Department of Social Work and Criminology, University of Pretoria

04/06/2026

Gabriella Wysoke, a recent Master of Social Work graduate in the department , has been featured in a University of Pretoria news article highlighting her research on the psychosocial impact of loadshedding on older persons in residential care in South Africa.

Conducted under the supervision of Prof Geyer, Gabriella's study sheds light on the often-overlooked challenges that power interruptions pose for older people, including increased stress, anxiety, loneliness, and disruptions to daily life, while also highlighting their resilience.

Read the full article here: https://www.up.ac.za/news/social-work-graduate-sheds-light-hidden-impact-of-loadshedding-older-persons

UP social work graduate sheds light on hidden impact of loadshedding on older persons Posted on June 01, 2026 For Gabriella Beth Wysoke, pursuing a Master of Social Work at the University of Pretoria (UP) through the Faculty of Humanities, as rooted in a simple but powerful belief: that everyone des...

03/06/2026

Please join us in congratulating Prof Bila, our HoD, on receiving recognition for a "Superlative Presentation" at the World Conference on Women's Studies 2026 in Thailand!

Congratulations, Prof Bila, on this well-deserved honour! 👏

02/06/2026

30/05/2026

29/05/2026

29/05/2026

We congratulate Prof Geyer on the outstanding achievement of presenting four postgraduate graduates at the University of Pretoria’s Autumn Graduation Ceremony today. Your dedication to academic excellence, research, and mentorship continues to shape the future of social work in South Africa.

Warm congratulations to:

🎓 Gaby Wysoke (MSW, cm laude)
“The psychosocial impact of loadshedding on South African older persons in Gauteng-based residential facilities: Implications for gerontological social work services.”

🎓 Dr Leanne Jordaan (PhD), our colleague in the Department of Social Work and Criminology
“The development of a continuing professional development framework for newly qualified social workers in South Africa.”

🎓 Example Valoyi (MSW)
“The knowledge and perceptions of social workers concerning harmful substance use and harm reduction: Implications for continuing professional development.”

🎓 Dr Mimi Zwane (PhD)
“The retrospective experiences of persons with substance use disorders and the members of an interdisciplinary team regarding the provision of treatment services during a biological disaster in the Gauteng Province, South Africa.”

These scholarly contributions are significant and inspiring. We wish Prof Geyer and all the graduates continued success as they contribute to the advancement of social work knowledge and practice.

29/05/2026

We are proud to see our HoD, Prof Bila, fostering meaningful academic partnerships and representing the University at the World Conference on Women’s Studies (WCWS) 2026, organised by The International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIKM), one of our valued partners within the department and faculty.

Thus far, Prof Bila has delivered a presentation, participated in bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening collaborative engagement, and managed an exhibition stall on behalf of the University. These activities underscore our shared commitment to strengthening international partnerships, promoting knowledge exchange, and advancing research in Social Work and Criminology.

15/05/2026

If you are a registered social worker currently practising in addictions, mental health, statutory services, or community development, your participation is invited in a study through University of Pretoria on Problematic Internet Use (PIU).

Please check the post below for more information and complete the survey using this link: Survey link: https://pretoria.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8IzoIpaT7fMx4d8 .

Your input will contribute to strengthening social work practice and professional development.

Thank you for your support, and please feel free to share with colleagues and networks.