South African Association of Social Workers (SASWA)

The South African Social Workers Association (SASWA) is a voluntary, non-partisan professional association that represents, promotes, and protects the interests of social workers, social auxiliary workers, and the social work profession across local, national, and international levels. Rooted in Ubuntu values and ethical practice, SASWA’s mission is committed to sustainable eco-social development, human rights, and social justice through collaborative knowledge co-creation, research, and transformative social action.

The primary purpose and objectives of SASWA are to unify and strengthen the national community of social practitioners, enhance the visibility and status of the profession, and advocate for optimal working conditions and fair service delivery. It serves as a collective voice for policy formulation and reform, counteracts negative managerialism through developmental supervision, fosters global connections through its affiliation with the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW), and supports the decolonisation of social work education and practice.