Professor Vishanthie Sewpaul. UKZN Social Work academic gives Distinguished Lecture in Australia
Professor Vishanthie Sewpaul of the School of Applied Human Sciences was recently elected by her peers on a global level to deliver a distinguished lecture as part of the 2014 Joint World Conference on Social Work, Education and Social Development held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Sewpaul delivered the lecture in the name of Dame Eileen-Younghusband, a pioneer in social work education who was committed to social justice and human rights.
Sewpaul’s lecture, titled: “Politics with Soul: Social Work and the Legacy of Nelson Mandela”, reflected on the importance of Mandela’s legacy for social work, and the potential of the social work profession to contribute to ethical politics.
According to Sewpaul, social work and politics reflect shadow sides, with social work having a history of normalising state functions, including those that violate human rights. ‘South Africa is the embodiment of the best and worst of politics; the latter exemplified by the atrocities of apartheid and the former by the gifts of non-discrimination, peaceful transition to democracy, forgiveness and reconciliation engineered by Nelson Mandela.
‘Contemporary politics is characterised by corrosive power, narrow party political electioneering and corruption being rooted in neoliberal and new managerial practices. We need to counter these with more humane approaches underscored by love, care, compassion, non-violence and truly “Being for the Other”,’ she said.
A Twitter feed of the Australian Association of Social Work reads: ‘Professor Vishanthie Sewpaul of South Africa received a standing ovation for her inspiring speech at the World Congress today.’ The lecture was preceded by a tribute to Mandela, produced by Sewpaul.
She was also invited to James Cook University in Townsville to present their annual Social Justice Lecture. The lecture titled: “Emancipatory Practice: Education, Research and Community Engagement in the Pursuit of Social Justice and Human Rights”, was exceptionally well received.
Sewpaul also engaged with a community-based group Family Inclusion Network (FIN) in an organised but informal discussion session with students.
Melissa Mungroo
