The importance of community development

The future role of social work is being widely discussed and debated. At the same time, it is becoming increasingly recognised that the 'development of effective strategies to deal with the problem of poverty in South Africa constitutes a challenge to our society' (Phiyega 1992:3). Phiyega (1992:4) saw the need for a 'national anti-poverty programme'. To me, this means social development and I would argue, like may others, that South Africa needs to follow a social development policy model. This, in turn, means that social workers must turn their attention to community development. These matters require serious thought, discussion and debate. This paper aims to add to the debate on a future welfare model for South Africa and on the role of social workers in implementing welfare policy, and to clarify what is meant by social and community development and community work as practised by social workers.