Challenges faced by unaccompanied minor-refugees in South Africa

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Date

2016

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Stellenbosch University

Abstract

This qualitative study explored the experiences of unaccompanied minor-refugees from Zimbabwe to South Africa. Ten (10) participants, from a shelter in Limpopo Province, were selected using Purposive sampling. Five childcare workers also participated. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the minors and a focus group with the childcare workers to collect the data. Thematic analysis was applied for data analysis. The findings revealed that services by statutory social workers were limited, compared to services by social workers employed in non-governmental organisations. The results highlighted the vulnerability to exploitation and a sense of hopelessness that refugee children experience in South Africa

Description

Keywords

Unaccompanied minors, Refugees, Social services, Social workers, Asylum, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Limpopo Province

Citation

Magqibelo, L. et al. (2016). Challenges faced by unaccompanied minor-refugees in South Africa. Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk, 52(1): 73-81. http://dx.doi.org/10.15270/52-1-480