Politically Motivated Violence (PMV) in Zimbabwe and the Role of Social Work

Abstract

In this paper I discuss politically motivated violence (PMV) and the role of social work in addressing this social and political challenge. PMV is a gross human rights violation that receives limited attention in social work literature not only in Zimbabwe, the focus of this study, but worldwide. Since independence, Zimbabwe has experienced many cases of PMV, most of which can be considered to be state orchestrated. Here, I analyze and discuss in depth three major cases of PMV in Zimbabwe, namely, the 1980–1988 Gukurahundi, Operation Restore Order (forceful evictions and destruction of houses) and the pre- and post-2008 election PMV, respectively. The social work profession is conspicuously absent from the fight against PMV and other systematic human rights violations in Zimbabwe. I propose that this apathy is due to the fact that social work in Zimbabwe is predominantly an extension of the state, with social workers therefore having limited options to challenge state-orchestrated human rights violations. Furthermore, the dominant method of social work practiced in Zimbabwe, i.e. social case work, is not the ideal social work method to address structural injustices. I propose that social work does have the potential to play a major role in addressing PMV, such as facilitating the national healing dialogue and the process, advocacy and mainstreaming of human rights in everyday social work practice. I also suggest that educational programs on social work in Zimbabwe should incorporate human rights education.