Politics with soul: Social work and the legacy of Nelson Mandela

Abstract

The choices made by Nelson Mandela for forgiveness, peaceful reconciliation and democracy contributed to a remarkable political transition in South Africa, which have important lessons for social work. Unfortunately, Mandela’s ethical political leadership remains an exception rather than the rule. While social work does have its shadow side, it has always had an emancipatory thrust, with a commitment to doing no harm, social justice and human rights. By making the being for the Other principle the normative in social work, the profession can contribute to an ethical politics and be constructed as politics with soul.