ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the dilemmas encountered by social workers practicing in politically restive environments. It discusses social work ethics together with ethical dilemmas and the politics of food relief and distribution in Zimbabwe. The chapter argues that what should primarily guide social workers is what Heinze and Steele referred to as the feminist ethic of care. The following ethical principles have tended to guide social work practice the world over, although their application has had some contextual variations are service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity and competence. At the center of food distribution are social workers employed by the state’s department of social welfare. For social work, professional ethics translate to clarifying critical aspects of professional practice. Food distribution is a mandate of the government’s department of social welfare. This department remains the main employer of social workers in Zimbabwe. The chapter concludes with recommendations meant to ameliorate the situation.
