​The word ‘Ubuntu’ which means ‘Humanity’ is part of an IsiZulu phrase “umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu” meaning “a person is a person through other people”, has been broadly used in many contexts in our continent to emphasize the importance of unity, oneness or a bond that connects all of us as humanity.
As we celebrate World Social Work Day in March, we are taken back to our roots as Social Services Practitioners and we are reminded why we are in this profession, who we are and who we are for. This year we are further reminded that we are because of other people, that our cause is more effective when we stand and work together; to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people (SACSSP, 2007).

The ethical values for Social Services Practitioners reflect the notion of ‘Ubuntu’ as they guide practitioners to aspire and subscribe to:
• Social Justice
• Respect for people’s worth, human rights and Dignity
• Integrity
• Professional responsibility
• Show care and concern for others’ well-being

The notion of ‘Ubuntu’ puts emphasize on human relationships and resonates with the Ecological framework and the Person-in-environment perspective in Social Work (Van Breda, 2019) which highlights the impact of relationships within one’s community to one’s personal traits- a person, is a person because of the relationships they have with their families, communities and environment.
Furthermore, the notion of ‘Ubuntu’ also resonates with the Strength’s Perspective or strength-based practice which is a collaborative process between the person supported by services and those supporting them, allowing them to work together to determine an outcome that draws on the person's strengths and assets (Pattoni, 2012) . The notion of ‘Ubuntu’ can empower Social Workers and provide solutions that acknowledge or increase the strengths of individuals, families and communities (Mugumbe & Chereni, 2019).

Our Social Work Profession has always been embedded on the notion of ‘Ubuntu’ and we should be reminded that we are to enhance, empower, equip and educate; we should continue to do so for ourselves as well as the individuals, families and communities we serve and always bear in mind that “I am because we are”. We are therefore encouraged to continue to lift the flag of our Social Work profession with pride in the spirit of ‘Ubuntu’.