Comments on: Ubuntu: Myth or antidote to today’s socio-political and leadership challenges?

By: Nyaniso

Nyaniso — Tue, 06 May 2008 14:59:45 +0000

Hi Zanele…

Would you mind sharing why and how you engage your B-Tech students with “Sociology of Tourism” i.r.t. Ubuntu? Where in South Africa are you based?

I am a parter in a Cape Town based company called Shades of Black Productions. Among other things, we are involved in developing and marketing ‘Ubuntourism’, condicting ‘tourism business-as-unusual’ informed and guided by the African ethic of Ubuntu.

By: Zanele

Zanele — Tue, 06 May 2008 12:21:00 +0000

I would like to invite Dr. Magadlela to do a lecture or conduct an debate with my B-Tech students as we are doing Sociology of tourism this term. Please foward this email to him as I think he writes with an open mind.

By: Thought Leader » Dumisani Magadlela » (Mis)understanding ubuntu: A reply

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:44:41 +0000

[...] beloved Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu again (see my first posting on the subject titled: “Ubuntu: Myth or antidote to today’s socio-political and leadership challenges?“) Tutu said the following about [...]

By: Nyaniso

Nyaniso — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 15:39:24 +0000

Hi Dumisani…

Thank you for launching the question “Ubuntu: Myth or antidote to today’s socio-political and leadership challenges?”

I have read your opening statements and people’s responses with interest, particularly appreciated Bua’s and Dave’s contributions.

I only recently moved to live in South Africa (2006) and can’t yet contribute to the debate…but with time I hope to do so through walking evidence.

I look forward to your synopsis and description of the new concept ‘Ubuntu Intelligence©’.

Thanks to all who took/take the time to contribute their thoughts…

By: Dumisani

Dumisani — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 07:00:49 +0000

Today’s organisations within South Africa and elsewhere would do themselves a huge favour if they incorporate the best of African values and worldviews into their organisational cultures. Ubuntu is one of the most crucial African exports that has huge ‘exportable’ value and is needed in the business world and in politics. It builds the esence of human respect… regardless of one’s ‘assumed social standing’ or level in the organisational chart.

This is an important question that you raise. Thank you

By: Misiwe Mkhize

Misiwe Mkhize — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 17:10:59 +0000

ihave a question i want know that is it true that south african organisations need to incorporate african values such as “ubuntu” into thier management philosophy in order to be successful in the new south africa

By: Dumi

Dumi — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 11:46:04 +0000

Hi Laura
‘umntu ngumntu ngabantu’ is from isiXhosa, and it means, loosely: ‘a person is a person through people’. The emphasis is on the benefit to the collective, the household, extended family/clan, or community.

By: Laura

Laura — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 07:46:42 +0000

Dave, what does “umntu ngumntu ngabantu” mean?

My friend told me that in Shona there is a standard expression when you have achieved something: when someone congratulates you, you say “it is all of ours.” That, to me, is a picture of ubuntu.

By: T. Kwetane

T. Kwetane — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 05:23:24 +0000

Dave seems to know what he is talking about and I agree with what he says. Llewellyn Kriel why don’t you re-read what Dave wrote? Or, even better start a correspondence with him. I think he will teach you one or two things about the concept.

By: Dumisani Mkhize

Dumisani Mkhize — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:32:58 +0000

If the South African society is to embrace Ubuntu, then the adoption of Black Consciousness by Black people is sine qua non to prevention of exploitation. Remember that it was our ubuntu and the trust that goes with it, that allowed the colonialists to take over our land and wealth. Black Consciousness will provide the necessary vigilance and mentality of equality that will thwart any attempt at exploitation.