This article examines the social welfare policy under apartheid in South Africa where differential access to social welfare services was enshrined as part of the racially segregated society. It explores proposals for a social welfare model that will be appropriate to the South African social welfare setting. The author suggests that social welfare is now in a process of transition and as evidence summarises conclusions and proposals of the "progressive social work fraternity". These not only criticise the status quo, but seek positive and affirmative action in the direction of citizen participation and social development The author concludes by suggesting an alternative radical paradigm which questions the traditional residual modes of intervention, and instead suggests a committed advocab've position for social workers in the new South Africa, which encourages empowerment and self-help initiatives.
Read
