OpenUCT :: Browsing by Author "Gxubane, Thulane"

Browsing by Author "Gxubane, Thulane"

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Open Access
Agents of restorative justice? Probation officers in the child justice system
(Institute For Security Studies, 2008-09) Gxubane, Thulane
Probation officers, like generic social workers, have been and continue to be implementers rather than generators of social policies. Yet, probation officers have an important role to play in transforming the child justice system as they are central to the administration of child justice. This article argues that the Child Justice Bill (B49 of 2002) needs to be aligned with other pieces of legislation and policies that reflect a developmental approach and response to crime. The developmental approach will not only maximise the opportunities for meaningful interventions that could translate into prevention of crime and recidivism among young offenders, but will also have long-term benefits for the young offenders, their victims and society in general.
Open Access
An exploratory study on the factors that contributed significantly to the criminal behaviour of the first-time youth offenders enrolled in a life skills residential diversion programmes at Walter Sisulu Child and Youth Care Centre in Gauteng
(2020) Gule, Thembelihle Goodchild; Gxubane, Thulane
The overall aim of the study was to explore factors that could be associated with criminal behaviour of youth offenders diverted in the life skills residential diversion programmes at Walter Sisulu Child and Youth Care Centre, so as to contribute towards a better understanding of their profile. Therefore the study explored the participants' family backgrounds, the circumstances surrounding the committal of their offences and their responses to the offences they were diverted for in the life skills diversion programmes. An exploratory-descriptive type of a qualitative design was adopted in this study. A semistructured interview schedule was used as the research instrument for conducting in-depth face-to-face interviews with the participants. The study had one set of target population; who were 18 youth offenders (both male and female) between the ages 14-17 attending life skills residential diversion programmes at Walter Sisulu Child and Youth Care Centre. The profile of the participants seem to indicate that most of them had absent fathers and therefore lacked male figures who could act as role models. The study found that biological fathers of most participants were either deceased, whereabouts unknown, not involved in their financial maintenance or those who had stepfathers, had a bad relationship with them. The findings indicated that the participants' mothers were unavailable and therefore most participants were taken care of by their grandmothers. However, it seems most grandmothers often failed to supervise their grandchildren properly and as such it created an opportunity for the participants to be mischievous with no consequences for their behaviour. It was also found that violence in the family also contributed significantly to the aggressive criminal offences of some of the participants. Lastly, the study showed that the influence of drugs and negative peer pressure also played a significant role in the participants' involvement in criminal behaviour.
Open Access
An Exploratory study on the perceptions of former divertees on the factors that contributed to their non-compliance with diversion orders in the Central Karoo (Western Cape, South Africa)
(2021) Weëls, Sanna; Gxubane, Thulane
Non-compliance with court diversion orders by child divertees remain a challenge within the child justice system in South Africa. The overall aim of the study was to explore the perceptions of former divertees regarding the factors that contributed to their non-compliance with diversion orders. Qualitative research approach and a purposive sampling technique were adopted. Non-probability sampling was utilised to draw purposive sampling. Semi-structured one-to-one interviews were used as the method of data collection. There were 15 male participants between the ages of 15 and 21 years who represented the dominant gender type diverted in the rural courts of the Central Karoo. The study showed children diverted had a basic understanding of what diversion entails and the consequences for failing to comply with the diversion court orders. However, economic challenges in households played a significant role in non-compliance with diversion orders as some divertees chose temporary job opportunities over diversion programme attendance. Furthermore, the study revealed that diversion programmes do not offer food, and this affected their concentration level and hindered full participation to benefit from diversion opportunities. Another factor that contributes to non-compliance with diversion orders is a non-supportive child justice system. Courts showed inconsistency in the management of diversion, as some courts do act on noncompliance with diversion orders whilst others do not. Lack of proper support and monitoring by both probation officers and parents put divertees at risk of non-compliance with diversion orders. However, some divertees defied their diversion orders by not attending programmes. Association with older friends and smoking dagga for a greater part of their day put further risk on successful completion of diversion programmes. To encourage full diversion programme attendance, it is recommended that diversion service providers provide food for the divertees before the start of each session. Effective monitoring and follow-up of diversion programmes by probation officers are important to ensure compliance. Furthermore, to achieve long-term behavioural change and minimise the chances that divertees abandon diversion, it is recommended that diversion sessions include different facilitation methods such as physical activities to keep the divertees interest in attending.
Open Access
A developmental approach to dealing with young offenders: An imperative for probation practice and policy framework
(Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk, 2010) Gxubane, Thulane
The Child Justice Act provides a legislative context for probation practice. Probation officers as one of the key role players in the administration of child justice have an important responsibility in the development of this Act, since it will determine the nature and parameters of their role. The Child Justice Act needs to be aligned with other pieces of legislation that reflect a developmental approach in response to crime. A conscious reflection on this approach will help to remind probation officers and other justice officials about the overarching goals of the child justice system, namely, the prevention of crime and recidivism and to guide them towards suitable responses.
Open Access
A developmental social work approach to crime prevention through restorative justice
(Juta & Company Ltd, 2012) Gxubane, Thulane
This chapter focuses on restorative justice as a developmental social work approach to crime prevention. The South African policy and legislative framework for a developmental approach to crime prevention is outlined. The conceptual framework, values and principles underlying restorative justice are explored and the advantages and possible benefits of restorative justice are outlined. The chapter will also look at some of the critical issues that restorative justice practitioners need to be mindful of when applying restorative justice. Guidelines to help give effect to restorative justice are offered to social workers in the criminal justice system.
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A Developmental Social Work Practice Framework for Promoting Healthy Human Relationships for and Amongst Youth in South Africa
(Springer, 2021-01-02) Gxubane, Thulane; Noyoo, Ndangwa
Young people are exposed to various sources of vulnerabilities due to their stage of human development and their socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. They are often confronted with enormous social and peer pressures, as well as challenges of having to live up to the expectations of their families, community and society in general. These pressures and expectations usually result in intrapersonal and interpersonal conflicts. The former usually leads to intense anger, anxiety and sometimes depression which manifest in unhealthy relationships with the self. The latter usually contributes to destructive human relationships and interpersonal violence. Dysfunctional human relationships have a major negative impact on young people’s social functioning. Healthy human relationships are essential in establishing good social support systems, which could enhance young people’s sense of belonging and social functioning. A developmental practice paradigm requires social workers to promote the prevention of destructive human relationships, and to intervene as early as possible in ameliorating emerging troublesome human relationships. This chapter focuses on a developmental social work practice framework for promoting healthy human relationships for and amongst youth in South Africa. It proposes a developmental and restorative practice framework, which could promote resilience and healthy human relationships for and among youth.
Open Access
An exploration of male youth's perceived impact of their involvement in youth gang violence on their educational attainment in Khayelithsa Site B
(2014) Mguzulwa, Sisanda; Gxubane, Thulane
The overall aim of the study was to explore male youths' perceived impact of their involvement in youth gang violence (YGV) on their educational attainment. A qualitative research design was adapted in this study. A non-probability purposive snowball sampling was adopted in the research. The study used a semi-structured interview schedule as a research tool in conducting in-depth interviews with the respondents. The research respondents were young males between 14 and 20 years, some of whom were high school drop-outs, while some were learners in high school and some had recently completed Grade 12. The findings showed that most of the research participants were negatively impacted by their involvement in YGV. The findings showed that YGV affected their attendance and performance at school. The study further showed that some of the research participants in the study repeated some grades at school and some dropped out of school because of the influence of YGV. The study also showed that the respondents were keen to further their studies regardless of their involvement in YGV. The respondents recognised the importance of education in their lives in order to fulfil their future goals. The study further indicated that the respondents had no intentions of continuing with YGV, because they wanted to focus on their schooling. They also suggested that young people should not join YGV, because it would destroy their lives, for example by having criminal records, being delayed in their education attainment, and dying very young.
Open Access
An exploratory study on the perceptions of Zimbabwean women activists regarding the Domestic Violence Act (2007)
(2014) Lipeleke, Freddy; Gxubane, Thulane
The overall aim of the study was to explore the perceptions of Zimbabwe women activists regarding the Domestic Violence Act (2007) in that country. The study surveyed fourteen women activists in Zimbabwe to determine their perceptions on the strengths and weaknesses of the Act, the challenges of implementing the Act, and lastly, their recommendations with regard to the amendments, if any, that they would want to see made to the Act. The respondents comprised women who worked for organisations that advocated and lobbied for the rights of women in Zimbabwe. The research design was qualitative, and a purposive sampling technique was employed to recruit the respondents. In-depth face-to-face interviews were used to gather data for the study. Most of the respondents who were interviewed were lawyers, although there were also a significant number of social workers and a teacher. The study established that the Act had both strengths and weaknesses. The most significant strengths of the Act was the criminalisation of domestic violence in Zimbabwe. This therefore meant that the problem of domestic violence was now receiving much needed attention from the state and its law enforcement agents. Another strength of the Act was the fact that the definition of domestic violence was expanded to include other cultural practices that violate the rights of women. These included such practices as forced virginity tests and forced marriages, as well as the pledging of the girl child as a form of payment, practices which hitherto were not classified as criminal offences.
Open Access
Exploring family, developmental and environmental factors in the narratives of awaiting trial youth
(2007) Leppan, Kerry Jane; Gxubane, Thulane
This research report was an undertaking to gain insight into the influence of family dynamics, developmental experiences and environmental precipitatory factors on the potential link between early school drop-out and youth awaiting trial in the Western Cape secure care centres. The objectives of the study were threefold: to explore the different family dynamics that may contribute to early school-leaving and youth awaiting trial; to explore the different early developmental experiences that may contribute to an early school-Ieaver and youth awaiting trial; to investigate what environmental precipitatory factors may contribute to early school-leaving and youth awaiting trial.
Open Access
An insight into recidivism among male trial awaiting youth offenders and the implications for practice
(Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk, 2006-10) Gxubane, Thulane
This article outlines and describes major variables associated with recidivism and rehabilitation of male trial awaiting youth offenders. It is based on a study2 that was undertaken by the author to investigate the problem specifically from the perspective of trial awaiting juvenile recidivists. Findings in the study revealed that financial gain, drug addiction and peer pressure were the major driving forces and motivating factors that influenced the respondents to become repeatedly involved in criminal behaviour. Lack of a stable source of income, denial of re-admission at school, rejection by family and friends and lack of stable home and accommodation were some of the major factors that made re-integration into the community difficult for the respondents during the period after their previous release. Re-integration and after-care services were identified as an area that is grossly neglected in the field of probation and in social work services generally. In view of the key findings of the study, recommendations are outlined with regard to proposed strategies for management and control of recidivism among male trial awaiting youth offenders.
Open Access
An investigation into the specialized skills and knowledge required for Forensic Social Work practice in South Africa
(2014) Mangezi, Martin Simbarashe; Gxubane, Thulane
In era of prevalent crime and social problems in South Africa, the National Department of Social Development; the South African Council of Social Service Professions and tertiary institutions are rethinking strategies to respond to these issues. A central strategy behind this is the development of forensic social work practice as a specialist service in order to assist the criminal justice system to deal effectively with offenders and protect victims. The aim of this study was to investigate the specialized skills and knowledge required for forensic social work practice in South Africa. Literature acknowledges that forensic social work is still a developing field of practice in South Africa hence forensic social work practitioners require effective training to competently practice forensic social work. The research design adopted by the study is a combination research design comprising of both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The research empirical data was obtained through the use of questionnaires from a survey conducted in Gauteng Province, South Africa at a forensic social work training workshop in 2013. The study indicated that forensic social work practitioners are familiar with some of the specialized skills such as language used in court, writing skills, communication and engagement skills and professionalism. The study also indicated that forensic social work practitioners are also familiar with some of the knowledge such as the definition of forensic social work, legal aspects, criminal justice system, courtroom procedures and knowledge required to act as an expert witness in court for forensic social work practice. However, despite this, forensic social work practitioners had inadequate training in the specialized skills and knowledge required to competently practice forensic social work in South Africa. In addition, the study showed that there are many challenges faced by forensic social work practitioners. Challenges include lack of resources, undermining of forensic social work practitioners by other professionals, adoption of international standards, registration, role specification and lack of collaboration with other professionals. The author recommended that forensic social work practitioners in South Africa require further training in legislation, policies and the specialized skills and knowledge relevant for forensic social work practice and finding solutions to overcome the challenges faced. Further research should be conducted in other provinces in South Africa for forensic social work.
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Multi-disciplinary practice guidelines for the management of youth sex offenders through residential diversion within a restorative justice approach in South Africa
(Routledge Taylor &Francis group, 2015) Gxubane, Thulane
This article is based on a study which explored the use of residential diversion within a restorative justice framework in the management of youth sex offenders in South Africa. The research design of the study combined qualitative and quantitative approaches with a predominantly qualitative thrust in the gathering, analysis and presentation of data. A non-probability purposive sampling method was adopted with three sets of samples, namely, youth ex-sex offenders, their significant others, and key informants from various professions who were involved in the management of youth ex-sex offenders and/or their victims in a variety of settings. The article highlights a number of potential benefits and challenges that could be anticipated in the application of restorative justice within a residential option of diversion. Practice guidelines are offered which will hopefully help to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the different professionals, paraprofessionals and the community in promoting good practice in the study focus area.
Open Access
The perceptions and experiences of male offenders regarding social and rehabilitation services at Chikurumbi Farm Prison in Zimbabwe
(2014) Kusada, Jayna Rudo; Gxubane, Thulane
There is very little that has been written on the rehabilitation programmes offered to offenders in African prisons. The main focus of this study was to explore the perceptions of sentenced male offenders on the social services and rehabilitation programmes offered at Chikurubi Farm Prison in Zimbabwe. An exploratory qualitative approach was used in this study. The purposive sample consisted of twenty adult male offenders who had been incarcerated for at least two years at Chikurubi Farm Prison in Zimbabwe. Face -to- face interviews with a semi structured interview scheduled were used to gather data for the study. The study found that there were various rehabilitation programmes offered at the prison namely; agricultural, educational, vocational, recreational, life skills, spiritual and psychosocial therapeutic programmes. The study found that the main programmes that majority of the respondents were involved in were agricultural and vocational in nature. The study also found that the prison rendered medical attention to sick inmates, allowed the inmates to maintain contact with the outside world through letters, visitation every month and telephone calls. Furthermore, the results show that the inmates felt that the social services rendered to them were generally good, had a good impact on them even though some of the inmates felt that they needed improvement. The results also show that the most of the inmates felt that the rehabilitation programmes that they underwent were good and helpful, prepared them for release and provided them with knowledge and skills. Very few expressed their dissatisfaction. It is clear from the study that there are areas in which the Zimbabwe Prison Service (ZPS) can improve on the social services and rehabilitation programmes that they offer at the prison. The main recommendations were that the ZPS offer more psychosocial therapeutic programmes and recreational programmes; volunteer tutors and student social workers and psychologists do their field placements at the prison; the inmates be provided with warm clothes and bedding and that telephone be installed at the rehabilitation office.
Open Access
Prospects of family group conferencing with youth sex offenders and their victims in South Africa
(Nova Publishers, 2016) Gxubane, Thulane
This chapter explores family group conferencing with youth sex offenders within a residential diversion framework, and draws on the findings of a broader study which the author conducted in this area of restorative justice practice in South Africa. The chapter starts by looking at the literature on family group conferencing from the international to the South African context. In exploring the prospects of family group conferencing with youth sex offenders, the author focuses on some of the major concerns which have been raised in the literature regarding the applicability of this approach to dealing with youth sex offenders, namely: the perceptions that family group conferences are a soft option for dealing with youth sex offenders; family group conferences are inappropriate where the victim is too young and unable or unwilling to participate in the conference, and that coercion when ensuring victims’ participation in the family group conferences is antithetical to restorative justice. The chapter also focuses on closure and reconciliation between the youth sex offenders and their victims as one of the most important long-term goals of family group conferencing. The achievement of the long-term goals of family group conferencing will require a paradigm shift from interventions that only focus on the treatment of the "offender" to those which prioritise the restoration of relationships which have been harmed by an offence through the facilitation of dialogue between parties in conflict. The author believes that such a philosophical shift in practice framework not only will it have long-term benefits to the parties in conflict but will also help to promote healthy families and communities in general.
Open Access
Restorative justice with youth sex offenders: Issues for practice
(The Social Work Practitioner-Researcher Die Maatskaplikewerk Navorser-Praktisyn, 2014-07) Gxubane, Thulane
The South African child justice system has adopted the philosophy of restorative justice in the management of child and youth offenders in general as reflected in the preamble of the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008. Whilst restorative justice has been easily applied to less serious youth crimes generally, there seems to be some reservations regarding its appropriateness to dealing with youth sex offenders. This article looks at restorative justice approach within the context of diversion and seeks to highlight practice issues that need to be considered with regard to the application of the aforementioned approach in dealing with youth sex offenders. The article draws from the findings of a PhD study that the author conducted which explored this area of social work practice.

Browsing by Author "Gxubane, Thulane"

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