How can South Africa, a developing nation with a complex history, create a social welfare system that tackles issues of poverty and unemployment, and addresses the needs of populations at risk? Persistent unemployment, poverty, and inequality within society are global challenges of the 21st century. The South African government has chosen to address these issues through the practice of social development. The process of change to alter welfare thinking and practice in South Africa from a system that met the needs of a small minority began in 1997. Since then, policy-makers have been striving to promote social and economic development through programmes that build people's capabilities, support employment, and reduce poverty. Leila Patel's Social welfare and social development in South Africa introduces students and practitioners to the knowledge and values of development social work, drawing on comparative social welfare literature and experience locally, regionally, and globally. Social work practitioners face tremendous challenges in implementing social development. This book, a unique first text of its kind, will answer key questions. It will help lay the foundation of knowledge and skills related to developmental social welfare in South Africa.

Book jacket.