By Kate Love

Imagine a world where everything you do is not just for yourself, but for the greater good of those around you. Where your happiness and wellbeing are inherently tied to the people you share your life with. This is the essence of ubuntu.

A concept deeply rooted in Southern African philosophy, Ubuntu translates to "I am because we are." It’s a powerful reminder that our humanity is intertwined with the humanity of others. It speaks to the importance of compassion, kindness and mutual respect - values that have long been the foundation of many African cultures, particularly in countries like South Africa, Zimbabwe and Uganda.

At its core, ubuntu is about recognising the interconnectedness of all people. It challenges us to see ourselves not as isolated individuals but as part of a greater whole. It reminds us that our actions, both positive and negative, ripple out and impact the community around us. Simply put, when we nurture the collective good, we nurture ourselves.

Ubuntu: A Philosophy of Togetherness

The idea of ubuntu isn’t just a philosophical ideal - it’s a practice. It’s the way people in communities live, work and relate to one another. It’s about showing up for each other, being present in each other’s lives and offering support in times of need. It is rooted in a deep sense of solidarity - a belief that no one should have to go through life alone.

You can see the principles of ubuntu in action in countless ways: from families supporting each other, to neighbours coming together to build a house, to strangers offering a hand in difficult times. It’s the realisation that we’re stronger together, and that when one person suffers, we all feel it. The concept of ubuntu encourages us to act with empathy, to lift others up and to celebrate one another’s successes as if they were our own.

The essence of being human

Another expression of ubuntu is “I am because you are,” emphasising its relational rather than communal nature, or the literal translation of umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu / motho ke motho ka batho:

“A person is a person through other people.”

Ubuntu embraces the nobility of human identity more broadly than tribal or communal identity, including even enemies and those we don’t agree with. It asks us to see the value in all human life and recognise that we are only truly human when we share, connect and live in harmony with others.

In his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, Nelson Mandela wrote:

“Ubuntu is the essence of being human. It is about compassion, understanding, reconciliation, forgiveness and respect. It is about realising that we are all interconnected and that we share a common humanity.”

*A group of Basotho men performing a traditional dance*

the joy of one is the joy of all, the sorrow of one is the sorrow of all.

Ubuntu in Daily Life

Practising ubuntu can be as simple as taking time to check in with a friend who’s going through a tough time or sharing a meal with a neighbour who’s far from family. It’s about taking a step beyond self-interest and recognising that true happiness comes from contributing to the happiness of others.

But ubuntu also calls for action in the wider community. It’s not only about small acts of kindness, but building societies where the collective wellbeing of everyone is the priority. It’s about creating environments where people feel seen, heard and valued. In a world that often feels divided, ubuntu reminds us that our strength lies in unity.

Why Ubuntu is More Relevant Than Ever

In today’s fast-paced, often isolating world, the lessons of ubuntu are more important than ever. We are increasingly caught up in individual pursuits - whether it’s the pressures of career, the quest for personal success or the endless cycle of comparison on social media. Yet, at the heart of all this is the realisation that true contentment is found not in what we have, but in the relationships we nurture.

In fact, ubuntu offers a profound antidote to the individualism that dominates modern life. It teaches us that by embracing the wellbeing of others, we too can experience joy, connection and fulfilment. In other words, ubuntu is a call to slow down, to focus on what really matters and to cultivate a sense of community wherever we go.

The Global Power of Ubuntu

Though Ubuntu has its roots in Africa, its message resonates globally. We see this in social movements, in grassroots activism, in the way communities across the world are coming together to tackle global challenges like climate change, inequality and injustice. The spirit of ubuntu is alive in these movements, reminding us that change happens when we act together, when we support one another and when we put people over profit.

In our increasingly individualistic world, it’s easy to forget how much we need each other. Ubuntu brings us back to the heart of what it means to be human - to be part of something bigger than ourselves. It challenges us to not only care for others but to actively work towards a world where everyone’s rights, dignity and wellbeing are honoured.

A Philosophy for Living

Living by ubuntu doesn’t mean living without conflict or difficulty. It means living with a deep commitment to compassion, understanding and connection. It means recognising that even when we disagree, we are still bound by a shared humanity. It’s about creating spaces where people feel valued, where differences are celebrated and where unity is the ultimate goal.

Just as ubuntu teaches that the joy of one is the joy of all, the sorrow of one is the sorrow of all. It’s a call to action, a reminder that our individual success is only truly meaningful when it uplifts others. When we embrace ubuntu, we can create a world where empathy, kindness and community are the foundations of how we live, work and relate to one another.

So, take a moment today to embrace the spirit of ubuntu - whether it’s through a kind word, an act of service or a shared meal. Know that in doing so, you are not only enriching someone else’s life but your own. Because when we care for others, we care for ourselves, and together, we can create a stronger, more compassionate world.

By living with Ubuntu, we remember that our connection to others is not just a nice idea - it’s the very essence of what it means to be human. And in that connection, we find our truest joy.

Ubuntu: The Power of Community Connection