Ubuntu as a Departure Point for Social Work Education in African Universities

Abstract

Ubuntu reflects the African view of the world and being human. Social work is one of several professions that recognise the significance of Ubuntu principles of justice, communality, reciprocity, responsibility and relations. However, there is limited inclusion of Ubuntu in the social work curriculum in Africa. This is critical, as the principles of Ubuntu cannot guide prospective social workers in Africa if they are not integrated into the curriculum of students. The research aimed to explore stakeholders’ experiences in including the Ubuntu principle in the social work curriculum at selected African universities. The empirical research sampled 36 social work educators and students (12 educators and 24 students) from two African countries, Nigeria and South Africa. Data was collected from the participants using interviews, and the data was coded with NVivo 12 and analysed thematically. The findings highlight the centrality of Ubuntu in social work education to ensure a better future where communities assist each other and nature is respected and preserved for future generations. We concluded that Ubuntu must be intentionally integrated into the social work curriculum to empower African social workers with cultural and context relevant knowledge and practices, ensuring that interventions are deeply rooted in the lived realities of African communities.