This year, social work day commemorations were adopted at national level led by the Council of Social Workers and the National Association of Social Workers. The international theme PROMOTING SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC EQUALITIES was the overall theme. The following activities were achieved:
- Guest Lecture at Bindura University Dining Hall on 26 March 2013 from 11am-1pm by internationally renowned USA based Zimbabwean Social Worker, speaker and academic Professor Lovemore Mbigi. The same lecture was delivered at the School of Social Work, University of Zimbabwe and during a dinner at Crowne Plaza hotel. The topic for the lecture was “THE CHALLENGE OF THOUGHT LEADERSHIP AND RESEARCH IN ZIMBABWE: AN AGENDA FOR SCHOLARS, STUDENTS AND ACADEMICS”. At Bindura University Professor Eddie Mwenje and Dr. CAT Katsvaga, the Pro-Vice Chancellor were some of the guests.
- Social Work day exhibitions at Africa Unity square, Harare on 28 March 2013 under the theme “BUILDING SOCIAL PROTECTION SYSTEMS THROUGH ARTS AND CULTURE”. The Honorable Minister of Information and Publicity, Cde Webster Shamu was the Guest of Honour.
In his speeches, Professor Mbigi emphasized the use of local resources and community level support systems to address social and economic equalities and to improve social protection. He received applause on his powerful speech that left social workers, students and other academics reflecting on issues like culture, African management, power and knowledge.
2013 events were widely reported in the local media and the Bindura University website.
During the commemorations, the NASWZ reported the revival of the African Journal of Social Work whilst Bindura University reported that its Social Work Department has successfully affiliated with the IASSW, becoming the only School in Zimbabwe with such status.
A book based on social work day themes, speeches and events for 2012/13 is being compiled by the Bindura University, Department of Social Work. This endeavor aims at creating literature for students. For contributions, enquire from Jacob Mugumbate on or
The social idea has grown from a concept by an individual social worker, to a team that organized the inaugural event in 2012 and in 2013, to a departmental event with full support of the Faculty and Bindura University. And more importantly the day has grown to become a national programme supported by the Council of Social Workers and National Association of Social Workers. For 2014, the Department of Social Work is considering the hosting a conference during the month of March as part of social work day commemorations.
Written by Jacob Mugumbate, Lecturer, Department of Social Work, Bindura University of Science Education, Zimbabwe