Africanising Social Work Supervision

Africanising Social Work Supervision

Dr Sandile Ntethelelo Gumbi received a Doctor of Philosophy (Human Sciences) for his study that his examiners described as ground-breaking and charting new fronts in the social work profession.

Titled: “Critical Analysis of Social Work Supervision in the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development: An Afrocentric Perspective”, it explored how social work supervision could be Africanised.

Gumbi said: ‘Supervision has been a subject of study for many decades and has been at the centre of social work practice as it exerts its unique significance in the profession. My study sought to influence social work policy, practice and education to adopt Afrocentric practices that fit the African context.’

Twenty social workers and supervisors were sampled from the identified districts in the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development (DSD). Three key informants were selected for expert opinion.

The findings revealed that the participants conceptualised Afrocentric-based supervision as one that is culturally relevant, considers African spirituality and traditions, is people and community-centred, and is characterised by humanness.

Policy transformation and restructuring, stakeholder engagement and consultation, and conducting extensive research on Afrocentric-based supervision were among the participants’ suggestions to develop Afrocentric-based supervision.

‘My study benefits society by aiming to indigenise and Africanise the approach to social work supervision, therefore making social workers more efficient and relevant when working with African clients and communities. It also highlights the importance of incorporating African experiences, cultures, spirituality, and ways of life into social work education and practice,’ said Gumbi.

Motivated by his own background of growing up in poverty and wanting to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, Gumbi’s research will contribute to uplifting both social workers and their clients. ‘My personal motivation came from a desire to show that a child born from rape, like myself, who some people believed would amount to nothing, can succeed. I wanted to inspire children born in challenging circumstances like mine to believe that they have the potential to achieve great and good things.’

His academic journey was strewn with obstacles, the greatest of which was the loss of his grandmother, Ms Thembekile Mbokazi, in April 2023. ‘She was everything to me, and I was looking forward to making her proud and rescuing her from our family circumstances. When she died, I felt so empty and wanted to deregister because the person I was working hard for was no more.’

However, his supervisors kept him focused and on track. ‘Professor Ntombifikile Mazibuko and Dr Sipho Sithole, were my biggest support system in every aspect of my life. I also received support from my colleagues in the Discipline of Social Work, led by Dr Sibonsile Zibane. My brothers, Mr Bongane Mzinyane and Advocate Siphesihle Mbatha, whom I met during my postgraduate studies, were a great source of encouragement. I also found solace in prayer when the pressure became overwhelming.’

He acknowledged his mother, Ms Hlengiwe Mbokazi and family for believing in him. ‘I am forever indebted to them for everything they are to me and for giving me space and time to work on my research.’ Gumbi also made special mention of Ms Fikile Malambule, his high school IsiZulu teacher. ‘After I finished school, I didn’t have the money for university, but she offered me the registration money and supported me financially from my bachelor to my master’s degree.’

Gumbi enjoys presenting his study at academic conferences and seminars, finding reassurance in the audience’s interest and how they engaged with his work.

He aims to become an academic and contribute to the public sector by strengthening the practice of social work for the benefit of many South Africans who depend on the state for social services.

Gumbi was recently awarded the Research Excellence Award for Next Generation Researchers in recognition of outstanding academic performance by a final-year doctoral student. The prestigious National Research Foundation (NRF) Award honours the country’s leading scientists, next-generation researchers, emerging researchers, and best-performing researchers for excellence and achievement in knowledge creation and dissemination.

Words: Jennene Naidu

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini