Most countries have something that makes them unique and that they are proud of. Something special… that they are known and respected for. And there are many reasons why people… locally as well as globally, love and respect South Africa!
South Africa is world renowned for our scenic beauty, our wonderful weather and our rich biodiversity, flora and fauna – especially our wildlife!
There is something else however that South Africa is also very well known for, and that is our uBuntu… that permeates South African life as a whole!
For the uBuntu Civics Academy, uBuntu is South Africa’s greatest gift to its own people and the whole world. It is our African Spiritual and cultural Heritage, our consciousness and our way of being, and our global philosophy for humankind. It is our national identity and social cohesion, our ‘Brand South Africa,’…. sentiments that are shared by many.
1. What it means to be human and how we can live together in peace and harmony with one-another and mother nature are fundamental questions to being alive that we all have to deal with. uBuntu is Africa’s globally respected ancient answer to these questions.
2. uBuntu enjoys Constitutional status through the recognition of the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court of Appeal, as well as the Hight Court of South Africa.
3. Gobal recognition of uBuntu is reflected in the many uBuntu projects and initiatives – also the UN, that are out there in the world; with some existing specifically to advance and grow uBuntu and others adopting uBuntu as a guiding principle.
4. uBuntu is studied at tertiary institutions throughout the world.
5. uBuntu is reflected in the languages, national symbols, and principles of other African countries and as such has been adopted as one of Botswana’s five national principles.
6. For us, uBuntu is what is needed for the African Renaissance that former Presidents Thabo Mbeki and late Nelson Mandela spoke of…. It is also Madiba’s RDP (Reconstruction and Development Plan) of the Soul for South Africa.
7. “uBuntu is the Global Philosophy for Humankind.” ~ Late uBuntu Author and thought leader Dr Mfuniselwa John Bhengu.
8. Many programs and documentaries have been made about this awesome African Spirit of humanity …. uBuntu is recognised and respected throughout the world!
9. uBuntu sets South Africa apart as a country that the world is looking to as a great example of the dismantling of apartheid and diverse people uniting to build a new and prosperous South Africa for all.
10. When it comes to knowing and understanding the world Western science is one type of a knowledge system. There are however also other valuable and important knowledge systems:
July/August 2000 UNESCO Source Magazine – ‘Tapping into the World’s Wisdom.’
Indigenous knowledge that uBuntu falls under is widely recognized today as an essential dimension of knowledge. People are now open to broaden their understanding of life through this worldview and actively participate in the support and protection thereof.
uBuntu should be the foundation of all education and learning in South Africa.
It is essential to soft skill and life orientation education.
Pope John Paul during his visit to Gana in 1980.
