Absence of Ubuntu as Precursor to Child Sexual Abuse within the Family System in South Africa: Implications for Social Work

Child sexual abuse is one of the most heinous crimes committed against children in South Africa and elsewhere. Media reports, research and finalised court cases have shown that sexual abuse of children is also prevalent within the family system. Children are, by nature, supposed to be cared for and protected, especially within the family system. However, the same family members are shown to be violating the rights of children to be safe by sexually abusing them. This violation is, undoubtedly, a betrayal of the trust of children by family members. This paper aimed to advance an argument that the absence of Ubuntu within the social system results in the occurrence of child sexual abuse incidents within the family system in South Africa. The paper adopted a literature review as its methodology. Theoretically, the paper is based on Ubuntu theory, ecosystems theory and role theory to guide the discussions. Lastly, the paper provided ways in which social workers can work with families operating from the lens of the Ubuntu philosophy to strengthen families to ensure care and protection of children.