Ubuntu – Another Buzzword or a Core Tool in Every Social Workers’ Toolkit
On 15 January, we had 33 attendees for “Ubuntu in social work – another buzz word or a core tool in every social worker’s toolkit?” presented by Dr Mthoko Ngobese–Sampson, Senior Lecturer at Kingston University and Dr Bridget Ng’andu, Senior Lecturer at University of Kent.
The presentation looked at the colonial history of social work, which has traditionally marginalized indigenous knowledge. By introducing, defining and exploring Ubuntu, the attendees looked beyond a Eurocentric worldview to a more culturally competent and humble practice.
Our attendees went into breakout rooms to discuss the following questions:
- From what you have heard in the presentation, how would you use the principles of Ubuntu in your practice? Reflect on some of the cases you are working on or have worked on?
- Consider the maxim ‘it takes a village to raise a child – how do you work with each service user’s village
The themes from these breakout rooms were as follows:
- Ubuntu and Collective Humanity – Ubuntu was understood as an ancient African way of life centred on interconnectedness, shared humanity, and collective responsibility. It emphasises accountability to the community and the belief that individual wellbeing is linked to the wellbeing of others.
- Western Social Work and Procedural Practice – Comparisons were made with Western social work approaches, highlighting how practices such as Family Group Conferences can become procedural or “tick-box” exercises, sometimes failing to fully engage with culture, identity, and meaningful participation.
- Restorative and Culturally Rooted Practice – Strong links were identified between Ubuntu and restorative social work, particularly in community-led responses to harm, healing, and reconciliation rooted in African cultural traditions.
- Culture, Identity, and Hidden Harm – The discussion explored how culture can both support and complicate care, particularly where shame, stigma, or loyalty may limit disclosure of abuse or mental health needs. Participants noted that harm is often perpetrated by known individuals, adding complexity to family-based support.
- Social Inequality and Isolation – Social and economic factors, including poverty, migration, and refugee experiences, were recognised as barriers to community support, challenging assumptions that all individuals have access to extended family networks.
Elders, Leadership, and Systems Thinking – The role of elders and community leaders was highlighted as central to guidance and decision-making in many cultures. The discussion reinforced the importance of systems theory, working with individuals within their wider family, cultural, and structural contexts.
