Representations of Ubuntu: Contributions of the South African people to the nation’s development

The class’ encounters with the South African people and our observations of the population’s spirit demonstrate that the citizens serve as the nation’s driving force in regards to economic and intellectual development. The class had the pleasure of meeting with the former senior investigator of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Zenzile Khoisan, and his lecture emphasized the significance of the country’s people. According the Khoisan, no one liberation movement freed the people of South Africa, but rather the people of South Africa liberated the people of South Africa. The interactions among those imprisoned on Robben Island and the determination of those in the Townships revealed the people’s ability to transform the country, further supporting Khoisan’s declaration.

The men on Robben Island demonstrated peaceful coexistence, which reflected the potential of a South Africa free of racial segregation. While challenging the legal system, the diverse population of prisoners learned to respect individuals with contrasting ideologies and various religious beliefs. As a result, the political prisoners lived without concern for the divisions and classifications the government had imposed, representing the future of a country rid of Apartheid laws. When speaking to Lionel Davis, a former political prisoner, he explained such classifications were designed to divide the people and, in turn, create greater conflict. Nevertheless, the prisoners did not behave as expected. While prison cards indicated only those of a specific race were to be provided with food, the men shared their food, rotating who would eat the bread available each day. Furthermore, Davis described the extent to which the prisoners respected each other’s faith and religious practices. Those living in the communal cell would fall silent when the Muslim prisoners conducted their daily prayer. Therefore, the community of prisoners cultivated an environment characterized by acceptance, which showed the value embedded in diverse populations and challenged the strength of an Apartheid system.

In addition to learning how to live communally and create a cohesive community, the men on Robben Island also grew intellectually. Although historically Robben Island has been a place of banishment, during Apartheid the men imprisoned on the island referred to the prison as “the university.” According to Davis, his education started on Robben Island. Men entered with an elementary education, but left prison with a university degree. The United Nations held the South African government responsible for treating prisoners according to international standards, which allowed prisoners to receive an education. The men paid tuition fees and would receive the necessary education materials. Additionally, lawyers, teachers and university professors were among those imprisoned, and they worked to advance their fellow prisoners’ education by teaching them to read and write. The learned prisoners also taught the uneducated guards in an attempt to erode barriers and challenge the racial hierarchy the government devised. The political prisoners’ dedication to their studies illustrated their ambition and commitment to self-improvement. Their behavior further inspired the criminal prisoners on Robben Island to reform their education as well. Davis described how, although the guards integrated political and criminal prisoners in hopes of discouraging the political prisoners’ spirit, the criminal prisoners altered their attitude and joined the political prisoners’ hunger strikes and other political initiatives. The intellectual and spiritual development of the people on the island epitomized the potential of South Africa. Their experiences on Robben Island indicated the power the people have to enact change within society, represent the possibility to engage with individuals of diverse cultures and erase racial boundaries.

South Africa’s history shows the transformative power of its people, yet  our observations suggests the present population exhibits similar qualities. When touring Langa Township, the small businesses scattered throughout the area represented the people’s drive to be self sufficient and support their respective families. Our guide pointed to a clothing company two brothers in the township established. The brothers’ business, called Fashion Shack, produces clothing with the Langa area code printed on the apparel. The company indicates the people’s innovation, creativity and self-motivation. Less formal businesses further communicate the citizens’ determination. Men and women frequently use shipping containers to house mobile businesses, selling goods from the unconventional structure or offering services, such as a salon, from within the container. Their tenacity shows their relentless spirit and interminable efforts to improve their own condition in particular, and that of their community in general. While varying architecture and plot sizes in Langa illustrated large economic discrepancy within the township, we learned it is uncommon for people to move from the area, even when a family has increased its socio-economic status. Although this behavior contrasts practices in the United States, the people’s decision to remain in the township shows a commitment to further develop the area in which the live and contribute to the vitality of their respective community. The unity of the people exemplifies the idea of Ubuntu, which proposes the strength of the group depends on the contributions of each individual.

Two women in Khayelitsha Township exemplify this principle and prove the growth of the community is dependent on the country’s citizens. Vicky transformed her shack into a vibrant business and established a bed and breakfast in Khayelitsha. The establishment, described as South Africa’s smallest hotel, was built with the intention to invite tourists into the township and dispel myths concerning those who live in the community. She functioned as an ambassador between Khayelitsha and the international community. Therefore Vicky’s Bed and Breakfast increased society’s cultural awareness and helped to educate the larger population about the townships and provide people with a more holistic view of South Africa. Gloria, another woman who lives in Khayelitsha, also contributes to the advancement of the nation. Gloria created a daycare behind Vicky’s Bed and Breakfast that serves children between nine months old and six years old. Gloria established the daycare to address a specific need in her community.  Local children frequently occupied the streets during the day, which inspired her to develop a center that would provide the children with a safe environment. She also recognized the prevalence of child abuse and created the daycare in response to that problem as well. The daycare employs eight other women and cares for 100 children, mostly girls. Gloria’s daycare works to prepare the children physically, mentally and socially for primary education. Children who attend also receive breakfast, lunch and a snack each day, which combats malnutrition and ensures the children are fed properly.

While the women’s efforts demonstrate a concern for their present condition, the exhibits in the District Six Museum prove the people’s dedication to the preservation of the country’s history. The museum displays a map and quilt on which former residents of District Six can write a memory about their experience living in the area and sign their name on the street where they had previously lived, respectively. District Six was once a metropolitan center, but the government began evicting non-whites in 1966 in order to create a White development.  The museum displays remnants of the vivacious district and chronicles its history; the people’s involvement in the museum demonstrates their investment in maintaining the memory of District Six and educating the public about the effects of the Apartheid system. The former residents’ engagement with the museum exhibits exemplifies the people’s ability to influence the portrayal of history and the culture of their respective community.

South Africa also depends on its people to direct the future of the country. Ubuntu Football Academy empowers the youth to enhance the future of the nation. The program includes three components in order to educate young boys and cultivate a culture of responsible and academically-engaged citizens. The program, founded by two Americans, uses soccer as an avenue for personal development and maturation. Participants learn soccer techniques as well as life skills, and those in the football academy are challenged physically and intellectually. Casey, one of the founders, promotes exponential transformation, which relies on the idea that influencing one child will in turn improve the community. The Ubuntu Football program empowers the future leaders of the country to succeed in challenging environments and modify South African culture so that it supports a population of positive male role models. Therefore, the program recognizes the value of children and adolescents, enabling them to serve as the foundation for the future of the South African community.

The efforts of the South African people are evident throughout their history, present and intentions for the future. They have successfully advanced cultural integration and embodied democratic ideals, such as education and religious tolerance. Acknowledging the transformative power of the citizens of South Africa proves its people are the country’s greatest resource. Furthermore, these individuals’ strength and determination represent each person’s potential and suggest each of us are cable of enacting change within our own community.

Question: How does recognition of the people’s capabilities influence their relationship with government and their trust of the governing body.

Tweet: It is so inspiring to see the impact of these individuals’ work and their contributions to society. Makes me wonder what all the Elon students will achieve.