Exco Nominations: Submission #16

Brief Motivational Statement I am honoured to nominate Prof. Mpumelelo E. Ncube for the position of President of the Association of South African Social Work Education Institutions (ASASWEI). Prof. Ncube is an accomplished scholar, leader, and practitioner whose contributions to social work education, practice, and research embody the values and vision of ASASWEI.

Prof. Ncube currently serves as the Academic Head of Department and Associate Professor of Social Work at the University of the Free State. He has also served as Vice President of ASASWEI (2023–2025), demonstrating his commitment to strengthening the association’s leadership and strategic direction. His career spans diverse roles from statutory social worker in government, psychosocial services manager in the NGO sector, employee wellness specialist in the corporate sector, to academic leader and researcher giving him a holistic understanding of the social work profession across practice, policy, and education.

Prof. Ncube’s research and scholarship are internationally recognised. His contributions in developmental social welfare, supervision, decolonisation, and teaching and learning have shaped both academic debates and professional practice. He has published extensively in accredited journals, authored and edited books, and supervised numerous postgraduate students, making a significant impact on the next generation of African social work scholars.

His leadership within the academy is equally distinguished. He has chaired the Senate Working Group on Decolonisation at UFS, served on the Senate Academic Committee, and contributed nationally to the Supervision Framework and Curriculum for Social Service Practitioners. These roles highlight his capacity for collaborative governance, curriculum transformation, and policy advocacy.

As President, Prof. Ncube will prioritise:

Strengthening the visibility and influence of ASASWEI locally and globally.

Advancing curriculum transformation that reflects African epistemologies while maintaining global relevance.

Enhancing postgraduate training and supervision capacity across institutions.

Expanding strategic partnerships with government, NGOs, and international bodies.

Championing professional solidarity and inclusivity, creating opportunities for emerging educators and scholars.

Prof. Ncube’s vision, leadership, and dedication make him an ideal candidate to lead ASASWEI into its next chapter of growth and impact. I strongly believe that under his presidency, the association will continue to serve as a thought leader, advocacy platform, and catalyst for transformation in social work education and practice.