ASASWEI is guided by the following core values:
- Academic integrity and excellence
- Social justice and equity
- Transformation and decolonisation
- Principled collaboration and solidarity
- Ethical and accountable leadership
- Meaningful community engagement
These values anchor social work education in ethical scholarship, African realities, collective responsibility, and societal relevance, ensuring that teaching, research, and leadership remain responsive to the needs of South Africa and the continent.
The Association of South African Social Work Education Institutions (ASASWEI) was formally established in 2000 and celebrates 26 years of advancing social work education in South Africa. ASASWEI is the national representative body of accredited social work education institutions in South Africa.
It exists as an independent legal entity, separate from its members, with the authority to own property, enter into contracts, and operate in its own name. With 19 full-member institutions, ASASWEI serves as the collective academic voice of social work education in the country while maintaining strong regional and international linkages.
To be the leading association in the promotion of social work education, training, research, and practice in South Africa, in collaboration with the international community, in pursuit of enhanced psychosocial functioning of individuals, families, groups, organisations, and communities, and in advancing human rights, social justice, and equality.
To strengthen and support a national community of social work educators by enabling collaboration, knowledge exchange, and academic leadership that advances high-quality, relevant, and impactful social work education, training, research, and practice in South Africa.
Governance and Leadership
ASASWEI is governed by an elected Executive Committee serving a defined term in accordance with the Constitution. The Executive Committee provides strategic leadership, ensures constitutional compliance, and advances the Association’s mandate nationally and internationally.
Professor Mpumelelo E. Ncube
President
Upcoming events
International Social Worker Conference
University of the FREE STATE, South Africa
Major Current Strategic Priorities
- Objective 1: Governance, Leadership & Accountability
- Objective 2: Academic Excellence & Relevance
- Objective 3: Research, Innovation and Knowledge Production
- Objective 4: Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
- Objective 5: Operational Coordination and Financial Sustainability