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Ubuntu

Ubuntu is an ethic orhumanistphilosophy focusing on people's allegiances and relationswith each other.

Ubuntu is seen as one of the founding principles of the new republic ofSouth AfricaThe concept of ubuntu is used in the political sphere to emphasize the need for unity or

consensus in decision-making, as well as the need for a suitably humanitarian ethic to

inform those decisions.

According to Ubuntu, there exists a common bond between us all and it is through this bond,through our interaction with our fellow human beings, that we discover our own human qualities.

A person with Ubuntu is welcoming, hospitable, warm and generous, willing to share. Suchpeople are open and available to others, willing to be vulnerable, affirming of others, do not feelthreatened that others are able and good, for they have a proper self-assurance that comes fromknowing that they belong in a greater whole. They know that they are diminished when others arehumiliated, diminished when others are oppressed, diminished when others are treated as if theywere less than who they are. The quality of Ubuntu gives people resilience, enabling them tosurvive and emerge still human despite all efforts to dehumanize them."

Former US president Bill Clinton used the term at the 2006Labour Party conference in

the UK to explain why society is important.

Stanlake J. W. T. Samkange (1980) highlights the three maxims of Hunhuism or

Ubuntuism which shape this philosophy

The first maxim asserts that 'To be human is to affirm one's humanity by recognizing the

humanity of others and, on that basis, establish respectful human relations with them.

'the second maxim means that if and when one is faced with a decisive choice betweenwealth and the preservation of the life of another human being, then one should opt for

the preservation of life'

third 'maxim' as a 'principle deeply embedded in traditional African political philosophy'

says 'that the king owed his status, including all the powers associated with it, to the will

of the people under him'.

how David Livingstonesurvived on his journeys in Southern Africaespecially among

ubuntu-oriented societies of the time

visitors do not need to burden themselves with carrying provisions all they need is to

dress properly and be on the road. All visitors are provided for and protected in every

home they pass through without payment being expected. In fact, every individual shouldtry their best to make visitors comfortable and this applies to everyone who is aware

of the presence of a visitor within a locality.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethichttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humanismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosophyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Clintonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labour_Party_(UK)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labour_Party_(UK)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanlake_J._W._T._Samkangehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Livingstonehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Livingstonehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Africahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Africahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethichttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humanismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosophyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Clintonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labour_Party_(UK)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanlake_J._W._T._Samkangehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Livingstonehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Africa

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Livingstone, David (1905) [1857].Journeys in South Africa, or Travels and Researchesin South Africa. London: The Amalgamated Press Ltd

David Livingstone (19 March 18131 May 1873) was a Scottish Congregationalist

pioneer medical missionary with theLondon Missionary Society and explorerinAfrica.

Political Aspect of Ubuntu:

Since the downfall of Apartheid in South Africa, Ubuntu is often mentioned in the political contextto bring about a stronger sense of unity.

The policy of Ubuntu is explained in the White Paper, published in August 1997, in Point 24 ofChapter 2. National Developmental Social Welfare Strategy -

"The principle of caring for each others well-being will be promoted, and a spirit of mutual supportfostered. Each individuals humanity is ideally expressed through his or her relationship withothers and theirs in turn through a recognition of the individuals humanity. Ubuntu means thatpeople are people through other people. It also acknowledges both the rights and theresponsibilities of every citizen in promoting individual and societal well-being."

It is not perfect, however. Ubuntu which stresses on allowing every individual to have theirequal say in any discussion and on ultimately reaching an agreement acceptable to all couldlead to conformist behavior in order to achieve solidarity. It seems a trifle ironic that Group Politicsand the Herd Mentality the human qualities common to us all, in fact - could derail the quest forthe common goal.

Social Aspect of Ubuntu:

Still, as they say, the good points outweigh the shortcomings.

Given the vast racial, cultural, religious, educational, and socio-economic differences apparentnot just in South-African society but the world over currently, the concept of Ubuntu is really

rather relevant. It is far too easy to go into the 'us and them' mode. It is far too easy to fall into thetrap of judging a different people by our standards or by sticking to certain establishedstereotypical notions. If you instead regard someone as a fellow human being, all individual quirksand differences taken into account, there is perhaps a greater chance of achievingunderstanding.

And, achieving understanding is important and necessary, because, like it or not, we are allinterconnected. What hurts you could one day come around and hurt me. What benefits me, if I'mnot too selfish about it, could make a crucial difference in your life. And knowing you could bring aworld of meaning and interest in mine.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congregational_churchhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missionaryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Missionary_Societyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Missionary_Societyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_explorershttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_explorershttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congregational_churchhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missionaryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Missionary_Societyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_explorershttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africa