The typical African mentality.
The collective mindset that is used to explain the foundation of a solid family, nuclear and extended, and the community at large. From the North to the South, East and West. You could take that to be another connecting factor of Africans.
Collectivism, the concept of Ubuntu. Or. Ubuntu, the concept of collectivism as against individualism, which Ayn Rand projects in Anthem. Collectivism is a principle which connotes the interconnectedness of people and the effect of such connection on the individual and community at large. Individualism, on the other hand, places the individual before such connection. It recognises the initial self and oneness of a person prior to his/her connection with others in the society. This principle is what is preached by Westerners, including Ayn Rand as depicted in the book, “Anthem”. However, this isn’t in operation in African society.
The Ubuntu Philosophy simply states in full Bantu, “Umuntu Ngumuntu Ngabantu”, which can be translated as “a person is a person because of or through others”. An instance that is often used to describe this concept is the unity of togetherness and the strength in such unity. Usually, the story of the broom is described. In unity we stand, divided we fall. In unity, and in a tightly knotted bond, the broom fulfils its purpose and is difficult to break. However, upon untying the knot, the broom becomes easy to break, thus each piece losing its essence and the broom being unable to fulfill said purpose. The philosophy may be found again in the principle of collective responsibility as used in some legislative houses, particularly under the parliamentary system of government. Here, the win of the House shall be for each member and the loss shall be for each member. This goes to highlight the importance of teamwork.
The Ubuntu Philosophy is still retained in the African modern society despite the criticisms it has received, including the increase in corruption, gangs, stagnant economy and unnecessary conservation of uncivilized values. However, these have been countered by the advantages of the culture.
This philosophy is oftentimes related to the way of life which underpins an open society. According to Nelson Mandela, it is a universal truth. Indeed, it connotes that when a person is treated well, such a person shall perform better. Thus a person’s efficiency or passiveness may be traced to one’s community and immediate environment. Moral compasses under the ubuntu philosophy include respect, humility, compassion, reciprocity and dignity. These values restate the high importance placed on the effect of interpersonal relationships on the growth and sustenance of a community. The growth of the African community.
Ubuntu challenges the notion that a person is recognized solely for his physical and psychological features as false and full of inaccuracy. For this reason, thriving political settings in Africa include the socialist and humanist beliefs as these are the systems that embody the initial African background. In the economic setting, the concept of Ubuntu may be seen in corporate performance, particularly corporate social responsibility. It is a practical example of the growth of an individual being measured by the growth of the team or community. As such, team-based and community-based approaches are more accepted and commended than individual-based ones.
In conclusion, the Ubuntu Philosophy is one that is inherent in African society and every concept against shall be taken as a contradiction and most possibly, western. In order to see the African homegrown growth, the concept and practice of Ubuntu ought to be the norm of society.
Written by: Fathia Abolore Yusuf
