RENÈ PRETORIUS
South African national identity number: 781227 0084 081
PO Box 75421, Gardenview, 2047, South Africa
Mobile: +27 (0)72 356-1795 / Tel: +27 (0)11 616-7111 / e-mail: rene@carapinha.com
PROFILE OVERVIEW
René has an MA Social Work (welfare management), from the University of Stellenbosch Department of
Social Work (2002) and a BA (social work) also from the University of Stellenbosch (2000). Prior to joining the
Centre for Social Development as a researcher doing research in welfare transformation, community
empowerment and volunteering and civic service, René was an academic at the School of Human and
Community Development, Discipline of Social Work University of the Witwatersrand where her teaching and
research concentrated on professional values and principles, health and wellbeing, contemporary social work
practice context and social development policy, social work intervention with communities, groups and
individuals, and corporate citizenship. She also spent time working as a community worker in rural
agricultural communities in the Western Cape, South Africa and various other welfare organisations as a
social work intern delivering generic social welfare service. Currently she is also working as a consultant
researcher in the field of corporate citizenship and sustainability reporting. René has presented at both local
and international conferences on developmental partnerships and corporate social responsibility. Her
research priorities include inter-disciplinary and inter-sectoral collaboration in social development, the nature
of corporate social responsibility and its impact on development, corporate citizenship in relation to HIV/AIDS
and corporate empowerment practices such as black economic empowerment. René was the national
chairperson of the South African Occupational Social Workers Association (SAOSWA) during 2004-2006.
EDUCATION
QUALIFICATIONS
Master in Welfare Programme Management (MA (Social Work.))
University of Stellenbosch, South Africa (2000-2002)
Research focus: Guidelines for the organisational design of social development partnerships between the
corporate sector, the government and non-governmental organisations in South Africa.
Title: “Social Development Partnership between the State, non-governmental organisations and the corporate
sector”
Courses: Social Policy analysis, formulation and implementation; Research Methodology; Social Welfare and
Social Development Perspectives, Theories and Models. Programme and Project Management;
Advance Social Work Intervention Methodologies - Community Development, Group Work and
Work with Individuals; Supervision, Training and Consultation.
Conference attendance: Social Work Practice: New Directions in a Changing Scene (2001). Stellenbosch,
South Africa
Bachelor Degree in Social Work (BA (SW.)) - (four year professional degree)
University of Stellenbosch (1997 – 2000)
Fourth year research report title: “The social support system of female farm labourers on Vineyard farms”.
Courses: Social Work Theory and Practice I-IV; Sociology I-III; Psychology I-III; Development Management III, Xhosa I. Additional: Statistics I; Philosophy I
Certificate in Programme Management for Non-Governmental Organisations and Non–Profit
Organisations
University of Stellenbosch Business School (2002)
Courses: Financial Management; Costing and Responsibility Accounting; Principles of Project Management;
Microsoft Computer Applications; General Management Principles and Practices.
Other Training:
- Time management programme, Presented by Network Dynamics, held on 2nd of August 2004.
- Project Management, Presented by University of South Africa (UNISA), held on 18-20 August 2004.
- The Teaching Role, Presented by Centre for Learning, Teaching and Development University of the
Witwatersrand, held on 27- 29 January 2004
- Teaching Students with Disabilities, Presented by the Centre for Learning, Teaching and Development
University of the Witwatersrand and the Disabled Students Programme, held on 14 August 2003.
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RENÉ PRETORIUS
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Dynamic Fundraising and Professional Proposal-writing workshop, Presented by UNITECH, held
on 20 June 2003.
Basic Orientation Course in HIV/AIDS, Presented by Stellenbosch AIDS Action, 2000
Rape Crises Intervention Course, Presented by Rape Crises Stellenbosch, 2000.
Basic orientation course in HIV/AIDS
Stellenbosch AIDS Action (2000)
Courses: Medical Pathology of HIV/AIDS; Prevalence: South Africa and Globally; Preventative Intervention
Methods; Care Intervention Methods.
Senior Matric Certificate
Randburg High School (1992 – 1996)
Graduated with full exemption.
Awarded School academic colours: 1994, 1995.
Awarded School colours for swimming: 1993, 1994, and 1995.
Represented Gauteng provincial under 16 swimming relay team: 1994.
Captained the school’s second hockey team: 1994.
WORK EXPERIENCE
EMPLOYMENT RECORD
Current Position: Researcher
Employer: Centre for Social Development in Africa, University of Johannesburg
Duration: April 2006 – current
Key performance areas include:
- Research project development
- Research (basic and applied)
- Centre publicity
- Fundraising
- Capacity building
- Teaching
Research project areas:
- The organisation of Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment and its implications for community
empowerment In South Africa
- Civic service and volunteering in southern Africa: South Africa, Botswana, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia
- Corporate sustainability through corporate responsibility
- Transformation of the South African Welfare Sector in South Africa
Position: Lecturer Social Work
Employer: University of the Witwatersrand, School of Human and Community Development
Duration: April 2002 – April 2006
Key performance areas include:
- Coordinating field practice education placements of final year students’ (honours level), second year and
first year level within various public and private agencies
- Supervision, monitoring and assessment of professional field practice training in preventive, promotive,
rehabilitative, and curative intervention work with individuals, families, groups, communities and
organizations - in various fields of service inter alia HIV and AIDS; child protection; child and family welfare;
youth; disability; the elderly; health; education; the workplace and community development.
- Design and teaching undergraduate courses in social work in the fields - of Health and Well-being;
Contemporary Human Service Contexts; Professional Values and Ethics for human service professionals;
People-In-Environment Systems; Clinical Intervention with Individuals and families, Facilitating change in
individuals and groups; Organisational design, development and change; Introduction to Social Work
- Teaching and training at post-graduate level in Corporate Citizenship, Corporate Social Investment and
Responsibility, and Empowerment.
- Supervision of fourth year research projects in the fields of child sexual abuse, programme evaluation of
youth empowerment programmes, unemployment, and child and youth care work.
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RENÉ PRETORIUS
Position: Intern Social Worker
Organisation: Devonvally Farming Association, Stellenbosch
Duration: January 2000 – December 2001
- Managing rural community development projects focussing on woman on farms.
- Facilitating stakeholder participation (including donors) and fund raising
- Developing an employee assistant programme in relation to human capital development and social
welfare services
Position: Student Social Worker
Organisation: Stellenbosch Child and Family Welfare
Duration: January 2000 – November 2001
- Delivering social work intervention services to individuals and families.
- Foster care services
Position: Student Social Worker
Organisation: Stellenboch / Eersterivier Child and Family Welfare
Duration: February 1999- November 1999
- Delivering social work intervention services to individuals and families.
- Facilitating community development programmes (Health and Well-being promotion and prevention
services (incl. HIV/AIDS) and empowerment services (Life Skills training).
Position: Student Social Worker
Organisation: South African National Defence Force Medical Arms, Simons Town Naval Base
Duration: December 1998 – February 1999
Assisting in the delivering of employee assistance programmes focussing on HIV/Aids prevention and
curative services; Family preservation services; Substance abuse; and Stress at the workplace through
individual, group and community intervention methods.
Position: Student Social Worker
Organisation: Tygerberg Academic Hospital – Department Oncology
Duration: July 1998 – November 1998
Delivering social work intervention services to patients diagnosed with cancer. This included trauma
counselling, support group facilitation, and referral services to relevant community services.
Position: Student Social Worker
Organisation: Pollsmoor Correctional Services
Duration: February 1998 – June 1998
Delivering social work group intervention services to prisoners regarding parole application and precommunity reintegration preparation.
RESEARCH REPORTS AND PAPERS
Pretorius, R. “Draft analysis of the five country study on civic service and volunteering in southern
Africa” Unpublished draft analysis report for Volunteer and Service Enquiry Southern Africa (VOSESA) in
association with the Centre for Social Development in Africa, University of Johannesburg and the Global
Service Institute at the Centre for Social Development, Washington University in St Louis USA. October,
2006.
Pretorius, R. & Mohamed, S. “Five Country study on civic service and volunteering in southern Africa:
South Africa country report” Unpublished research report for Volunteer and Service Enquiry Southern
Africa (VOSESA) in association with the Centre for Social Development in Africa, University of Johannesburg
and the Global Service Institute at the Centre for Social Development, Washington University in St Louis
USA. July, 2006.
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RENÉ PRETORIUS
Pretorius, R. “Tribute to Ellen Kuzwayo: Social Work and the Struggle for Justice” Unpublished
research paper, September, 2006.
Pretorius, R. “Social development partnerships between the state, the corporate sector and nongovernmental organisations” Unpublished Masters degree thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the
requirements of the degree MA (Social Work) Welfare Programme Management, University of Stellenbosch,
March 2002.
JOURNAL ARTICLES IN PROCESS
Pretorius, R. & Perold, H. Youth service as strong policy in South Africa: progress towards
institutionalization. For a joint special edition of The Journal of Social Development in Africa and Social
Work Practitioner Researcher to be published February 2007
Pretorius, R. & Patel, L. “Tribute to Ellen Kuzwayo: Social Work and the Struggle for Justice” For a
special edition of International Social Work
Pretorius, R. & Carapinha, J.L. “HIV/AIDS Resource Centres in Pharmacies: the need for an integrated
approach in South Africa” For Social and Administrative Pharmacy
CONSULTING REPORTS
Pretorius, R. “The Corporate Responsibility Policy Statement of Calibre Clinical Consultants” Policy
statement developed, commissioned by Calibrate, October, 2006.
Pretorius, R. “The Corporate Responsibility Value of the World Vision Africa Wellness Programme”
Unpublished programme assessment report, commissioned by Calibrate, October, 2006.
Pretorius, R. “The Corporate Responsibility Value of the Barclays Bank Africa HIV and AIDS Disease
Management Programme”. Unpublished programme assessment report, commissioned by Calibrate,
October, 2006.
Pretorius, R. “The Corporate Responsibility Value of the Kumba Resources Wellness Programme: HIV
and AIDS Disease management and Employment Assistant Programs” Unpublished programme
assessment report, commissioned by Calibrate, October, 2006
Pretorius, R. “Calibre Corporate Responsibility Report” Unpublished programme assessment report,
commissioned by Calibrate, October, 2006
Pretorius, R. “Calibre Corporate Responsibility Planning Report” Unpublished programme assessment
report, commissioned by Calibrate, October, 2006.
Pretorius, R. “The State Of Black Economic Empowerment In The South African Financial Services
Industry: An Analysis Of The Financial Services Industry From A Black Economic Empowerment
Perspective” Unpublished research report, commissioned by Laetoli Business Consultancy, July, 2003.
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
Pretorius, R. & Patel, L. “Tribute to Ellen Kuzwayo: Social Work and the Struggle for Justice” Presented
as key note address by Prof. Patel at the Association of Social Work Education Institutions Annual
Conference, University of Venda, 18 -19 September, 2006.
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RENÉ PRETORIUS
Pretorius, R. & Patel, L. “Civic service and volunteering: Opportunities for Social Development – Five
country cross national study in Southern Africa ” Paper presented at the Association of Social Work
Education Institutions, University of Venda, 18 -19 September, 2006.
Pretorius, R. & Carapinha, J.C. “HIV/AIDS resource centres in pharmacies an integrated approach”
Paper presented as invited speaker at the 3rd Annual Symposium on Diseases Relevant to South Africa,
North-West University, 14 – 15 July, 2006.
Pretorius, R. “The Psychosocial effects of HIV/AIDS” Training session presented on the course HIV/AIDS
Management Training for Pharmacists”, held at the University of the Witwatersrand, 8 October, 2005.
Pretorius, R. “Strategic Corporate Social Investment through Development Partnerships” Paper
presented at the Global Social Work Congress held at Adelaide Convention Centre, South Australia, 2 –5
October, 2004.
Pretorius, R. “Organization of development partnerships: The practice implications and
recommendations” Paper presented at the Joint Universities Committee in Social Work Conference held at
the University of South Africa (UNISA), 6 -8 October, 2003.
Pretorius, R. “Determining a Social Work Profession Value Adding Role in Small Micro and Medium
Enterprise Development Programmes” Commission facilitated and feedback presented at the South
African Black Social Workers Association 57th Annual Conference Entitled held at the International
Convention Centre, Durban, 26 –29 September 2002
WORKSHOP FACILITATION
Continuous professional development workshop facilitated and chaired on “The Practitioner/Researcher:
The Need for Continual Research” presented by Professors Eleanor Ross and Norman Duncan, held at
Institute of Aviation Medicine, 18 October, 2006.
Continuous professional development workshop chaired on “Self-Care Workshop: Listening to your
body’s innate wisdom” presented and facilitated by Rachel Rusznyak, held at DBSA, 16 August, 2006
Continuous professional development workshop facilitated and chaired on “Corporate Governance and the
King Report II, the ‘Triple Bottom Line’ with particular reference to the ‘Social Bottom Line’ presented
by Jenny Dry, held at The University of the Witwatersrand, 21 June, 2006
Continuous professional development workshop facilitated and chaired on “HIV & AIDS in the Workplace”
presented by Gillian Gresak, held at the University of the Witwatersrand, 22 February, 2006
Continuous professional development workshop facilitated and chaired on “The promotion and monitoring
of continuous professional development” Presented by S Pruis from SACSSP and J Carapinha from
University of Witwatersrand, held at SANDF Gauteng Health HQ, 15 October, 2005.
Continuous professional development workshop facilitated and chaired on “Aromatherapy and social work”
Presented by V. Balt a registered Aroma therapist and R. Aiken from Essential, held at The Development
Bank of South Africa, 17 August, 2005.
Continuous professional development workshop facilitated and chaired on “Occupational social work
services: Expanding the vision – leverage points for well-being and performance” Presented by T.
Harper of Tracey Harper and Associates, held at the University of the Witwatersrand, 22 June, 2005.
Continuous professional development workshop facilitated on “Financial resilience and the role of the
Occupational Social Worker” Presented by M. Thekiso of the Micro Finance Regulatory Council held at The
Development Bank of South Africa, 20 April 2005.
Continuous professional development workshop facilitated and chaired on “Struggling with the contextual
realities of occupational social work practice in the South African context” Presented by J.Harrison of
Monash University, held at the Development Bank of South Africa, 17 February, 2005.
Continuous professional development workshop facilitated and chaired on “Matching occupational social
work skills with the demands of the workplace”. Presented by T.Makoe from ESKOM, held at The
Development Bank of South Africa, 15 September, 2004.
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RENÉ PRETORIUS
Continuous professional development workshop facilitated and chaired on “The Dynamics of Feng Shui
and the utilisation of it in our work place and lives” Presented by Glynis Dinsdale, held at The
Development Bank of South Africa, 21 July 2004
Continuous professional development workshop facilitated and chaired on “Sexual Harassment” Presented
by the Sexual Harassment Education Project, held at The Development Bank of South Africa, 17 March,
2004.
RESEARCH SUPERVISED
“Inter-organisational collaboration: The perceptions of social workers on collaboration in human
service delivery” M. Sitshange. Research report supervised for partial fulfilment for the degree of Masters of
Arts in Social Work by coursework and research report in Industrial Social Work, University of the
Witwatersrand, until 2005.
“The nature and effects of shift work policies of petrol attendants” J Momobola. Research report
supervised for partial fulfilment for the degree of Masters of Arts in Social Work by coursework and research
report in Industrial Social Work, University of the Witwatersrand, until 2005.
“The nature of professional social work intervention with woman exposed to domestic violence”
N.Ndlovu. Short Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment for the degree Bachelor of Arts in Social Work,
University of the Witwatersrand, 2005.(current).
“Exploring the intervention challenges and emotional experiences faced by child and youth care
workers when working with street children in Hillbrow” T. Mtsweni. Short Dissertation submitted in partial
fulfilment for the degree Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, University of the Witwatersrand, 2004.
“Mother’s perceptions of their children’s experiences of domestic violence” M.K. Phala. Short
Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment for the degree Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, University of the
Witwatersrand, 2004.
“The coping mechanisms of professionals working with sexually abused children: A study of social
workers and childcare workers at Guild Cottage Treatment Centre” D.R Shikwambana. Short
Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment for the degree Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, University of the
Witwatersrand, 2003.
“Perceptions and needs of the youth participating at the Youth Programme at the Hillbrow
Community Partnership” N. Vilakazi. Short Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment for the degree
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, University of the Witwatersrand, 2003.
ORGANISATIONAL REPORTS
Annual Report of the South African Occupational Social Work Association, 2005 Presented as National
Chairperson
Annual Report of the South African Occupational Social Work Association, 2006 Presented as National
Chairperson
PROFESSIONAL ROLES AND SERVICE
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Member of the South African Council For Social Service Professions research task team (2005)
Member of the task team for the formalising of regulations relating to the registration of occupational
social work as a speciality in social work in South Africa (2004 - current)
External examiner for the University of Johannesburg in the courses - Inter-sectoral collaboration and
partnerships; Community development management; social work with populations at risk; corporate
citizenship; Family and child welfare (November 2005)
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Member of the School of Human and Community Development Publicity and Recruitment Committee
(2002 - 2005)
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Member of the School of Human and Community Development Community Services Centre Committee –
Emthonjeni Centre (2002 - 2004)
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RENÉ PRETORIUS
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National Chairperson 2005, 2006, Association Co-ordinator 2003, 2004 of the South African
Occupational Social Workers Association (SAOSWA)
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Member of Governance committee, 2003/4 Amazing Grace Children’s Home - Johannesburg Home
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Vice Chair 2002 – 2003 of South African Black Social Workers Association (SABSWA), Gauteng
Provincial Committee
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South African Guide Dogs Association - Course presenter for the Mobility and Orientation Trainers: 20022003.
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Registered Social Worker with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (10-21779)
COMPUTER LITERACY AND LANGUAGES
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Computer: MS Windows 95, 98, 2000, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Project.
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Languages: English (speak, read, write), Afrikaans (speak, read, write). Portuguese (beginner
competency in speaking, reading and writing)
STRENGTHS & KEY COMPETENCIES
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Strategic planning and organisation
Postgraduate qualifications in management combined with continuous project coordination and research
activity enable a holistic view and analytical approach to problem solving. Continuous challenges and
opportunities that arise from socio-economic development inspire innovative and creative strategies.

Communication, professional relationships and networking skills
As a professional I have knowledge and skill in effective communication that facilitates change in different
systems. Competency in systems thinking enables me to recognise the importance of interdependency
and the need for strategic relationships. Experience in building and maintaining relationships with
relevant stakeholders advances my insight into relationship dynamics and the importance of clientcenteredness. My experience as Co-ordinator and National Chairperson of the South African
Occupational Social Workers Association; my role as publicity and recruitment officer of the School of
Human and Community Development and managing consultancy work has given me significant
competency in networking, effective communication and organising.
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Interpersonal skills
Unforeseen obstacles and severe lack of resources in South Africa that accompany social development
especially in the field of HIV and AIDS, research, and training forced me to be flexible for changes,
restructuring and planning. I find that this exposure enhanced my planning and organising skills and it
inspires innovation and creativity. The nature of research conducted and work experience in the
education, welfare and business sector exposed me to people from all walks of life; this gives rise to my
broad frame of reference and thus the capability to be able to relate to diverse circumstances and an
ability to practice principles such as acceptance, respect and accountability.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
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Nominee for the Clinton Democracy Fellowship 2004/5
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Keen scuba diver with an Advanced Rescue Diver qualification.
Enthusiastic appetite for discovery of new places and people, which is stimulated by travels through
Southern Africa and abroad, and reading of biographies.
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