Social work practice in Zimbabwe and the factors instrumental in its development

Abstract

The welfare system in Zimbabwe, like other sectors, is a product of the dual economy which is a legacy of the colonial past. The system has a relatively long history. In 1948 a duly constituted Department of Social Welfare was established for the first time in the then Rhodesia. This Department’s activities in those early days included investigation of juvenile delinquency among all races. In 196*+ the Department of Social Welfare increased its scope of operation and it began to run a public assistance programme. However, very few Africans at the time were eligible for any assistance. The assistance was basically in the form of food rations, cash or rentals.