The implications of neoliberalism for the care of orphans in Zimbabwe: Challenges and opportunities for social work practice

Abstract

The paper explores the implications of neoliberal social policies for the care of orphans in Zimbabwe and looks at the challenges and opportunities for social work practice in such a context. It is estimated that Zimbabwe is home to over 1 million orphaned and vulnerable children most of whom are being looked after by their relatives. As from 1991, Zimbabwe switched over from a "socialist" socio-economic policy trajectory to a neoliberal dispensation. This neoliberal policy regime entails the implementation of austerity measures such as severe cuts on social expenditures, the introduction of stringent means tested social safety nets and reduction of the civil service wage bill. This paper argues that this neoliberal policy regime negatively affects the care of orphans and access to services such as health and education. The reduction of expenditure on social services has also resulted in severe cuts on social work posts within the civil service leading to high caseloads and poor social work practice. The paper concludes by identifying and arguing for developmental social work practice as a social work strategy to challenge and address the implications of neoliberalism through strengthening the capacities of the kinship system, advocacy and contribution to the social policy making process.