Multicultural Social Work Practice: Alternative Options for Social Work Practice in South Africa.

Abstract

The challenges and questions directed at the political order in South Africa affected the educational arena as well. The profession of social work has been questioned as to the knowledge base, content, appropriateness and the relevancy of social work education and practice in the South African context. This paper utilizes the multicultural approach to explore cultural issues essential for an appropriate service delivery among the Nguni people in the South African situation. Accordingly, cultural forms and traditions such as the communcal nature of African society, a strong patriarchal system, the value of Ubuntu, tradtional initiation schools, and social support systems are explored for incorporation in the treatment modalities applied. The call for social work education and practice to reappraise the theoretical tools used to suit South African conditions will be met, in part, by recognizing, acknowledging and incorporating the less scientific but equally important knowledge and values of the clientele s...