The Challenge of Social Work in Africa: Starting the Indigenisation Process

Abstract

This articleputs a casefor theindigenisationof socialwork in Mrica. The need for indeginisationis based uponthe realisationthat socialworkin Africa has failed to respond appropriatelyto the major social problems confrontingthe region. The socialworkprofessionis heavilyinfluencedby Westerntheoryandno meaningful attemptshavebeen madeto ensurethattheprofessionfitsintothesocial,economic and practical environmentin whichit operates.The article therefore emphasises the need for the social work profession to redefme itself and assume a new character. It is suggestedthat socialwork shouldadopt a developmentapproach which in essence requires social workers to play a variety of roles within the frameworkof socialdevelopment In orderto fulftlthis function,to a reorientation in the training of social workers is necessary including a reappraisal of the knowledge,valuesandskillsnecessaryformeaningfulandappropriatesocialwork intervention.