Youth Work Practice in South Africa’s Non-Profit Organisations Through the Lens of Self-Determination Theory

Youth workers within non-profit organisations in South Africa play a vital role in supporting the government’s agenda to mainstream positive youth development through the delivery of youth services. This study aims to examine the motivations that drive youth workers to get involved in youth work practice and the challenges they experience while performing their roles in non-profit organisations in South Africa. This qualitative study purposively sampled 10 youth workers. Two methods of data collection were employed, which are the Qualitative Online Survey (QOS) and online interviews through WhatsApp telephonic conversations. Data collected were analysed through reflectivity thematic analysis. This study is informed by Self-Determination Theory (SDT), which highlights the intrinsic and extrinsic motivational sources that drive individuals to act or pursue specific goals. The findings indicate that wanting to gain practical work experience as well as the desire to make a difference in young people’s lives is a major drive for youth workers’ involvement in youth work practice within the NPO sector. The study further found that youth workers experience a variety of challenges that affect their productivity and their work in general, including lack of funding, absence of training, orientation and workshops as part of professional development, as well as community resistance. To address some of these challenges and encourage youth workers’ involvement in youth work practice within the NPO sector, this study recommends an urgent need for structured and continuous professional development pathways to strengthen youth workers’ skills, enhance programme effectiveness and support the professionalisation of youth work in South Africa.