Biography of Social Development in Africa

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The biography includes those people who have contributed to social work in Africa at different periods in the development of the profession, both deceased and living. The list is arranged in alphabetical order. Suggestions for inclusion in this Biography are welcome – please use the form at the end. The list includes:

people who contributed before Social Work became a profession
people who contributed to introduction of Social Work in Africa
people who contributed to Social Work education
people who have promoted indigenous Social Work
people who have contributed to decolonization of African Social Work
those who have contributed to African Social Work literature
people who contributed to social work indirectly, for example, as pan-Africanists, philanthropists or activists

Click the name of the person below to view an interview with them or to read their biography. You will also find videos and other resources that they have contributed.

Charlotte Makgomo-Mannya Maxeke (1871-1939), South Africa

Mai Musodzi Chibhaga Ayema (1885-1952), Zimbabwe

Regina Gelana Twana (1908-1968), South Africa and Eswatini

Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo (19 June 1917 – 1 July 1999)

Jairos Jiri (1921 – 1982), Zimbabwe

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, 1936–2016, South Africa

Kenneth Buchizya Kaunda, Zambia

Andrew Chad Nyanguru (28 Mar 1953-14 May 2014)

Lovemore Mbigi, Zimbabwe

Phillip Manyanye Bohwasi, Zimbabwe

Dr Noel Garikai Muridzo, School of Social Work, Zimbabwe

Dr Edmos Mthethwa, Department of Social Work, University of Zimbabwe

Associate Professor Gidraph G. Wairire, Kenya, Department of Social Work, University of Nairobi, Kenya

Selassie Seyoum Gebre (1936-) – Gebre played a huge part in the Association of Social Work Education in Africa (ASWEA) and development of social work in Ethiopia.

Arega Yimam (died c1989) – Yimam was instrumental in the formation and administration of the Association of Social Work Education in Africa (ASWEA). He was an academic and a founder of the social development approach in Africa in Africa in 1972. Yimam died in 1989 just before finishing his PhD, the same year the ASWEA stopped operations.

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Use this form if you are submitting your own biography. If you are submitting for someone else, use the next form. Thank you.

Your Full Name

Country

Could you please introduce yourself? Details to include are place of birth, where you grew up, your family etc)

Could you please give us a brief about your social work education and career?

Which social work or related organizations are you affiliated to, work with or have founded?

What is the history of social services, social welfare and social work in your country OR describe the phases in the development of social services, social welfare and social work in your country?

Thinking about African social work, what are some opportunities and challenges? How can we solve these challenges?

What is your preferred method of social work?

Is there an African theory, model, framework or concept that you use or inspires you, what is it, describe it?

Is there anything you would want to share with viewers and readers e.g. career advice, what you are currently working on, your greatest achievement, or your personal story?

Describe or List Your Sources, including personal or oral sources

Thank for your submission.

Submit a biography

Biographer ‘s Full Name (Your Name)

Country

What do you want to do(required)

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Name of Biographee (person you are writing about)

Biography (Minimum 50 words, maximum 1000 words). If this is accepted, you will be asked to submit a photo of the Biographee if you have one. Your biography should include who the person was (where they were born, where they grew up, where they were educated, their culture), the person’s work relating to social work, social welfare or social services (what the person did, where, when) and if available, a photograph to be submitted if they are approved.

Describe or List Your Sources, including personal or oral sources

Thank for your submission.

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