Research Articles (Social Work)

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Investigating the earnings of migrant and local day labourers in Johannesburg, South Africa—a post-Covid-19 perspective
(John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 2025) Schenck, Catherina; Blaauw, Derick; Pretorius, Anmar
The fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated the already challenging conditions prevailing among the day labourers in South Africa. We investigated the labour market outcomes (especially income) of day labourers after the Covid-19 pandemic by focusing on day labourers, both local and foreign, in Johannesburg, South Africa. The methodology for our investigation was based on protocols used in other international and South African studies on various aspects pertaining to day labouring in the Global North and Global South. The fieldwork was carried out in the second half of 2021—completing 241 structured interviews. Regression results indicate that, in general, day labourers' experience and ability to negotiate their wages before accepting a job are the main determinants of their income. Site size matters more for migrants compared to locals, while performing a highly skilled job matters more for local South Africans. Since the bargaining position of workers in the informal economy continues to be eroded in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, day labourers may be especially affected, and their structural vulnerability may worsen—and even more so for the migrants.
Re-conceptualizing trafficking-in-persons victimization using latent class analysis: Results from a community study in Cape Town, South Africa
(Elsevier, 2025) Bender, Annah K.; Rich, Edna G.; Roman, Nicolette V
The impact of human trafficking upon the lives and livelihoods of those subjected to exploitative and illegal labor and commercial sex practices includes violence and threats of violence, deleterious health and mental health sequelae, and social and economic marginalization. Global estimates of human trafficking's prevalence are elusive given that it is shrouded in secrecy and often affects subgroups with little voice of their own, such as migrants and child abuse victims. The difficulty of reaching a clandestine population is complicated by the lack of standardized definitions and culturally responsive assessments to identify victims and route them to appropriate care. This gap in knowledge persists on the African continent as elsewhere in the world. An interdisciplinary, international research team thus launched a study to estimate the prevalence of human trafficking using a computational algorithm in the Western Cape of South Africa. In this paper, we use latent class analysis to identify and empirically categorize 652 individuals at risk for human trafficking based on their response to two sets of indicators for human trafficking experiences. Our findings revealed three distinct subtypes ranging from very high risk of exploitation to relatively low risk. Experiences of violence, health and mental health concerns, and substance abuse were commonplace in this high-risk sample. A modified screening tool based on domains of trafficking identified by the inaugural Prevalence Reduction Innovation Forum (PRIF) was most robust in identifying and classifying victims. We conclude by calling for a shift from a binary prosecutorial definition to a dimensional approach of identifying trafficking, guided by the understanding that such risks exist on a spectrum influenced by one's experience of human trafficking exploitation, and behavioral and social environment.
In this life one must live and not survive: understanding day labourers’ vulnerability through the lens of Max-Neef
(Unisa Press, 2025) Smith, Marquin Enrico; Schenck, Rinie; Blaauw, Derick
Day labouring is one of the most visible forms of precarious employment in South Africa as those involved earn low and uncertain levels of income, leaving many of them in a state of deprivation, poverty, and marginalisation. This article aims to contribute to the documentation and analysis of the precarious nature of informal employment and the vulnerabilities workers face in this uncertain work environment. A case study research design involving 66 (45 respondents from quantitative data collection and 21 participants from qualitative data collection) male day labourers from Mbekweni was used. The findings of this study were analysed using Max-Neef’s theory of the nine fundamental human needs. This study found that day labourers from Mbekweni receive little to no income, struggle with access to decent housing, face food insecurity, and often struggle with access to basic services. In addition, while all day labourers face various forms of poverty, only South African day labourers have access to social security benefits, while those who are foreign nationals do not.
Exploring on- and off-site waste management practices of informal dwellers in South Africa
(Routledge, 2025) Schenck, Catherina; Niyobuhungiro, Rissa; Fletcher, Lizelle
Household waste is a major contributor to environmental pollution and health issues. This article explores waste management practices at the household level in low-income informal housing areas in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa. The data collection consisted of a waste baseline assessment of household waste management and mapping and analysing illegal dumping spots in the immediate vicinity of the informal areas. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics 29. None of the municipalities in the study provides outside bins to households in informal areas. Approximately eighty-four percent (83.8%) of households in the study area receive some form of refuse removal, but illegal dumping was found in all areas. The results show that weekly collection of waste is not sufficient due to the limited space available to informal dwellers. Engagement with communities is important to collaboratively co-design locally appropriate ways of managing waste.
A critical view of applying life cycle assessment on disposable diapers in a rural context
(Academy of Science of South Africa, 2025) Chitaka, Takunda Y.; Schenck, Catherina; Nell, Charlotte
The environmental impacts of disposable diapers in comparison to reusable diapers have been a matter of interest within the life cycle assessment (LCA) community for many years. However, the majority of LCAs have been conducted in developed countries with well-developed waste management infrastructure. This study takes a critical view of the application of LCA to evaluate the environmental impacts of disposable diapers in rural areas. In the study area, the majority of diapers were openly dumped (43.8%), sent to unsanitary landfills (26.1%) or burned (18.6%). The production phase contributed the most to the majority of impact categories, excluding freshwater exotoxicity, marine exotoxicity and human carcinogenic toxicity. These impacts were instead dominated by end-of-life impacts and also had the highest relative significance when normalisation was conducted. The lack of and/or poor waste management has resulted in the end of life of diapers being a significant environmental risk. However, current life cycle impact methodologies are not able to fully cover the scope of impacts presented by mismanaged diaper waste. This study demonstrates the importance of geographical contexts when conducting diaper LCAs wherein, in some scenarios, it may be necessary to include impacts beyond the scope of a traditional LCA. significance: • This is the first LCA conducted on diapers in the rural context of Africa. • The majority of impacts were attributed to the production of disposable diapers. • The majority of disposable diapers were dumped or sent to unsanitary landfills.
Youths in gangs on the Cape Flats, South Africa: parents talk but who listens?
(Stellenbosch University, 2025) Dykes, Glynnis; Davids, Ronel Sanet; September, Uwarren
The 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.
Informal tyre dealers in South Africa: an assessment of their contributions to a circular economy
(Springer Science and Business Media B.V., 2024) Schenck, Catherina; Niyobuhungiro R; Blaauw D
Faced with extraordinarily high unemployment, the long-term unemployed in South Africa increasingly have been securing livelihoods outside of standard waged work. Many are establishing unregistered, micro-enterprises that provide low-cost goods and services to low-income households. This paper presents the results of an exploratory study of unregistered (informal) second-hand tyre dealers in three South African cities to better assess their role in urban economies. Interviews with informal tyre dealers were conducted to understand how their businesses are positioned along the waste tyre value chain, their prospects for generating employment, and their potential to contribute to product reuse and repurposing. By extending the useful lives of tyres, informal dealerships can be analysed through a circular economy framework that acknowledges their varied environmental, economic, and social benefits. Concerns, however, are raised about the unregulated sale of second-hand tyres, some of which are unsafe and pose risks for road users. This in turn gives rise to difficult trade-offs between on the one hand the economic and environmental benefits of informal tyre sales and road safety on the other.
Strengthening family connectedness in families with children with behavioural problems: key experts’ and practitioners’ experiences in the implementation of parenting programmes
(University of Stellenbosch, 2024) Danhouse, Merle Heather; Erasmus, Charlene J.
Parenting enhancement contributes to the development of positive child behaviour and strengthening of family connectedness. This qualitative study explores the experiences of 10 experts (social workers, child and youth care workers, and researchers) in the field of parenting through semi-structured interviews to strengthen family connectedness in families with children with behavioural problems (FCBPs). Using Tesch's qualitative analysis, three main themes emerged: (a) barriers to family connectedness, (b) parenting styles, and (c) parenting programmes in strengthening family connectedness. The findings of the study highlight the barriers experienced by experts and the lack of evidence-based parenting programmes in the strengthening of family connectedness in FCBPs in rural areas in South Africa. The study therefore recommends that practitioners in the field of parenting should receive specialised parenting training on how to strengthen family connectedness in FCBPs.
Designing implementation strategies for the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, and allied and key populations' content in undergraduate nursing curricula in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa: protocol for a multimethods research project
(JMIR Publications Inc., 2024) Nxumalo, Celenkosini Thembelenkosini; Luvuno, Zamasomi; Chiya, Wilbroda Hlolisile
Background: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, and allied (LGBTQIA+) individuals encounter challenges with access and engagement with health services. Studies have reported that LGBTQIA+ individuals experience stigma, discrimination, and health workers' microaggression when accessing health care. Compelling evidence suggests that the LGBTQIA+ community faces disproportionate rates of HIV infection, mental health disorders, substance abuse, and other noncommunicable diseases. The South African national strategic plan for HIV or AIDS, tuberculosis, and sexually transmitted infections, 2023-2028 recognizes the need for providing affirming LGBTQIA+ health care as part of the country's HIV or AIDS response strategy. However, current anecdotal evidence suggests paucity of LGBTQIA+ and key populations' health content in the undergraduate health science curricula in South Africa. Moreover, literature reveals a general lack of health worker training regarding the health needs of LGBTQIA+ persons and other key populations such as sex workers, people who inject drugs, and men who have sex with men. Objective: This study aimed to describe the design of a project that aims at facilitating the inclusion of health content related to the LGBTQIA+ community and other key populations in the undergraduate nursing curricula of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Methods: A multimethods design encompassing collection of primary and secondary data using multiple qualitative designs and quantitative approaches will be used to generate evidence that will inform the co-design, testing, and scale-up of strategies to facilitate the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ and key populations content in the undergraduate nursing curricula in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
An exploration of community-based services and resources available to boost the capabilities of aids-orphaned adolescents and primary caregivers to achieve emotional and psychosocial wellbeing
(Scientific & Academic Publishing, 2023) Tsweleng, Petunia
Children and families affected by Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) often struggle to achieve their valuable goals due to experiences of stigma and discrimination, lack of socioeconomic support, and unattended grief among others. Research shows that, such experiences have been found to be associated with the mental health problems individuals affected by AIDS often suffers. The current study explored community-based services and resources available to assist AIDS-orphaned adolescents and primary caregivers to achieve emotional and psychosocial wellbeing.
A systematic review regarding caregiving relationships of adolescents orphaned by aids and primary caregivers
(Scientific & Academic Publishing, 2022) Tsweleng, Petunia
Statement of the Problem: Research and aid organisations report that children and adolescents orphaned due to HIV and AIDS are particularly vulnerable as they are often exposed to negative effects of both HIV and AIDS and orphanhood. Without much-needed parental love, care, and support, these children and adolescents are at risk of poor developmental outcomes. A cursory look at the available literature on AIDS-orphaned adolescents, and the quality of caregiving relationships with caregivers, shows that this is a relatively under-researched terrain. This article is a review of the literature on caregiving relationships of adolescents orphaned due to AIDS and their current primary caregivers. It aims to inform community programmes and policymakers by providing insight into the qualities of these relationships. Methodology: A comprehensive search of both peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed literature was conducted through EBSCOhost, SpringLINK, PsycINFO, SAGE, PubMed, Elsevier ScienceDirect, JSTOR, Wiley Online Library databases, and Google Scholar. The combination of keywords used for the search were: (caregiving relationships); (orphans OR AIDS orphaned children OR AIDS orphaned adolescents); (primary caregivers); and (quality caregiving); (orphans); (HIV and AIDS). The search took place between 24 January and 28 February 2022. Both qualitative and quantitative research studies published between 2010 and 2020 were reviewed. However, only qualitative studies were selected in the end -as they presented more profound findings concerning orphan-caregiver relationships.
"it's very genuine": The perceptions of stakeholders on the primary caregiving relationships of adolescents orphaned by AIDS and grandmothers
(2023) Tsweleng, Petunia
Adolescents orphaned through Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are at higher risk of poor developmental outcomes due to the trauma caused by the parent’s AIDS related illness and resultant death, lack of stable care and support and financial difficulties among others. Research shows that high quality parental care is needed to nurture the development of these vulnerable youth. The current study explores the quality of caregiving relationships between AIDS-orphaned adolescents and grandmother primary caregivers, based on the narratives of stakeholders. Special focus was on finding out whether these relationships were perceived as promoting the emotional and psychosocial wellbeing of the orphans. A qualitative methodological framework with narrative inquiry approach was utilised. In-depth interviews were conducted with 6 purposefully selected stakeholders who provide psychosocial support services to orphans and primary caregivers. Stakeholders reported that, due to the grandmothers’ genuine love and care, most of these relationships were found to be nourishing to the development of the orphans. It was further indicated that, the orphans fared well socially, emotionally and cognitively and performed highly at school.
A needs assessment for social work interventions for children affected by HIV and AIDS
(Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk, 2023) Lukelelo, Nomvuyo; Roman, Nicolette; Schenck, Catherina
Children are often left orphaned and without adult supervision when the parent or caregiver dies from HIV and AIDS-related illnesses. There is very little information available in South Africa on the type of interventions to reinforce the care and support provided to children affected by HIV and AIDS (CABHA). This study aimed to explore existing interventions provided to CABHA and the experiences of social workers in implementing interventions. Findings indicate that interventions are a continuous and collaborative process between social workers and stakeholders. A proper needs assessment should be done before implementing interventions to ensure that they benefit the children identified as needing intervention. Community-based interventions should not be underestimated as a significant source of support for CABHA
Intimate partner violence and its association with self-determination needs and gender-power constructs among rural South African women
(SAGE Publications, 2019) Mpondo, Feziwe; Ruiter, Robert A. C.; Reddy, Priscilla S.
This study aimed to identify psychosocial correlates of intimate partner violence (IPV) by using constructs derived from the self-determination theory (SDT) and gender-power scales. Cross-sectional data (N = 238) were collected from women in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, and were used to test a structural equation model (SEM). The majority (87%) of the participants reported having sexual partners in the past 3 months, and in terms of IPV victimization, 36% and 26% of women had ever experienced verbal and physical abuse, respectively. Bivariate correlations showed that autonomy and beliefs about gender equality (BGE) were strongly associated with IPV.
A conceptual framework for sustainable waste management in small municipalities: The cases of Langebaan, South Africa and Swakopmund, Namibia
(Springer, 2023) Kadhila, Timoteus; de Wit, Martin P.; Schenck, Rinie
Municipal waste management is a major challenge for local governments in South Africa and Namibia, as in other developing countries. The circular economy concept in waste management is an alternative sustainable development framework that has the potential to combat resource depletion, pollution, and poverty while achieving the SDGs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the current waste management systems in Langebaan and Swakopmund municipalities resulting from municipal policies, procedures, and practices in the context of a circular economy. A mixed method approach was used to collect qualitative and quantitative data through structured in-depth interviews, document analyses, and direct observation. The study found that the Langebaan and Swakopmund municipalities have not yet fully implemented the circular economy concept into their waste management systems. A mix of waste consisting of papers, plastics, cans, tyres, and organic products is dumped into landfills weekly at a rate of about 85%. The main challenges to implementing the circular economy concept include: lack of technical solutions, inadequate regulatory frameworks, insufficient financial resources, lack of private sector involvement, insufficient human resource capacity, and inadequate information and knowledge. A conceptual framework was therefore proposed to guide the municipalities of Langebaan and Swakopmund in implementing the circular economy concept in their waste management systems.
Double whammy wicked: street vendors and littering in Mankweng township and Paarl, South Africa—towards people‑centred urban governance
(Urban forum, 2022) Schenck, Catherina; Grobler, Lizette; Viljoen, Kotie; Blaauw, Derick; Letsoalo, Josephine
The article probes the complexity of dealing with two interrelated wicked prob lems, namely informal, self-employed street vendors, and their experiences of lit tering. This paper describes the themes that emerged from 92 qualitative interviews to determine the perceptions of street vendors regarding reasons for littering on the streets where they operate as well as their experiences of working in these littered environments. By drawing on the themes emerging from semi-structured inter views with vendors, we suggest how stakeholders could engage with the concerns = around street vending and littering by means of the use of adaptive management or co-management, engaging, and integrating diverse perspectives, the facilitation of self-organisation, and establishing safe boundaries to evade system thresholds. In this way, complexity-based strategies can promote people-centred urban governance that empowers and includes citizens in attempts to manage the wicked problems of growing cities inclusively
Towards a circular economy: A cross-case analysis of recycling in three South African towns
(Taylor and Francis Group, 2023) Pretorius, Anmar; Blaauw, Derick; Schenck, Rinie
The concept of circular economy includes three aspects from a human perspective, namely Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Studying human behaviour is important in understanding and evaluating the possible success of any of the three elements. We explored the link between household waste practices and local governments’ ability to provide proper waste management, as stipulated in the South African Constitution, as well as the factors linked to different waste management practices through a crosscase analysis using a mixed-method research design. Households in Calvinia, Philippolis and Polokwane handle waste differently due to different levels of municipal waste services rendered and the availability of local recycling options.
Developing country imperatives in the circular bioeconomy: A review of the South African case
(Elsevier, 2023) Chitaka, Takunda Y.; Schenck, Catherina
A key principle in the circular bioeconomy is the cascading use of biomass in products that create the most value over its lifetime. For example, the production of fine chemicals or pharmaceuticals are considered high value processes in comparison to energy production or the production of bulk materials such as compost. However, such “low value” applications may be associated with greater environmental and socio-economic benefits depending on the context. This paper explores factors influencing a developing country’s transition to a circular bioeconomy. Through a review of the South African case, it was found that national priorities and strategies places emphasis on composting and anaerobic digestion as primary methods for organic waste diversion from landfill. This may in part be attributed to the fact that the technologies can theoretically process a wide variety of waste stocks and they are already commercially established in the country. In addition, the potential sustainability benefits associated with these methods have the potential to mitigate many challenges being faced by the country including job creation, food security, energy security and climate change mitigation.
Prevalence estimates of trafficking in persons using statistical definitions: A cross-sectional high-risk community survey in Cape Town, South Africa
(BMJ open, 2022) Rich, Edna G
Current research on trafficking in persons (TIP) relies heavily on legal and prosecutorial definitions. A public health approach has called for population-level assessment; however, identification of TIP victims lacks a standardised operational definition. This study applied the Prevalence Reduction Innovation Forum (PRIF) statistical definitions, developed by the US Department of State, to a community survey in Cape Town, South Africa
Urban mining versus Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM): An interrogation of their contribution to sustainable livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa
(Elsevier, 2022) Moyo, Thandazile; Chitaka, Takunda Y.; Lotter, Aysha
Electronic waste (e-waste) recycling and artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) are activities that are increasingly finding uptake as a means of providing livelihoods in the face of high unemployment, especially in the developing world. Informal e-waste recycling is typically practiced by individuals or groups of people who collect end-of-use and end-of-life electronic and electrical equipment which they can repair or refurbish and resell as well as break down to sell valuable components. E-waste recycling is a form of urban mining; thus, the intention of the paper is to draw parallels between this form of mining and artisanal gold mining. Artisanal miners extract virgin minerals while ‘urban miners’ reclaim metals from various waste streams. Both sectors are characterized by high levels of informality and their activities are largely practiced as a means of livelihood. We used the sustainable livelihoods framework (SLF) as a tool to draw this comparison based on available literature on the two sectors, complemented by anecdotal field data. It was found that the livelihood capitals are similar between the two sectors and that there are strong similarities in the vulnerability contexts, with a notable dif- ference being that informal ASM, which has a more significant interaction with the natural environment, places higher demands on natural and physical capital such as land and water pollution and limited access to transport. Recommendations are made on how to strengthen the different capitals of sustainable livelihoods in the hope that these will inform policy decisions on informal sector activities.

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