Browsing by Author "Mdaka, Qaqamba"
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- ItemThe potential scope of social work practice at a Higher Education Institution in South Africa: views of key informants at Stellenbosch University(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2023-12 ) Mdaka, Qaqamba; Engelbrecht, Lambert K.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Based on the global definition of social work, according to the International Federation of Social Work (IFSW) and the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW), generalist social work may be defined as a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people, with principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversities. Within the higher education space, social work is considered to be a specialised area of practice. This is because social work is part of a multidisciplinary team of specialists attached to the education system in order to address and treat problems that interfere with teaching and learning. The White Paper for Post-School Education and Training (2013) recognises services for students as a crucial endeavour in promoting their holistic development, and in providing effective aid for them to meet the demands of tertiary life. As far as this is concerned, higher education institutions have responded to the call to provide student support services. However, there is an overwhelming gap in research that comprehensively studies the scope of social work practice in higher education institutions and the scope in which social work practice could continue as a response to providing services to students. In light of this, the researcher’s study aimed to gain an understanding of the potential scope of social work practice at Stellenbosch University as a higher education institution in South Africa. This research followed a qualitative approach with a combination of an exploratory and descriptive design. Key informant sampling was combined with quota sampling to sample and recruit research participants. This led to 18 participants being interviewed for this study with the researcher utilising a semi-structured interview schedule. The interviews were conducted via Microsoft Teams to ensure health and safety precautions. The researcher utilised a thematic content analysis approach when analysing the data that was collected during the interviews. The primary recommendations deduced by the researcher from the findings are that the role of social workers at Stellenbosch University needs to be expanded. This expansion should encompass diverse student needs, including both preventative efforts in mental health support and interventions that consider the broader familial context. Additionally, there is a pressing need for the establishment of a well-defined policy framework outlining the roles and responsibilities of social workers within the university setting. Finally, advocacy for enhanced funding and resources is crucial to facilitate the integration of social work services across different university departments and initiatives.