The value of ubuntu towards the fight against corruption in Zimbabwe: a social work perspective

Abstract

The place of Ubuntu in the fight against corruption in Zimbabwe is critical. If the battle against corruption in Zimbabwe is to be won, there is need for reestablishment of the spirit of Ubuntu in the citizens. This paper argues that corruption in Zimbabwe is mainly a result of abandonment of the Ubuntu in Zimbabwe. The erosion of the Ubuntu spirit in the citizenry has thus inculcated selfishness and greed in the citizenry, hence motivating the desire for corruption in many. Therefore, if corruption is to be curbed, there is need for a holistic approach by all stakeholders in ensuring that Ubuntu is inculcated in the citizenry in order to replace selfishness and greed with brotherly and sisterly concern, love and compassion. In all the efforts, social work as a profession with people at heart is indebted of playing a key role in facilitating reverberation of Ubuntu in the citizenry through academic and professional influence. Given the condition that social work succeeds in reverberating Ubuntu in Zimbabwe which is intended to fight corruption and the social rot it has caused, equity, social justice and empowerment of the people will be achieved.

Key terms: ubuntu, corruption, social work, Zimbabwe