Ubuntu
“The spirit of Ubuntu, that profound African sense that we are human only through the humanity of other beings…has added globally to our common search for a better world”
Nelson Mandela
Some years ago I travelled with colleagues to a workshop in Mozambique. My boss spoke with me before we left and requested that I assume a role of group leader. “Just look out for them”, she said. “You are the only one who has lived in Africa”.
My colleagues asked about malaria. I explained about prophylaxis and medication that they could consider. Once in Maputo, we made our way to our fancy Indian Ocean resort. When my co-workers asked about food options, my suggestion was to walk away from the hotel and find some authentic Mozambiquan fayre. So off we went, down a long, dimly lit street in search of pap, prawns and peri peri. The next day, when asked about what to do in our freetime, I found out about the central market, and my workmates happily came along.
On our return journey, things were a little different. We were due to be in transit in Johannesburg’s O R Tambo airport for six or seven hours. When I proposed to my colleagues that we headed out into Jozi for a few hours I was met with stony, nervous faces. The city’s reputation as an edgy, crime ridden metropolis surpassed itself.
One fellow traveller agreed to join me, keen to take the opportunity to see something of the place. So we ventured out, organised transport and meandered into the city. We indulged; baked butternut squash, spiced and stuffed, washed down with chilled South African MCC *
We found our way to the affluent area of Sandton. And there in Nelson Mandela Square we marvelled at the mammoth statue of the former president; a massive memorial to a gigantic man. An icon.
Each July in South Africa, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela is celebrated. When the great man was alive, his birthday, July 18th was acknowledged. Many people across the country would give their time to serve their community in some way, in his honour.
Since Mandela passed away in 2013, he is always remembered, especially in this month. If he had survived, this year Nelson Mandela would have been 100 years old.
Many people talk of his legacy, of which there can be no doubt. He gave his life to the struggle, to the liberation of South Africa, it’s freedom and it’s people. He is still referred to as the father of the nation; ‘Madiba’.
He was the epitome of Ubuntu.
So what did Mandela teach the world? He stood for so much. He represented forgiveness, reconcilation and open heartedness. His words preached peace, tolerance and understanding.
Our world needs more people like him; more compassionate, intelligent, brilliant leaders.
Who is a national hero where you are?
*Methode cap classique