Ubuntu – a uniquely African ethos

Faculty and Staff

17 Jul 2023

As we prepare to commemorate Mandela Day on 18 July, my thoughts are turned to ubuntu as a uniquely African ethos. Ubuntu is a Zulu and Xhosa word that means humanity – and it is part of our shared heritage and identity as Africans.

Nelson Mandela, one of the great South African leaders and a Noble Peace Prize winner, was a great example of the spirit of ubuntu. He not only spoke of ubuntu but practiced it too! I can imagine that, when he was released from prison, many were waiting to see how he would exact revenge from his persecutors; instead, he showed compassion and preached peace.

“I am who I am because of you”

Our ancestors and African elders set and followed great examples of ubuntu that were part of everyday life. For example, at Christmas and on other special occasions, it is tradition that, when neighbours or even strangers pass by, they would be called, welcomed in, and offered something to eat and or drink.

Ubuntu promotes collectivism with the idea that “I am who I am because of you”. I cannot be on my own; I need others to live well – and others need my input to live well. By extension, as Africans, we need each other for progress and to improve our social and economic conditions. We cannot overcome challenges such as inequality, unemployment, poverty, xenophobia, corruption, etc. without the spirit of ubuntu lighting the way and guiding our hearts. Neither can our leaders. To overcome these challenges, we need to work together as a continent…to look out for each other…to help each other.

What can we do to implement the spirit of ubuntu this Mandela Day?

We start by becoming our “brother’s keeper” and extending a hand where it is needed and where we can.

Start small and take giant strides outward. Consider your brothers/sisters next door and/or those at school or work – and then extend that thinking to those in the rest of the community. What is needed? Windows washed? Bins put out on bin day? It might even be something that, while not helping a specific someone directly, it will be of benefit to them in some small way. Think clean public pathways – cleared of rubbish. Think community gardens. Think coffee at the local day hospital. Whatever you do, think ‘we’ instead of ‘I’. Think of how you can contribute either your time, your talent, or your money to help a person (or persons) in need. Whatever your contribution, you will make a difference to someone – and it is with that that you will feel the joy that comes with the spirit of ubuntu.

As we prepare to celebrate Mandela Day on 18 July, let us reflect on our identity as Africans, our shared heritage – at once painful and hopeful – and the spirit of ubuntu which brings us all together in passion, hope and love. In truly living the spirit of ubuntu wherever we are, let’s see whether the whole of Africa won’t be a better place because of it – not just on 18 July but for all the days thereafter. Happy Mandela Day!

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Charlotte Mnguni Lecturer