1. Who We Are – The Undersigned

We, the undersigned social workers of Zimbabwe practicing, non-practicing, unemployed, in training, and retired submit this petition out of deep concern for the governance, efficiency, and professionalism of our regulatory environment.

We come from diverse institutions including public service departments, NGOs, local authorities, community-based programmes, academia, and private practice. Though our roles vary, we are united by a shared commitment to the highest standards of social work and to ensuring that our regulatory systems serve the public with integrity, transparency, and fairness.

2. Purpose of the Petition

This petition seeks urgent attention and intervention from the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Parliament, and all responsible oversight bodies regarding:

• serious governance challenges within the Council of Social Workers;
• failures to comply with statutory duties under the Social Workers Act [Chapter 27:21];
• non-adherence to national governance principles under the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act [Chapter 10:31];
• systemic barriers that hinder the effective regulation and growth of the profession.

We respectfully present these concerns not in adversarial spirit, but in pursuit of a stronger, more credible regulatory system that upholds the dignity of the profession and protects the public we serve. Importantly, this request is fully aligned with the Government’s commitments under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) (2026–2030), which prioritises:

• Good governance and institution-building,
• Transparent, accountable public entities,
• Strong social protection systems,
  Decentralisation and improved service delivery,
• Human capital development,
  and Leaving no one and no place behind.

3. Matters Requiring Critical Intervention

A. Outdated Legislation Not Aligned With Modern Realities

The Social Workers Act was enacted in 2003 under conditions very different from today. Since then, Zimbabwe has undergone major transformations in:

• higher education and accreditation systems;
• digital and administrative systems;
  labour market demands;
• international regulatory standards.

The Act has not evolved with these changes, resulting in:

• outdated procedures;
• unclear regulatory categories;
• barriers to registration;
• inefficient administrative processes;
• inequitable fee structures;
• legal gaps affecting service delivery and professional accountability.
  These structural limitations hinder both the growth of the profession and the protection of vulnerable clients who rely on competent social work services.

B – Governance Failures and Non-Compliance by the Council of Social Workers

As a statutory body, the Council is bound by the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act [Chapter 10:31], which requires:

• transparency;
• accountability;
• responsible board conduct;
• professional management;
• financial disclosure;
• adherence to the National Code on Corporate Governance Zimbabwe.
  NDS2 emphasises good governance, institution-building and zero tolerance for poor accountability across all public entities. It mandates:
• transparent financial reporting,
• adherence to service delivery standards,
• strengthened oversight of regulatory bodies,
• stakeholder engagement,
  and strict compliance with statutory mandates.
• 
  Regrettably, key obligations have not been met.

(i) Failure to Convene Annual General Meetings (AGMs)

AGMs are required by law to:

• present audited financial accounts;
• share annual reports;
• allow member participation;
• ensure oversight and transparency.
  The absence of AGMs constitutes a breach of statutory duty, erodes trust, and deprives social workers of their legal right to participate in the affairs of their regulatory body.

(ii) Lack of Transparency in Financial Management

Although annual audits are legally required, they have not been publicly shared with members. Without AGMs or disclosures, the Council is effectively operating without the scrutiny required of public entities.

This undermines accountability and may place the Council in violation of national governance norms. NDS2 reinforces strong financial governance, regular disclosure, and integrity at all levels of public institutions.

(iii) Absence of Performance Monitoring and Professional Oversight

The Corporate Governance Act requires performance contracts and measurable deliverables for the leadership of public entities. There is no evidence of such systems being in place, resulting in limited transparency regarding:

• quality of leadership,
• efficiency of operations,
• fulfilment of statutory functions.
  This governance gap threatens the integrity of the regulatory system.

C – Barriers to Fair and Equitable Registration

The current legislation imposes uniform fees and requirements on all social workers, without recognising differences in:

• employment status,
• income level,
• practice activity, or
  career stage.

This disproportionately affects unemployed, under-employed, student, and retired social workers, and contradicts international standards that require differentiated registration categories.

D – Operational Inefficiencies That Undermine Service Delivery

Several operational challenges urgently require attention:

• significant delays in issuing certificates;
• lack of digital systems;
• centralised services accessible mainly in Harare;
• unclear guidelines for examinations;
• restrictive recognition of training institutions.
  These issues impede service delivery, restrict employment opportunities, and limit professional mobility.

E – Risks to Public Protection and Professional Standards

The Act does not adequately enforce:

• the requirement that social work roles be occupied by qualified, registered professionals;
• monitoring of compliance by employers;
• regulation of NGOs and community-based organisations offering social work services.
• 
  This creates risks for clients, many of whom are among the nation’s most vulnerable groups.

4. Why Urgent Action is Necessary

Social work is a profession entrusted with safeguarding children, vulnerable adults, families in crisis, persons with disabilities, survivors of violence, and communities in distress. Effective regulation is therefore not merely an administrative matter, but a cornerstone of public protection.

Good governance is essential because:

• the profession deals with complex ethical issues;
• decisions made by social workers have profound consequences;
• the public must have confidence in both practitioners and regulators;
• global standards increasingly emphasise transparent, accountable regulatory structures.
  A regulatory system that lacks transparency, efficiency, or public trust cannot fulfil its mandate to protect clients, support practitioners, or promote professional excellence.

5. Our Respectful Requests for Immediate Intervention

We respectfully request that the Minister and relevant authorities:

1. Conduct a formal inquiry into governance and compliance issues within the Council of Social Workers.
2. Direct the immediate convening of an Annual General Meeting, with full disclosure of audited financial statements.
3. Compel compliance with the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act and the Social Workers Act.
4. Support legislative reform of the Social Workers Act to modernise and strengthen professional regulation.
5. Ensure restoration of transparency, accountability, and member participation in the Council’s operations.
6. Oversee the development of digital, decentralised, and efficient systems for registration and service delivery.
7. Protect the profession and the public by ensuring regulatory processes adhere to the highest standards.

6. Conclusion

We submit this petition in good faith and with sincere respect for the institutions responsible for safeguarding the social work profession and the public it serves. Our concerns are rooted not in opposition, but in a commitment to strengthening regulatory systems so that they reflect our national values of integrity, service, and accountability.

We stand ready to collaborate constructively with all authorities to build a modern, transparent, and effective regulatory environment that supports both social workers and the people of Zimbabwe.