REVISITING THE LEGACY OF ERIKA THERON FOR CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL WORK: SONDER HOED OF HANDSKOEN (“WITHOUT HAT OR GLOVES”)

Sixty years have passed since the first issue of Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk was published, with Erika Theron serving as the founding editor. As the journal marks this significant milestone, it is appropriate to reflect on Theron’s legacy. Many scholars from varying ideological perspectives (cf. Barnard, 2000; Collins, 2007; Esterhuyse, 2007; Terreblanche, 1999) have described her as a pioneer of social work in South Africa. A review of past journal issues and literature on Theron’s contributions (cf. Tayler, 2010) reveals that her advocacy for marginalised communities, particularly through her research, offers valuable lessons for contemporary practice in South Africa and beyond.