Social Work Education, Training, and Practice in Developmental States: A Tool for Strengthening Democracy and Quality of Life
Fikile N.M. Mazibuko
Vice Chancellor and Head of College: Humanities
University of Kwazulu-Natal Deputy
Fikile Mazibuko presented a valuable South African perspective on the advancement of our profession around the globe at the 3rd Annual Hokenstad International Lecture. By reviewing social work’s role in postcolonial Africa, Mazibuko asserted that the profession’s interventions and education must become more sophisticated, relevant, and appropriate as socioeconomic changes become more complex.
Challenging us to reexamine our theoretical frameworks and training programs, Mazibuko chronicled social work’s history in the context of late 20th century social and sustainable development debates at the global level. From these discussions, concepts such as empowerment, participation, social inclusion and cohesion, and poverty alleviation evolved. Mazibuko argued that social work, previously marginalized, then became central to human rights, democracy, and increasing the quality of life. Mazibuko specifically addressed the training and education of social work professionals in Africa with regard to past, present, and future trends.
Mazibuko’s lecture served as a thoughtful reminder that social work is a tool of control that can either empower or disempower. We hope this lecture was a chance to reflect on our profession’s past and current accomplishments to advance social work internationally.