A social worker and researcher working with marginalised families and communities with 20 years’ experience both locally and in the UK. Worked as a social worker for Social Development in the Western Cape (WC) and Essex County Council (UK). The focus of social work practice for 15 years has been in the field of children and families including child protection, statutory care and play therapy.

Community engagement activities include working in rural communities such as Riebeek Kasteel, Overberg and the Boland. Experience and qualifications related to transformation within South Africa and the UK including a postgraduate certificate in Black Leadership in White organisations at the University of East London (UK). Hoosain managed a project aimed at addressing the needs of black and minority ethnic children (including refugees) which won the East of England Regional Award for Equality and was recognised in a national award (Action Race Network) promoting anti-racism.

She collaborated with Iziko Slave Lodge on a heritage project with descendants of slaves, the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation, women’s shelters in the Western Cape, and the Dulwich Centre in Adelaide on collective narrative practice in research. Hoosain is involved in the WC Provincial Victim Empowerment forum and delivered training to the Department of Social Development Western Cape social workers on intergenerational trauma and violence. Collaborated with SAPS to develop and deliver training to the WC Anti-Gang Unit with plans to roll out the training to additional provinces. She was involved in a joint research project on men’s narratives of gender-based violence during COVID-19 and Exiting Women’s Shelters and voluntarily involved in community work in Mitchells Plain.