uBuntu – The humanity of Africa
We are frequently referred to as The Rainbow Nation. This is a tribute to the many ethnic groups who call South Africa home.
South Africa, where the threads of ubuntu, diversity and possibility are woven together by vibrant and dynamic people, places and cultures to form a cloth that is as colourful and beautiful as it is strong and resilient.
A cloth that, despite the ravages of historical, politcal and health challenges, still manages to remain vividly stimulating.
It is a cloth made to endure and ours to share with the rest of the world.
“I think, therefore I am” is the philosophy of the West.
In Africa, our belief is based far more on a sense of community.
I am because I belong, because I participate, because I share.
When one is diminished , we are all diminished. When one succeeds, we all succeed. No person survives alone and we need one another to be fulfilled.
The word ”ubuntu” is an old African word meaning “humanity.” It is pronounced “oo-boon-too.”
uBuntu – Its Meaning : “I am because you are.”
The word Ubuntu could be summed up in the words kindness and humanity! It actually comes from the Nguni language spoken in southern Africa, relating to a Zulu concept, – “umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu” – which means that a person is only a person through their relationship to others.
The concept of uBuntu has the potential to transform the world into one of better understanding and respect for every human being. It’s about co-operaton, compassion, forgivemess, and a sense of togetherness.
If we ALL embraced a sense of ubuntu in our lives, there would be no poverty, no war, no violence. We would care for one another with understanding and compassion, realizing that we are all one….”I am because you are”.
There is an initiave called the uBuntu Peace Project.
The aims of their website are summarised hereunder:-
To show how we each have the capacity to create peace in our own lives, and to attract anything else we want!
To create a forum where we share ideas on initiating anything that leads to peace, harmony and fulfillment.
To draw a body of like-minded people who focus their attention and actions on kindness, understanding and compassion.
To provide links to organizations, books and websites that provide further guidance towards peace in our world.
To bring awareness to the futility in “fighting against” what we dont want. ”
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