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Item Embargo Caregiver Challenges in Caring for Children Living with Intellectual Challenges: a Case of Three Centres in Thulamela Local Municipality(2025-09-05) Mugovhoro, Talifhani; Baloyi, T. V.Intellectual disability poses a significant challenge on a global scale. This study aims to explore the challenges faced by caregivers of children with intellectual disabilities in daycare centres in Thulamela Local Municipality. The study adopted the qualitative approach, utilising an exploratory research design to achieve its objectives. Non-probability sampling, specifically the purposive sampling method, was employed to select participants based on specific criteria. A total of six caregivers from three identified daycare centres participated in the study. Data was gathered through face-to-face semi-structured interviews and analysed thematically. The ecosystem theory served as a framework for understanding the interactions between individuals and their environments. The findings revealed that caregivers encounter numerous challenges while providing care to children with intellectual disabilities. Key challenges identified included health issues, low income and a lack of formal training. The study highlights the urgent need for comprehensive support systems to assist caregivers in managing their responsibilities effectively.Item Embargo Evaluating The Utilization of Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Services at the University of Venda(2025-09-05) Mohla, Portia; Budeli, N. J.Employee assistance program services is one of the most intriguing developments in the practise of social work, which is aimed at addressing issues that employees face in the workplace. Employers no longer advocate for leaving personal difficulties at home; instead, they now offer services that deal with problems that can impede job performance and satisfaction. This study focused on evaluating the utilization of employee assistance program services by employees of the University of Venda. The success of an employee assistance programme is greatly influenced by the evaluation of such interventions. Continuous review is required to make sure that the EAP is pertinent to the demands of the targeted demographic. The findings of such an evaluation will include suggestions for what needs to be changed or modified. The study was conducted at the university of Venda, South Africa. A mixed methodological approach was employed for the study. The population in the study were employees at the University of Venda. A sample of 30 participants were selected from the following categories, academics’, administration, maintenance, and support. Both quantitative and qualitative data was collected, the quantitative data was collected using questionnaires and the qualitative data was collected using a face-to-face individual interviews. Following data collection, thematic content analysis was used to analyse the qualitative and the quantitative data was presented in graphs and tables. The study revealed that employees at the university of Venda are utilizing the services of the EAP, however the EAP is not fully utilized as employees mostly use the employee wellness days benefit compared to other services. v ContentsItem Open Access The exploratory study of psychological experiences of female victims of gender-based violence in Sekhukhune District Municipality(2024-09-06) Murei, Takalani Patricia; Mabasa, M. A.; Mogorosi, L. D.; Budeli, N.Gender based violence in South Africa, (especially on women and young women), is increasing. There is significant increase in those women who are in relationship. However, such relations have strong correlation to the high rates of murder, rape and assault with intend to do grievous body harm, resulting in a high prevalence of women exposed to gender based violence. Social workers are mandated to provide psycho- social support to the victims of gender-based violence and their families. Alternatively, the Victim Empowerment programs Centers (VEP) implements support to victims and survivors of crimes including gender-based violence, as well as their families to deal with the impact of the incident which he/she has experience. VEP also assist victims with management of trauma and ensuring that victims are educated to identify the symptoms of post-traumatic stress as common practice in South Africa, is not without challenges. One significant challenge is the role of support systems within the community. The aim of the study was to explore the psychosocial experiences amongst women exposed to gender-based violence in rural areas of Sekhukhune District. Qualitative approach using an exploratory research design was employed. The population of the study was women who experienced gender-based violence living in rural areas of Sekhukhune District municipality who were attending Victim empowerment services at the Non- Governmental Organization.Convenience sampling was used to select ten (10) women who experienced gender-based violence. Semi-structured interviews, in-depth individual face to face interviews were used to better understand the psychosocial experiences of gender-based violence as well as the role played by the support system within the community which was analysed using thematic analysis.Item Open Access The Effects of the Foster-care Backlog on Prospective Beneficiaries in Thulamela Municipality, Vhembe District: Limpopo Province(2024-09-06) Mafela, Livhuwani; Lekganyane, G. M.; Nemutandani, V. N.The goal of foster care is to ensure that children are provided with the necessary care and protection they are entitled to as children which is intended to allow them to , grow and develop in a safe and healthy environment. However, there is a backlog of applications presenting a severe challenge to the Department of Social Development, thus, negatively impacting the lives of its intended beneficiaries. The aim of the study was to explore the effects of the foster-care backlog on prospective beneficiaries in the Thulamela Municipality, Vhembe District of the Limpopo Province. A qualitative research approach was employed to achieve the above aim and to understand the participants’ perceptions. The objectives of the study were to explore the contributory factors for the non-placement of prospective beneficiaries on the foster-care grant system; to describe the views of prospectivebeneficiaries on foster-care applications’ backlog; to describe the effects of foster-care applications’ backlog on prospective beneficiaries; to recommend solutions that could address the foster-care backlog. The study employed an exploratory qualitative research design to understand the phenomenon under study. Data was collected through semi structured and unstructured interviews. Non-probability sampling was utilized as a sampling procedure in the study. Data was analyzed thematically guided by Creswell (2017). The study employed the systems theory as the theoretical framework, based on that it is preceded on the fact that individuals and families do not exist in isolation but within broader societal relationships; if one part of the system is interrupted; it affects the whole system. If children are not taken care of, it destabilizes society’s fabric, which might exacerbate social ills. The findings as per the participants responses highlighted that there is a lack of supervision on the other end leading to a backlog of unattended cases, It is evident that the social workers are not visible in supervision. Their difficulties to manage the foster care cases seems to be associated with a lack of resources, high caseload, and quality versus quantity in social services. The participants maintained that they relied largely on their other grants such as old age grant to make a living.Item Open Access Assessment of social work services towards addressing barriers to learning in public schools in Sibasa Circuit, Vhembe District(2023-10-05) Sikhitha, Tsireledzo; Mabasa, M. A.; Mamaleka, M. M.This study assessed social work services in addressing barriers to learning in public schools in Sibasa Circuit in Vhembe District. The study was conducted in two public secondary schools, with a focus on Grade 11 and 12 learners of the said circuit. The study was qualitative in nature and used an exploratory research design. The purposive sampling method was used to draw a sample from learners, educators, and social workers. Semi-structured individual interviews and focus groups were used to collect data, which was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that learners encountered the following barriers to learning: teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, bullying, peer pressure and poverty. It was found that those barriers to learning disturb learners as they cannot focus on school activities. The findings also revealed that social workers should offer social work services such as casework and group work to provide psychosocial counselling, and educational support in addressing barriers to learning. The researcher recommends that the Department of Basic Education appoint school social workers permanently to prevent and address barriers to learning experienced by learners.