed to facilitate participation by research subjects through the use of literature studies, documentary studies, a focus group and semi-structured interviews. In the analyses of the data obtained through methodology used, concepts closely related to the study being that of creativity, human resource development, managerial practices and organisational sustainability emerged as recurring themes that served to locate the study within systems theory. Due to the inter-relatedness of the concepts, the study was conducted within a framework of human resource development as a means of achieving organisational sustainability. Data gathered confirmed that service providers perceived creativity to be linked to organisational sustainability and that the development of the human resources was an integral means to achieve organisational sustainability. The researcher is of the opinion that the utilisation of the different methodologies largely assisted the researcher in achieving the research objectives of developing the human resources in a creative way.
A qualitative exploratory study on creativity in human resource development
(University of Western Cape, 2002) Allie, Shahieda; Booley, S.
This was an exploratory study on the perceptions and experiences of the service providers at the TRAUMA Centre on creativity in human resource development and its contribution towards organisational sustainability. The researcher used the qualitative research methodology as this method was deemed to facilitate participation by research subjects through the use of literature studies, documentary studies, a focus group and semi-structured interviews. In the analyses of the data obtained through methodology used, concepts closely related to the study being that of creativity, human resource development, managerial practices and organisational sustainability emerged as recurring themes that served to locate the study within systems theory. Due to the inter-relatedness of the concepts, the study was conducted within a framework of human resource development as a means of achieving organisational sustainability. Data gathered confirmed that service providers perceived creativity to be linked to organisational sustainability and that the development of the human resources was an integral means to achieve organisational sustainability. The researcher is of the opinion that the utilisation of the different methodologies largely assisted the researcher in achieving the research objectives of developing the human resources in a creative way.
Alcohol use and unsafe sex practices among students (17-25 year olds) at the University of the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2004) Rich, Edna Grace; MARTIN, ANDREW; Dept. of Social Work; Faculty of Community and Health Sciences
Young people have high rates of risk-taking, including alcohol use/abuse and high risk sex. The main purpose of this study was to gain insight into the drinking patterns and sexual behaviour of young UWC students. The aim was to investigate the relationship between alcohol use and unsafe sex practices (such as unplanned sex, multiple partners, and non/inconsistent condom use) and to identify any shifts in sexual practices in response to the HIV/AIDS crisis.
The working and living conditions of child domestic workers: A qualitative case study in Kigali City and its periphery
(University of the Western Cape, 2004) Hahirwa, Gumira Joseph; Terblanche, S.S.
The researcher's concern for the topic was founded on the fact that previous research on child labour in Rwanda did not qualitatively explore the working and living conditions of child domestic workers in this specific contextual setting. The aim of the study therefore, was to explore the living and working conditions of child domestic workers in a contextual setting of Kigali city and its periphery. To achieve the objectives of this study, a qualitative approach was envisaged, utilizing a case study strategy. The population was selected among child domestic workers in four districts of Kigali city and its periphery. The criteria of selection and reaching participants were snowball sampling and purposive sampling techniques. Data was collected by means of a semi-structured interview with open-ended questions. The collected data was analyzed through a model that is presented as a spiral image including: Collecting and recording data; managing data; reading and writing memos; describing, classifying and interpreting; representing and visualizing (Creswell, 1998: 142-165). In order to increase trustworthiness, triangulation as a process that uses multiple perceptions to clarify meaning, was used through child workers themselves, their employers, neighbours and local authorities. Colleagues helped to verify translations from mother tongue into English. Participants, especially child domestic workers revealed that the main factors pushing them into the job market was poverty and family and socio-political conflicts. Findings concerning working and living conditions also indicate experiences of exploitation and maltreatment. It has also been revealed that most participants were ignorant about children's rights. Finally discussions allowed the researcher to discover what participants and especially child domestic participants were expecting in their future and suggestions of how child domestic work would be abolished.
An exploratory study of aspects on environmental conditions associated with alcohol and drug abuse and criminal behaviour
(University of the Western Cape, 2004) Matthews, Brenda Marian Frederica; Martin, Andrew; Institute for Child and Family Development; Faculty of Community and Health Sciences
Universally it has been reported that the fundamental change in or breakdown of traditional patterns of family living is a major cause of juvenile crime around the world. Researchers argue althought sequential violence may originate from certain important social and historical conditions - substance abuse primarily fules the cycle of violence. The major causes of delinquency in various countries are related to each nation's economic and social environment. The present study took place in the Correctional Services of the Boland Overberg region. The study aimed to examine the impact of risk factors (environmental conditions) and it's contribution to substance abuse and to determine how these risk factors and the prevalance of substance abuse contributes to criminality.
Social workers experiences and perceptions of performance appraisal within a social services department at the provincial government of the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2004) Du Toit, Nazli; Terblanche, Susan S.; Dept. of Social Work; Faculty of Community and Health Sciences
This research explored the experiences and perceptions of the performance appraisal systems in place and its value to social workers within the Department: Social Services and Poverty Alleviation: Provincial Government of the Western Cape.
Social workers experiences and perceptions of performance appraisal within a social services department at the provincial government of the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2004) Du Toit, Nazli; Terblanche, Susan S.; Dept. of Social Work; Faculty of Community and Health Sciences
This research explored the experiences and perceptions of the performance appraisal systems in place and its value to social workers within the Department: Social Services and Poverty Alleviation: Provincial Government of the Western Cape.
Alcohol use and unsafe sex practices among students (17-25 year olds) at the University of the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2004) Rich, Edna Grace; MARTIN, ANDREW; Dept. of Social Work; Faculty of Community and Health Sciences
Young people have high rates of risk-taking, including alcohol use/abuse and high risk sex. The main purpose of this study was to gain insight into the drinking patterns and sexual behaviour of young UWC students. The aim was to investigate the relationship between alcohol use and unsafe sex practices (such as unplanned sex, multiple partners, and non/inconsistent condom use) and to identify any shifts in sexual practices in response to the HIV/AIDS crisis.
The working and living conditions of child domestic workers: A qualitative case study in Kigali City and its periphery
(University of the Western Cape, 2004) Hahirwa, Gumira Joseph; Terblanche, S.S.
The researcher's concern for the topic was founded on the fact that previous research on child labour in Rwanda did not qualitatively explore the working and living conditions of child domestic workers in this specific contextual setting. The aim of the study therefore, was to explore the living and working conditions of child domestic workers in a contextual setting of Kigali city and its periphery. To achieve the objectives of this study, a qualitative approach was envisaged, utilizing a case study strategy. The population was selected among child domestic workers in four districts of Kigali city and its periphery. The criteria of selection and reaching participants were snowball sampling and purposive sampling techniques. Data was collected by means of a semi-structured interview with open-ended questions. The collected data was analyzed through a model that is presented as a spiral image including: Collecting and recording data; managing data; reading and writing memos; describing, classifying and interpreting; representing and visualizing (Creswell, 1998: 142-165). In order to increase trustworthiness, triangulation as a process that uses multiple perceptions to clarify meaning, was used through child workers themselves, their employers, neighbours and local authorities. Colleagues helped to verify translations from mother tongue into English. Participants, especially child domestic workers revealed that the main factors pushing them into the job market was poverty and family and socio-political conflicts. Findings concerning working and living conditions also indicate experiences of exploitation and maltreatment. It has also been revealed that most participants were ignorant about children's rights. Finally discussions allowed the researcher to discover what participants and especially child domestic participants were expecting in their future and suggestions of how child domestic work would be abolished.
An exploratory study of aspects on environmental conditions associated with alcohol and drug abuse and criminal behaviour
(University of the Western Cape, 2004) Matthews, Brenda Marian Frederica; Martin, Andrew; Institute for Child and Family Development; Faculty of Community and Health Sciences
Universally it has been reported that the fundamental change in or breakdown of traditional patterns of family living is a major cause of juvenile crime around the world. Researchers argue althought sequential violence may originate from certain important social and historical conditions - substance abuse primarily fules the cycle of violence. The major causes of delinquency in various countries are related to each nation's economic and social environment. The present study took place in the Correctional Services of the Boland Overberg region. The study aimed to examine the impact of risk factors (environmental conditions) and it's contribution to substance abuse and to determine how these risk factors and the prevalance of substance abuse contributes to criminality.
An exploration of care-giving resources available for chronically poor female-headed Ceres households
(University of the Western Cape, 2005) Ally-Schmidt, Fadeela; Bozalek, Vivienne; Dept. of Social Work; Faculty of Community and Health Sciences
This thesis explored the resources available for care-giving in chronically poor female-headed households. It investigated the relationship between resources as enabling in the practice of care and the choices that women can consequently make in light of the multiple roles that they play as workers, as mothers and as significant people in female-headed households.
An exploration of care-giving resources available for chronically poor female-headed Ceres households
(University of the Western Cape, 2005) Ally-Schmidt, Fadeela; Bozalek, Vivienne; Dept. of Social Work; Faculty of Community and Health Sciences
This thesis explored the resources available for care-giving in chronically poor female-headed households. It investigated the relationship between resources as enabling in the practice of care and the choices that women can consequently make in light of the multiple roles that they play as workers, as mothers and as significant people in female-headed households.
Challenges experienced by clergy in dealing with domestic violence
(University of the Western Cape, 2006) Petersen, Elizabeth; Terblanche, Susan S.; Dept. of Social Work; Faculty of Community and Health Sciences
This thesis sought to explore the challenges experienced by selected clergy within the Anglican Church in dealing with domestic violence. The sample was drawn from the Diocese of Cape Town of the church of the Province of Southern Africa, based on the participants' experience of the phenomenon and their willingness to participate in the study. The researcher used face-to-face interviews utilizing a semi-structured interview guide for data collection. Questions were open-ended to allow for free flow of information. Because of the sensitive nature of the study, probing questions were followed up by responses to get in-depth perceptions and experiences of clergy's involvement in domestic violence. With reference to the ethical considerations in this study, all participants were thoroughly briefed before the interview with clear explanations of the goal, procedure and advantages of the study. Participants had the opportunity to withdraw at any stage of the interview as participation was completely voluntary.Consistent with literature, this study confirmed the complex nature of domestic violence. Participants experienced various challenges on different levels in the ministry pertaining to domestic violence.These challenges primarily related to the lack of training in dealing with real life issues such as domestic violence during their theological training, the lack of theological guidelines offered by the church to address patriarchal societal practices, beliefs and gender stereotyping, and the lack of guidance on contexual interpretation of Scriptures.
Employee knowledge, attitude and practices relating to HIV/AIDS at [a] mining company in Namibia
(University of the Western Cape, 2006) Grötzinger, Elsabé; Terblanche, Susan S.; Dept. of Social Work; Faculty of Community and Health Sciences
A global prospecting and mining leader recognizes HIV/AIDS as a threat to the company and its employees. The management has committed them to have a proactive approach trying to minimize the impact of this killing disease by putting in place effective workplace programmes. However, programmes can only be successful if the employees’ needs regarding knowledge, attitudes and sexual practices have been thoroughly researched identified. The aim of this study was to do an explorative descriptive study of the knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and behaviours of the employees of a mining company in Namibia on HIV/AIDS. The objectives were: diams; To measure the overall knowledge levels as well as attitudes and sexual practices of DBMN employees on HIV and STD's. diams; To determine whether there was a difference in the knowledge levels, attitudes and sexual practices of employees in different job categories, age groups, marital status, religion and education level. diams; To measure risky sexual behaviours of participants. All employees (550) of this mining company were invited to participate in the survey and 226 employees responded. A self-constructed questionnaire was used to collect data administered in a group setting. The questionnaire was regarded as having content validity and the SPSS program was be utilized for descriptive statistics. Utilizing the ratio data developed through the indexes, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to determine significant difference between the means of the groups in comparison. Because multiple comparisons were done, a post hoc test (Fisher LSD) was used to determine significant differences between group means.