Abstract
M.A.
Transformation of social education was influenced by changes in government policies for welfare and social work, and the South African Higher Education policy (Mkendrink, 1998). Changes in the Higher Education system resulted from societal challenges faced by communities. South African Higher Education policy places great emphasis on community service to promote civic engagement and as a tool for academic development. The change in education lobbied for transformation of social work practice and social work education was administered through The White Paper for Social Welfare of 1997. The White Paper (1997) laid the foundations for making community service an integral and core part of Higher Education in South Africa.
Community engagement can take on many different shapes and forms within the context of Higher Education. These include community based research, participatory action research, professional community service and service learning, and internship programmes. In its fullest sense, community engagement is the combination and integration of teaching and learning i.e. Service Learning.
The Service Learning approach could be regarded as an effective method for building democratic participation, creating responsiveness to community needs, and increased cooperation and partnerships with other sectors of society. The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is committed to community engagement, as it is embedded in its vision.
With the new paradigm in mind, social work education though its internship component includes service learning as a tool for community development and practice education. Service learning opportunities are integrated within the first year internship programme and are designed in such a way that students learn though serving communities. In view of the above, this study can lead to sustainable civic service through student learning and community engagement which can be beneficial for the Higher Education Institutions, students, the social work profession, education and communities. The concept of service learning in social work contributes to student development, community development and institutional partnerships, and facilitates further research and improvement of education.