Biography of Social Development in Africa

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.