Ubuntu
Reclaiming Ubuntu for a better society’
The annual Ubuntu project upholds the legacy of our former statesman and global icon, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela by carrying and emulating the values of Ubuntu to the future generations of our country and making a difference in our communities. We want to help you in your Ubuntu idea and initiative. You can apply to receive support for your Ubuntu initiative…
“A person with ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole.” – Archbishop Desmond Tutu
“As we know, the African people in this country have, over many centuries evolved a value-system of Ubuntu with its basic tenet aptly captured by the saying: motho ke motho ka batho. Many of us have been brought up to uphold values based on this old-age African adage. Through socialisation many Africans have ensured that our families and communities are themselves grounded on the value-system of Ubuntu.
Today, government as well as civil society, use elements of this value-system of Ubuntu in their approaches to the day to day challenges. Some of these examples are the government’s Batho-Pele campaign that seeks to place the interests of the public at the centre of government work and delivery of services.
Further, government as well as various communities have on different occasions embarked on programmes based on some of the basic elements of Ubuntu such as Letsema and Vuk’zenzele to mobilise people to act together to advance the objective of a better life.” –President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, on the occasion of the Heritage Day celebrations, Taung, North West Province, 24 September 2005.