King Mzilikazi KaMashobane Book Launch by Nthebe Molope (Qwaqwa Campus session)

Описание: As part of Heritage Month festivities, the Departments of Social Work and History, in partnership with the UFS Library, will host a book launch titled King Mzilikazi KaMashobane. The first event will be held at the Sasol Library in MR2, Level 4, on the 19th of September 2024. The second event will take place at the Qwaqwa Campus on the 26th of September 2024.
King Mzilikazi’s legacy is a confluence of shared histories, spanning KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State, North West, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Lesotho, Botswana, and the Matabeleland provinces in Zimbabwe. In King Mzilikazi KaMashobane, author Nthebe Molope explores the life and legacy of Mzilikazi, the founder of the Ndebele kingdom. The book delves into his leadership, military strategies, and the significant role he played in shaping the history of Southern Africa. It highlights Mzilikazi’s journey from being a general under Shaka Zulu to establishing a powerful Ndebele kingdom in present-day Zimbabwe. Through historical narratives, Molope presents Mzilikazi's resilience, diplomatic skills, and the cultural impact of his reign, offering insight into the broader political and social dynamics of the region during that era.
The connection between the social work profession and a developmental approach to people's histories is rooted in the understanding that individual and community development is profoundly shaped by historical contexts. A developmental approach in social work focuses on empowering people by addressing structural inequalities, promoting social justice, and enhancing capacities for sustainable development. People's histories—marked by social, economic, and political experiences—play a crucial role in shaping their current challenges and opportunities.
By integrating historical perspectives, social work within a developmental framework acknowledges how events such as the Mfecane or Lifaqane, colonization, apartheid, economic disparities, and cultural legacies have affected communities, particularly marginalized ones. Understanding these histories enables social workers to design interventions that are contextually relevant, culturally sensitive, and aimed at addressing the enduring effects of past injustices, while promoting long-term social and economic development. This historical awareness ensures that the profession fosters resilience and agency, helping individuals and communities overcome the legacies of their histories and work towards a more equitable future.