Ubuntu Cannot Be Confined by Definition — It’s a Way of Life

People are people through other people

How would a white child such as me growing up in apartheid South Africa know what that means?

In retrospect, though I had a minimal engagement with other races as a child, I always looked beyond skin color at the human being within.

(I got in trouble for sitting in our maid’s room drinking tea with her and chatting. Forever smiling and kind — why couldn’t I enjoy her company?)

When I reached adulthood, there was an element of freedom that allowed me to engage with other races, even if only in the workplace.

It was through one of these encounters I learned of the book Indaba, My Children, written by the great Zulu sangoma (traditional healer) Credo Mutwa.

He was a sanusi, the highest level of shaman recognition, who passed away on 25 March this year, age 98.

What a fascinating read for an 18-year-old! African tribal history, legends, customs and religious beliefs from the time of the Phoenicians that have shaped Africa.

They didn’t teach us this at school.

25 years into democracy, they still don’t.

I learned of Unkulunkulu — the Father, the Great Spirit — and Nomkhubulwane, the Mother, the shape shifter.

Credo speaks of our two minds: the Warrior Mind which uses logic and the Mother Mind which is not linear and moves in all directions.

These ideas conflated with other religions I was exploring at the time — my quest to find my true Self.

Though I no longer have the book, the message of spirituality remains with me.

I have always felt at ease in the company of Africans. A soul connection that runs deep and true. Both times I was away from Africa, an immense piece of me was missing. The invisible energy of Mother Africa that wraps me in her loving arms.

Ubuntu is difficult to describe.

At my job on my first trip back to UK in 1973, it so happened the accountant at the company was a Black South African. He asked me why I’d left. I said I could no longer tolerate living in a country that suppressed people.

“Despite that,” I added, “I’m homesick for Africa.”

“I cannot go back, but you’re free to go,” he replied. “Heal your heart and go home.”

No judgement or envy — my joy would be his joy.

That’s ubuntu.

What makes us human Head strong or heart Who should rule This worldly home

May compassion be The fuel that Guides our souls

This way of life

Plant patience Harvest goodness

Without each other We are nothing

Ubuntu I am because we are

“My son, listen very well. It is not God who ultimately grants you your wishes and who hears your prayers; neither is it your ancestors. It is your own mind, your own soul through your mind, that brings your dearest wish to you.” — Credo Mutwa

May our wishes for peace and healing come true.

Thank you Diana C. for your warm welcome.

You agreed I could spread some ubuntu. Thus begins my journey in this community with ancient wisdom from Africa.

Thank you for being here.