Decolonisation of community development in South Africa

Contemporary community development and community work as a method of social work practice must be seen in the historical context and influences of colonisation, colonialism and the postcolonial state in South Africa. Various authors such as Boaz and Polak (2001) and Ndlovu- Gatsheni (2013) contend that the postcolonial states in Africa represent a merely simulated European colonial state. The end of colonial rule in Africa raised expectations and hopes for better lives for all of its citizens. However, decolonisation did not bring about the anticipated benefits of social transformation or socio- economic change for Africans, especially the poor majority. As Seepe (1998) argues, although the government in South Africa has created an ‘enabling policy environment, the major socio- economic challenges such as poverty, unemployment, health education, inequalities’ and human rights that were violated during apartheid history, continue to prevail.