What are Ubuntu and Human Values?
Ubuntu and Human values are explained as values that define our character and divine nature. The core values are love, truth, peace, righteousness, and non-violence. These values are not exclusive to any race, gender, nation, religion, race, or creed. These values help us to focus on our common heritage as humanity, by practicing humanness. In other words, a return to our African roots of Ubuntu, an application of human values that is universal to all nations and cultures. These are universal values that all of humanity can identify with
Why are they important?
Ubuntu and Human values define our character. Therefore, ideally, parents should emphasize these values in the home. Thereafter schools and higher education institutions are expected to support and expand values-based education. As the child grows these values take root and provide a firm base for moulding the child’s character. As the child matures into youth and adulthood, he or she is able to interact with peers and the rest of society in a loving and caring manner. Ubuntu then comes alive.
What should be done?
As is evident above, and given our levels of crime, corruption and lack of caring and compassion, these ubuntu and human values are being asserted by numerous leaders of distinction. They are asking the wider community to galvanize into action for the betterment and good of society. Ubuntu and Human values give us an understanding of our role in society. It starts to define our interconnectedness and makes us a caring and helpful society. Therefore, every effort should be made to support this initiative by all stakeholders: civil society, religious, government, business, community and non-governmental organisations. A start has been made by many religious organisations and other groups, but this effort needs to be consolidated, expanded and the programmes widely disseminated to all sectors of society. All stakeholders must get involved.
