Magister Social Work -MSW

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The lived experiences of stepparents in reconstituted families: promotive and protective factors
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Witbooi, Wadia Wenine
How reconstituted families (also known as stepfamilies) are perceived by society today is attributed largely to what has been shown in the media. Throughout many of our childhoods, we have seen how media (television and books) have negatively portrayed reconstituted families. Negative images of reconstituted families were depicted through much-loved fairy-tale books (and movie franchises) such as ‘Cinderella’, ‘Snow White’, and ‘Hansel and Gretel’. These specific childhood tales have led to the coined term ‘wicked stepmother’ and have bolstered stereotypical ideas of the reconstituted family. These stigmatised views and perceptions of reconstituted families influence the level of support blended families receive, and thus, in return, also affect their family well-being. The researcher became interested in the lived experiences of stepparents within a reconstituted family and wanted to know what promotive and protective factors contributed to their family wellbeing. The study aimed to explore and describe the lived experiences of stepparents within reconstituted families. The theoretical framework that was used is Bowen’s family systems theory because it allowed the researcher to study the interconnectedness of family members, including how a stepparent influences the family as a whole and conversely.
School social work to address the holistic needs of adolescents from middle-income households
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Maleka, Tshegofatso Goitseone
This study aimed to explore the holistic needs of adolescents from middle-income households and how they can be supported through school social work services to successfully transition into young adulthood. The study focused on the socioeconomic challenges faced by these families in South Africa, highlighting their vulnerability to falling into poverty due to limited opportunities, a situation further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilising the subjective holistic well-being theoretical framework and an interpretive research paradigm, a qualitative research approach was adopted. This approach was complemented by descriptive and contextual research designs. Non-probability purposive sampling was employed to select participants from two research populations: adolescents from middle-income households and their educators. Data were collected through individual interviews with adolescent participants and focus groups with educators. Ethical considerations included obtaining ethical clearance from the University of the Western Cape, permission from the Department of Basic Education and school principals, informed consent and assent, voluntary participation, confidentiality, anonymity, privacy, and data management. Thematic analysis yielded descriptions of the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of adolescents from middle-income households, the challenges they face, and how school social workers can support their holistic well-being
The role of social workers as pastoral carers in high schools in the Cape Metropole
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Grootboom, Monique
Social workers play a vital role in providing pastoral care to learners in schools. However, social workers remain an underutilized resource in South Africa’s educational system. Over the past three decades, there has been a growing interest in a whole-school approach to pastoral care that supports the holistic development of learners. The aim of this qualitative study was to better understand the role of social workers as pastoral carers in Cape Metropolitan high schools. The chosen theoretical framework was the ecological systems theory proposed by Bronfenbrenner (1994). The study population was social workers who fulfilled the role of pastoral carers in high schools in the Cape Metropole. Purposive sampling was employed to select thirteen pastoral carers from 13 high schools in the Cape Metropole. A combination of an exploratory and descriptive design was adopted, and data was collected through semi-structured individual interviews. To test the interview schedule, a pilot interview was conducted with one pastoral carer who met the inclusion criteria. To safeguard the participants’ identities and autonomy, protocols of informed consent, anonymity, and confidentiality were followed. Data collection continued until data saturation was achieved. The data was thematically analysed. Trustworthiness was established through confirmability, transferability, credibility, and dependability. The Humanities and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee of University of the Western Cape provided ethics approval.
Family reunification services to children in child and youth care centres in the Cape Metropole: a social work perspective
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Van Wyk, Mareldia Joseph
A significant number of children around the world are living in circumstances that necessitate the need for social service intervention and ultimately removal, with placement in alternative care. In South Africa, the placement of children in child and youth care centres (CYCCs) has increased over the last decade with social workers facing many challenges during the family reunification process. The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of the experiences of social workers in the family reunification process of families and children in CYCCs. A qualitative approach using a combination of an exploratory and descriptive design was employed. The population of the study was social workers rendering family reunification services to families and children in the Cape Metropole. Purposive sampling was used to select 11 social workers from the selected area. Semi-structured in-depth individual interviews were conducted to gain an understanding of the participant’s experiences on the family reunification process in CYCCs. The data was analysis thematically using the ethics of care as lens to explore the experiences of social workers. Ethics approval to conduct the study was obtained from the University of the Western Cape Humanities and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee. The findings indicate that there is a lack of cooperation and coordination between residential and designated social workers that hinder reunification process.
Intimate partner violence and family: the effects on pre-adolescents
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Brenner, La-eeqa
This study focused on intimate partner violence as a form of gender-based violence. It aimed to explore and describe the perceptions and experiences of the target population, consisting of survivors of intimate partner violence and their family members, with particular emphasis on the impact it had on pre-adolescents. The researcher employed family systems theory as the theoretical framework to guide the study. A qualitative research approach was adopted, following an exploratory design. Data were collected through individual face-to-face interviews with survivors and family members, using a semi-structured interview schedule as the data collection tool. Purposive sampling was employed, incorporating criteria to select participants best suited for the study. The sample comprised five survivors of intimate partner violence and two family members of each survivor, all residing in the same household in a selected area on the Cape Flats, resulting in a total of 15 participants. Data were analysed using qualitative thematic analysis, following the eight steps outlined by Renata Tesch. Criteria for trustworthiness were upheld, including credibility, transferability, dependability, and conformability. Ethics considerations encompassed avoiding harm, obtaining informed consent before data collection, ensuring confidentiality and anonymity in all interactions, and ensuring that the data and transcriptions were secured.
An exploration of the challenges hindering implementation of learning programmes at special care centres
(Univesrity of the Western Cape, 2024) Emmanuel, Anthea Ellen
The high demand for special care centres for children with severe to profound intellectual disabilities (CSPID) in the Cape Metropole, led to several special care centres (SCCs) emerging in recent years. However, implementing the learning programmes (LPs) in SCCs pose problems regarding the quality of care and the well-being of CSPID. This qualitative case study aimed to understand the challenges that hinder the implementation of LPs provided by special care centres for CSPID. Using a combination of an exploratory and descriptive design, a developmental perspective was employed to investigate this phenomenon. The study population was transversal outreach teams (educational psychologists, physiotherapists [psysio], occupational therapists [OT], speech-language therapists, and learning support educators), programme implementers, caregivers and centre managers, who form a multidisciplinary team employed at special care centres in the Cape Metropole, the study setting. Purposive sampling was used to select 31 participants. Three focus groups were conducted with three to six participants per group, involving caregivers, programme implementers and CSPID teams while individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with the managers of the selected SCCs in the Metropole. Thematic analysis was conducted to develop themes and sub- themes. Ethics approval was obtained from the Humanities and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee at the University of the Western Cape, and permission to conduct the study was granted from the Western Cape Department of Education and the selected SCCs.
Ayurveda as a model of intervention in treating substance use disorders in adults: a systematic review
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Pather, Karusha; Carelse, Shernaaz
Western modalities are dominating treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) while alternative modalities are secondary and or use in conjunction with western modalities. Ayurveda is one such alternative holistic model that have been used in treating adults with a SUD. However, this ancient model is not well known in the social work fraternity and therefore requires exploration in terms of its effective use for treating SUDs in adults. This qualitative systematic review (SR) investigated existing literature on the issue with the aim to identify the effective use of Ayurveda as an intervention model in social work for treating adults with a SUD. The aim therefore was to identify the methods used in Ayurveda for treating adults with a SUD. The ethics of care as proposed by Joan Tronto was used to contextualise the study and the findings. Research studies conducted between 2012-2023, in English, in which qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approaches were used were selected, using search terms related to the use of Ayurveda as a model for treating adults with a SUD. Selected texts were evaluated for quality using the open access RE-AIM critical appraisal tool and an adapted version of the PRISMA flow chart as proposed by Page et al. (2021) were used to display the results obtained through the appraisal process. Thematic data analysis as proposed by Braun and Clark (2006) was used and trustworthiness were ensured by conferring a second reviewer regarding the SR process and authenticity of the findings. Ethics approval to conduct the study was obtained from the Humanities and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee (HSSREC) at UWC where the researcher is registered for the Master of Social Work degree.
The managerial training and development needs of project managers within Nicro Western Cape: an exploratory/descriptive study
(University of the Western Cape, 2002) Davids Fayruz
This is an exploratory research study that was undertaken to determine the managerial training and development needs of project managers at NICRO (National Institute for Crime Prevention and the Reintegration of Offenders) Western Cape as a means of achieving service excellence. he research was of an exploratory formative type and largely used the qualitative research methodology and the quantitative methodology to a lesser degree to obtain the data. The qualitative method was used to ensure relationship building with research subjects by way of documentary studies, semi-structured interviews and a focus group. The quantitative methodology included the use of a questionnaire to complement the data gathered via a questionnaire . By analysing the data gathered through the different methodologies used, the researcher identified recurring themes of service excellence, motivation and the functions of managers which was supported by the literature reviewed. The study was focussed within a framework of service excellence with a focus on the functions of project managers as a means of achieving excellence . From data gathered it was evident that project managers skills were on different levels and that they identified the need for a training and development framework to be introduced. The researcher is of the opinion that the methodology used assisted the researcher to accomplish the research objective which was the exploration of a framework for the development and training of project managers within NICRO Western Cape. The researcher suggests that this study served to enhance the level of service provision through the project managers by way of proposed ways whereby they might build on their existing skills.
The social dimensions of making music together towards social inclusion
(Universty of the Western Cape, 2024) Weber, Henriette Winifred; Van der Westhuizen, Marichen
The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of how transdisciplinary work between the arts and social work could lead to practices that support social inclusion. Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, the study also explored how the theoretical framework of the social dimensions of making music together could be facilitated in an online environment. A qualitative research approach was employed, supported by exploratory and descriptive research designs. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to identify undergraduate student social workers who voluntarily participated in an online video production project. Eighteen students from the University of the Western Cape (South Africa) and the Protestant University of Applied Sciences (Germany) participated in the project. The project was facilitated by the transdisciplinary work of the researcher, a social work educator, and a music educator. Data were collected prior to and after the completion of the project through written individual reflections and focus group discussions, which were then analysed thematically. The criteria of credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability assisted the researcher in ensuring the trustworthiness of this study’s findings. Ethical considerations adhered to included voluntary participation through informed consent, as well as careful attention to privacy, confidentiality, and anonymity, along with the management of data.
Factors in the normative culture and context of previous ‘model-c’ schools that leads to the bullying of learners, within a selected Western Cape region
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Swart, Clara-Mari; Mandlana, Asandile Arthur
The prevalence of bullying or victimisation of learners in South African schools increased during the past years. The normative culture and school context contribute to the increase in bullying. South Africa, like international trends, experiences significant challenges with school safety and bullying. These challenges undermine the school environment that is not enabling and supportive of the academic and personal development of victims of bullying. The research aim was to understand the factors in the normative culture and context of previous ‘Model-C’ schools, which leads to bullying of learners This study used a qualitative research approach with exploratory and descriptive research designs. The research population included grade six and seven boys and girls. The researcher used purposive sampling and selected four boys and six girls from Grades six and seven as well as five educators for the study. Data collection encompassed semi-structured interviews. The research complied with all the ethical guidelines of the research and included the assurance of anonymity, and the participants had the right to participate and/or withdraw from the study at any stage. The researcher used thematic analysis to understand the factors in normative culture and context of previous ‘Model-C ‘schools that lead to the bullying of learners.
An exploration of the challenges experienced by social work supervisors when rendering social work supervision in the department of social development in the Cape Metropole during the covid-19 pandemic
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Balie, Monique; Davids, Ronel
The World Health Organization affirms that COVID-19 is an infectious respiratory disease that originated in China in 2019. COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic and, on the 27 March 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa, implemented a national lockdown in South Africa after the first COVID-19 case on 05 March 2020. Social workers were among the first frontline workers globally and locally who rendered services during COVID-19. Social work supervision was crucial to support social workers during the rendering of these services. Social work supervisors however experienced challenges in rendering such support during a pandemic. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the challenges experienced by social work supervisors when rendering supervision to frontline social workers amidst COVID-19 within the Department of Social Development in the Cape Metropole. The researcher selected a qualitative research approach as it focused on the experiences from the perspective of those who were affected by the phenomenon. The researcher selected exploratory and descriptive research designs to explore and describe a relatively new phenomenon. The researcher used purposive sampling and selected participants according to specific inclusion criteria. Data collection comprised of ten interviews which provided rich data and continued until data saturation.
An exploration of social workers’ knowledge, attitudes, and skills in service delivery with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) clients in the Cape Metropole
(Universty of the Western Cape, 2024) Fourie, Johan Arnold; Hendricks, Anja Human
Social workers are compelled to recognise and respect diversity when they practise in the multicultural South African context. Research, globally, on the knowledge, attitudes, and skills applied by social workers during their practice with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) populations however found the contrary. The aim of this qualitative research study was to understand the knowledge, attitudes, and skills of social workers rendering services to LGBT clients at the Department of Social Development (DSD) in the Cape Metropole. The first objective of the study was to explore and describe the knowledge, attitudes, and skills of social workers during their service delivery to LGBT clients. Another objective was to explore and describe strategies to empower social workers with the required knowledge, attitudes, and skills to provide competent social work practice with LGBT clients. The study was based on Tronto’s (1993) ethics of care as theoretical framework. Ethical approval was obtained from the HSSREC at UWC and the REC of the DSD in the Western Cape Province to conduct the research.
Towards professional identity: The development of the self among student social workers through storytelling
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) van Heerden, Marika; Van der Westhuizen, Marichen
This study responded to an identified need to explore ways to include personal experiences in learning and teaching activities to support the development of the self and professional identity formation. The research questions of how student social workers can be empowered to develop the self and the professional identity through storytelling, as well as how the Appreciative Inquiry model can be used as a framework for storytelling in learning and teaching activities guided the study. The aim was to explore and describe 1) how storytelling can empower students to develop and integrate the self and the professional identity, and 2) how the Appreciative Inquiry model can be used as a framework for storytelling in learning and teaching activities.
Towards professional identity: The development of the self among student social workers through storytelling
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) van Heerden, Marika; Van der Westhuizen, Marichen
This study responded to an identified need to explore ways to include personal experiences in learning and teaching activities to support the development of the self and professional identity formation. The research questions of how student social workers can be empowered to develop the self and the professional identity through storytelling, as well as how the Appreciative Inquiry model can be used as a framework for storytelling in learning and teaching activities guided the study. The aim was to explore and describe 1) how storytelling can empower students to develop and integrate the self and the professional identity, and 2) how the Appreciative Inquiry model can be used as a framework for storytelling in learning and teaching activities.
Social workers’ experiences regarding the use of the transtheoretical model of change in involuntary treatment of a substance use disorder
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Cupido, Jonathan; Van Der Westhuizen, Marichen
Substance use and abuse is a global problem that impact the person, the family, community, and society at large. Continuous abuse of substances may result in substance use disorders (SUDs). Changes to the brain, withdrawal symptoms, cravings, as well as repeated unsuccessful attempts to cease the use of substances, contribute to persons with a SUD being unmotivated and resistant to entering treatment. The Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of Change has been identified as framework that could assist social workers to support the development of internal motivation, and thereby voluntary participation in treatment options. However, it is not known how social workers utilise this framework, what their experiences with the use of the TTM are, and what challenges they experience within the South African context. Thus, this study aimed to explore and describe the experiences of social workers regarding the use of the TTM of Change in involuntary treatment of a SUD in the Western Cape.
Social workers’ experiences regarding the use of the transtheoretical model of change in involuntary treatment of a substance use disorder
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Cupido, Jonathan; Van Der Westhuizen, Marichen
Substance use and abuse is a global problem that impact the person, the family, community, and society at large. Continuous abuse of substances may result in substance use disorders (SUDs). Changes to the brain, withdrawal symptoms, cravings, as well as repeated unsuccessful attempts to cease the use of substances, contribute to persons with a SUD being unmotivated and resistant to entering treatment. The Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of Change has been identified as framework that could assist social workers to support the development of internal motivation, and thereby voluntary participation in treatment options. However, it is not known how social workers utilise this framework, what their experiences with the use of the TTM are, and what challenges they experience within the South African context. Thus, this study aimed to explore and describe the experiences of social workers regarding the use of the TTM of Change in involuntary treatment of a SUD in the Western Cape.
The experiences of residents at a homeless shelter
(University of Western Cape, 2010) Mango, Vongai; De Jager, MS
Background: Homelessness is a worldwide problem that has affected so many people. In the developed countries, there has been lots of research done to understand what it is and how this problem can be eradicated. In the developing countries, there are few studies that have been done and most people do not really understand what homelessness is and what impact it has on the individual and the society in whole. The researcher identified a lack of research on the homeless and understanding the experiences of these individuals.
The experiences of residents at a homeless shelter
(University of Western Cape, 2010) Mango, Vongai; De Jager, MS
Background: Homelessness is a worldwide problem that has affected so many people. In the developed countries, there has been lots of research done to understand what it is and how this problem can be eradicated. In the developing countries, there are few studies that have been done and most people do not really understand what homelessness is and what impact it has on the individual and the society in whole. The researcher identified a lack of research on the homeless and understanding the experiences of these individuals.
The experiences of residents at a homeless shelter
(University of the Western Cape, 2010) Mango, Vongai; De Jager, MS
Homelessness is a worldwide problem that has affected so many people. In the developed countries, there has been lots of research done to understand what it is and how this problem can be eradicated. In the developing countries, there are few studies that have been done and most people do not really understand what homelessness is and what impact it has on the individual and the society in whole. The researcher identified a lack of research on the homeless and understanding the experiences of these individuals.
The experiences of residents at a homeless shelter
(University of the Western Cape, 2010) Mango, Vongai; De Jager, MS
Homelessness is a worldwide problem that has affected so many people. In the developed countries, there has been lots of research done to understand what it is and how this problem can be eradicated. In the developing countries, there are few studies that have been done and most people do not really understand what homelessness is and what impact it has on the individual and the society in whole. The researcher identified a lack of research on the homeless and understanding the experiences of these individuals.

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