Afrocentricism & Ubuntuism

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 Summary

What is Ubuntuism?

Ubuntu represents the essence of being human that illustrates as....”Hey, so-and-so has

Ubuntu.” Thus, Ubuntuism reflects the actions of being compassionate, humble, kind, and

empathetic towards family, friends, and community. The definition of Ubuntuism is given by

Mangaliso (2001: 21) as “humaneness–a pervasive spirit of caring and community, harmony

and hospitality, respect and responsiveness–that individuals and groups display for one

another”.

Afrocentricity as the base for African potential

Afrocentricity represents the reactive approach in Africa against the disturbances created by

Eurocentric perspectives during colonial eras in local environments of Africa. The native

voices of Africa are found absent in the significant literature of important literature on non-

European societies and on Africa, but the European views are by far dominant in these literature

on African potential and restructuring requirements. Thus, an Afrocentric approach to collect

data and express the African potential to innovation and capacity building is important to use

in practical ethnography. Thus, the focus of Afrocentricity is on highlighting feelings, needs,

and demands of African natives for an enhanced well-being instead of the making theories and

production of knowledge on the continent.

Potential of Ubuntu perspective in Africa

The concept of Ubuntu is evolving in African nations but current literature debates on the

attention of ubuntu on community or collective dimensions that leads to the emphasis on

ubuntu principle on worldwide view. However, 'ubuntu capitalism' literature illustrated the

presence and dominance of ubuntu traditions in natives on the basis of theory and language of

different regions. Though, the concept of ubuntu is also introduced in the post-apartheid period
in African regions such as South Africa that leads to the reinforcement of neoliberal policies.

Thus, ubuntu beliefs cannot be disregarded in neo-liberal times but they need redefinition and

transformations to show more progressive modifications.

Article 0- Afrocentricity and Ubuntuism

Introduction

The African view of Ubuntu is the tradition to inculcate the community based living in

societies. The individuals in these communities are responsible for the well –being of others.

Thus, ubuntu lay basic foundation of the moral values and support structure in African societies

and manifest the patterns in which African natives think about others and their environment

betterment on mutual grounds (Mangaliso, 2001:24). The cultural outlook in Africa is not

complete without the essential element of Ubuntu as a whole. The management practices of

organisations working in African countries also consider ubuntu as an important part of their

organizational culture. However, there is still an argument related to the universal application

of ubuntu in other regions of the globe (Mbigi, 2005). The most important principle of ubuntu

followed in Africa is the communal wellbeing or focus on community, as per saying of Nguni

that Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu or a person is through other people Moreover, Letseka (2012)

declared ubuntu as the element of humanity and kindness and Louw (2003) considers ubuntu

as the relationship among people in a certain environment, this relationship need s mutual

understanding. Moreover, the study of Wahid & Meyers (2012) declared ubuntu as and a moral

theory. However, the term is also known as the constitutional and jurisprudence principle

(Mahao 2010). This article discussed the significance of Afrocentricity and Ubuntuism and its

impact on the potential of Africa to excel in international competition of technology and

innovation.
Potential of Afrocentricity

The experiences of Africans have been appraised by European policy makes for decades but in

their own context. The share and voice of African natives is not heard in the recent upheaval

of technology and resource enrichment of the continent. In contrast, Afrocentric view point

believe the use and perceptions of collected data in terms of the natives’ needs and values. The

research conducted in this realm is based on the African perspectives.

The potential of Afrocentricity to enhance culture of innovation and optima utilization of

natural resources is found evident from recent initiatives of local Governments, For example,

the African Union proclaimed the promotion of STI (science, technology and innovation) in

the whole African region since 2014 (Bhorat et al 2014). However, the policy received warm

welcome from the southern region such as South Africa. But the northern regions was cautious

since the policy making need more attention to regional differences and more focused

interventions (Cassaza, & Chulu, 2016). Similarly, the approved strategy, STISA 2024 in South

Africa also faced arguments for imperfection

(Cassaza & Chulu, 2016). The more emphasis of science strategy development and leaving

innovation to develop on its own after development of science is a misinterpretation of strategy.

Thus, achievement of technical abilities and scientific knowledge is important in African for

capacity building and to nurture imitative cultures.

Ubuntu and Patriarchy

Women contributed to half the population but did not get their fair share in resources allocation

in society, Similarly, Keevy (2009) also argued that ubuntu anthropomorphising patriarchy and

thus resulted in suppression in African women. The following shown Ubuntu patriarchal

hierarchy is based on the individuals’ status in order to embrace the living and spiritual

dimensions in African communities.

Therefore, since ubuntu is the fundamental element in all disciplines in Africa and the above

patriarchy is the centre of Ubuntu. Keevy (2009) argued that Women have only one place as

inferior to men in society according to this hierarchy, hence, the potential of Afrocetricism is

facing argument. The realms of economy and politics need clarifications about involvement of

women and their role in decision making in these dominant regions. However, Mapaure (2011)

counter argued the patriarchy issue in ubuntu through the statement that human dignity is the

centre point of ubuntu and any degrading treatment for women or any other category in society

is not allowed under the principles of ubuntu. Thus, this interpretation supported the

transformation of African society to a better and mutually supported set of communities.

Limitlessness of Ubuntuism

As ubuntu presents itself in African way of thinking, worth framework, world perspective,

culture and having its limbs in the manner that individuals live and carry on, so the question

raised about the limit of Ubuntu in the development of society. Ubuntu is found in different

African societies and exist in different languages. The following is a table portraying Ubuntu

in other languages in Africa (Table 1).

Table 1: Ubuntu in other African Languages

Country Language Ubuntu Equivalent

Kenya Kikuyu, Kimeru Umundu, Umuntu

Tanzania KiSukuma, KiHaya Bumuntu

Mozambique ShiTshonga Vumuntu

Zimbabwe Shona Unhu

Congo Bobangi Bomoto

Angola KiKongo, GiKewese giMuntu

Source: Idoniboye-Obu S, Whetho A (2013).

The presence of Ubuntu reciprocals in other African languages bears declaration that it

resounds inside Africa and its relations. As concluded by Gade (2012), the implications of these

African equal terms have not been 'adequately researched' and that there is a plausibility of the

terms having developed throughout the years. One could likewise suggest the conversation

starter if 'humanness' as an apparently acknowledged English likeness Ubuntu has been

'adequately researched’.

Be that as it may, there is room – no, a goal – for useful commitment, which must stay away

from the belittling tone of extra-territorial accomplices. African policymakers merit and require

support and dynamic commitment. Through executing this procedure, the African Union and
its offices will ideally raise its very own comprehension of science, innovation, and

development and trust their senses, while taking the points of view of non-state on-screen

characters genuinely.

As indicated by Provan, du Toit and Engelbrecht (2006) Ubuntu reasoning licenses chairmen,

pioneers, and administrators to take advantage of the well-known African qualities to construct

and strengthen their workplace viably by Collaborating and sorting out assets for survival –

this keeps up efficiency and adequacy which profoundly relies upon shared qualities and

individual commitment: it empowers centre around mutual (and contrasts) with dependence to

limit the danger to survival through clash; making of brought together circumstances – the soul

of solidarity.

Therefore, common respect among individuals and individual bond to the teams on projects

with gathering' practices such as it together, center on one another and co-ordinate conduct.

Thus, proper inclusion of ubuntu at every scale upgrades social unity and investment, sets up

casual open doors and focal town area for get-togethers, exercises, intercession, choices,

occasions and ceremonies.

Along these lines Ubuntu is viewed as a significant estimation of African culture that can frame

the establishment of African administration (Ubuntu initiative) reasoning that is tuned in to the

people groups of Africa. In spite of the fact that the defender of Ubuntu initiative have

contended that the idea was made as an arrangement of the board practice, for upper hand and

to order a widespread intrigue past the shores of the mainland ( Mangaliso, 2001).
Conclusion

Africa's actual potential lies in its kin and the expanded utilization of mechanical development

to economically free and enable them. Which is the reason that policy makers put resources

into the eventual fate of the African individuals.

Moreover, the potential of Afrocetricism can vary and upgrade through inclusion of women at

each level if transformation in Africa. The economic and political formats need active

participate o women to contribute in betterment of Africa nations.

In view of the limitless contributions of Ubuntu in Africa’s most spearheading innovation

venture gatherings – with interests in internet business, the ICT part, arrange arrangements,

biotechnology, aquaculture, media, mining, and that's only the tip of the iceberg – the

organization places innovation, advancement and individuals at its heart.

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