Department of Social Work and Criminology, University of Pretoria

During May 2026, Prof Christiaan Bezuidenhout attended the International Symposium for Volunteering and Complementary Policing 2026 in Budapest, Hungary, from 18–21 May 2026.

His presentation, titled “Police Reserves and Volunteers in South Africa and the African Continent”, focused on the current state of volunteer policing reservists in South Africa and across Africa. Prof Bezuidenhout presented over two days and also participated in several police excursions during the open days of the symposium. In addition, he had the opportunity to conduct ride-alongs with police officers during their official shifts, providing valuable firsthand insight into policing practices in Hungary.

One of the key observations from the symposium was that while volunteer policing is thriving in many countries around the world, volunteer policing in South Africa is struggling to survive. The symposium overall provided an excellent opportunity for Prof Bezuidenhout to network with academics, practitioners, and police officials from across the globe, fostering valuable international connections and the exchange of ideas.

🌍📚 Calling All Social Work Students!

Be part of the SWSD 2026 Social Work Students Pre-Conference and connect with fellow students, educators, and professionals who are passionate about creating a more sustainable and inclusive future.

🗓 24 June 2026
📍Daystar University, Valley Road Campus, Nairobi
⏰ 09:00 – 15:00

Under the theme "Connecting Social Work Students to a Sustainable Shared Future," this interactive pre-conference offers a unique opportunity to:
🤝 Network with peers from across the globe
💡 Gain inspiration from leaders in the professi🌍 Collaborate on solutions for tomorrow’s challenges
🌱 Explore how social work can drive sustainable development

Join us as we build connections, share ideas, and strengthen the next generation of social workers ahead of SWSD 2026 Nairobi.

Elder abuse is our silent shame, hidden in homes, communities and even online spaces built on trust. With 1 in 10 older South Africans affected, this is not a private issue but a human rights crisis. This , we must move beyond awareness and take action to protect dignity and lives.

Read the full opinion piece by Prof Geyer, which sheds light on how older persons continue to face neglect, exploitation, and various forms of abuse while society often remains silent or unaware.

https://www.up.ac.za/news/expert-opinion-our-silent-shame-why-south-africans-must-pay-heed-elder-abuse

UP EXPERT OPINION: Our silent shame – why South Africans must pay heed to elder abuse UP EXPERT OPINION: Our silent shame – why South Africans must pay heed to elder abuse Posted on June 15, 2026 By Professor Stephan Geyer of the Department of Social Work and Criminology at the University of PretoriaWith the observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on 15 June and its theme ...

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 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...

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! 👏