Journal of Social Development in Africa (1999), 14,1,3-4 
Editorial 
This issue of the Journal carries a variety of articles, which broadly cover the areas 
of social policy, participatory development and social pathology. The relationship 
and status of participation in the context of development are two of the major 
concerns of this Journal and it is hoped that the quality of the articles in this issue 
will carry this debate further. 
The article by Sewpaul, et al, considers die context of social policy training and 
social work in South Africa. The fundamental political changes that have occurred 
in recentyears in that country have challenged policy makers to bring about equally 
fundamental changes in the social structure in respect of human dignity. As the 
authors point out, these policy changes should reflect the needs and aspirations of 
civil society. While this provides a challenge to those responsible for framing 
social policy, there is an equivalent expectation that education and training systems 
should also become more responsive to the new dispensation. The authors consider 
the evolution of course content in this direction at South African universities, with 
the general conclusion that social policy is increasingly being seen as a necessary 
component of social work training in South Africa. 
Maria Julia provides an interesting account of the work of the Zimbabwe 
Women Finance Trust, a local NGO which provides financial assistance to smallscale 
women entrepreneurs. The article presents a typical interview scenario 
whereby a prospective borrower requests assistance; this is analysed by the author 
with a relevant commentary provided. The refreshing style of the article provides 
the reader with an insight into the work of NGOs in a developing country situation, 
and an awareness of their value to women who face a struggle for survival in a 
rather hostile macro-economic environment. 
Oakley & Clegg extend the theme of the previous article in a wide-ranging and 
thought-provoking analysis of the place of participatory development as a strategy 
for poverty alleviation in Africa. The authors point out that a change of thinking 
has occurred since the mid-1980s, where it was felt that some form of participation 
was essential to the successful outcome of the poverty alleviation strategies being 
pursued in sub-Saharan Africa. The authors examine the context of participation 
in relation to historical realities and, more recently, political and economic reform 
in several countries in the region. Their general conclusion is that if participatory 
development is to succeed, there is need for active-collaboration between government 
and the people and their representatives; that participation needs to become 
institutionalised in terms of administration; that initiatives need to reach the 
poorest (NGOs may have a significant contribution here); and a respect for 
traditional values and local associations.
4 Editorial 
Nthomang provides a case specific context in a discussion of the place of 
community economic development in respect of the Basarwa/San/Bushman 
community in Botswana. The Basarwa, one of the few truly indigenous populations 
of the world, are facing serious levels of poverty having remained in social 
exclusion and out of the mainstream development of the Botswana economy. 
Attempts have been made in recent years to try to address "the Basarwa problem," 
which are outlined by the author. The concept of Community Economic Development 
is suggested as an appropriate basis for strategies aimed at transforming lowincome 
communities through sustained economic opportunities. This is then 
linked to the Basarwa situation and a CED strategy is proposed, utilising the role 
of NGOs in order to address the serious socioeconomic situation of this ethnic 
group. 
Keller, et al, considers the situation ot teen pregnancies within a Ghanaian 
community, using their experience in the United States to make some interesting 
comparisons. Using material gathered in interviews, they present several case 
examples which vividly illustrate the circumstances of pregnant teens in Ghana. 
This is complemented with a focus group discussion which provides us with 
community members' views on this social problem. While some similarities exist 
between the Ghanaian sample and the United States, there are also differences 
which reflect the different circumstances of teenagers in these countries, and thendifferent 
social values. 
Maxwell provides a comparative assessment of social work field practice in the 
two most established schools of social work in the Caribbean (University of the 
West Indies- Mona and the University of Guyana) and the School of Social Work 
in Zimbabwe. His research reveals some interesting similarities and differences 
which have implications for the educational, administrative and supervisory 
support functions of field instruction at these institutions. It is particularly useful 
to compare between different regions of the world and Maxwell's article provides 
us with some thoughtful conclusions. 
The final article by Bar-On and Prinsen considers the place of participatory 
planning within Botswana. The authors examine the traditional systems of participatory 
decision-making, viewed in the context of the modern policy-formulations 
systems at village, district and national levels. While Botswana's official development 
strategy incorporates a policy of community-led planning, in practice the 
situation is rather different Genuine participation requires commitment and 
flexibility on the part of central government and local authorities and while social 
policies may favour a "bottom-up" approach, serious constraints in practice will 
erode the philosophy of participation. The authors make certain recommendations 
which could improve this situation.