Social Work Code of Ethics Zimbabwe
The Code of Ethics (Zimbabwe) is published in the Social Workers Act.
Mission of social work in Zimbabwe
The Code says the mission of social work in Zimbabwe is:
- (a) enhancing the well being and sustainable empowerment of individuals, especially the vulnerable, weak, powerless and oppressed members of the community; and
- (b) applying scientific and other validated knowledge for the betterment of the individuals and the community; and
- (c) promoting social justice, unhu/Ubuntu, human rights, positive change, problem solving and improvements in individual and community relationships and the development of society in general.
Please note there is an emphasis on Ubuntu.
Core values of the profession of social work in Zimbabwe
The Code says the core values of social work in Zimbabwe are:
- (a) service above self;
- (b) social justice;
- (c) unhu/ubuntu;
- (d) professional integrity;
- (e) competence;
- (f) importance of human relationships;
- (g) respect of human rights;
- (h) respect of diversity.
Please note the emphasis on Ubuntu.
Principles of social work in Zimbabwe
The Code says the principles of social work is:
- (a) has, as a primary goal of helping people in need and addressing societal problems. This entails, service to others above personal interests, prioritizing the needs of service users, and occasionally offering service pro deo, especially in times of natural calamity and all the time drawing on all
acquired skills, knowledge and values of the profession of social work;
(b) promotes social justice. This includes being ready to challenge injustice in policies and practices. discrimination, prejudice, promoting positive social change especially for the benefit of the vulnerable, weak and disadvantaged, encourage equity in opportunity and access to resources and full participation and empowerment of all;
(c) recognises and promotes unhu/Ubuntu, and appreciates that inherent in each person is dignity and values, and that each person deserves respect and that person exists within a cultural setting and a community and that the individual and community shape, influence and benefit from each other;
(d) exhibits the highest standards of professional integrity and will thus act in a manner that is trustworthy, dependable and responsible and engenders public confidence in the
profession of social work;
(e) practices within his or her area of expertise meaning that he or she will take necessary steps to enhance and develop his or her skills and use such skills and knowledge in the performance of his or her duties;
(f) recognizes the importance of human relationships and will thus purposefully strengthen and harness the relationships among people for positive social change and development, and in promoting the profession of social work.
Please note that there is an emphasis on Ubuntu.