UBUNTU
Ubuntu, a Sub-Saharan philosophy, is based on the premise that one’s sense of self is shaped by one’s relationships with others. The concept is based on the simple principle of ‘I am only because we are.’ It is also interpreted as having a people-centric ethos whereby one’s humanity and values are geared to support and uplift everybody else’s. The essence of the African worldview is that it encapsulates the intrinsic values of humanness, love, compassion, generosity and respect instead of emphasizing the individuality of the self.
Speaking of Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama once said that the word Ubuntu best describes the South African leader’s greatest gift: “His recognition that we are all bound together in ways that can be invisible to the eye; that there is a oneness to humanity; that we achieve ourselves by sharing ourselves with others, and caring for those around us.”
If that is the case, then the word Ubuntu perfectly describes His Majesty the King’s disposition and outlook as well. If having Ubuntu is essentially to show care and concern, to help and uplift, to lead and protect, and to display an understanding of the love and dignity with which human beings ought to be treated then His Majesty is the perfect example of the spirit of Ubuntu. All his focus, thoughts and deeds are inextricably geared to support, shield, motivate and uplift us all – collectively.
Since the onset of the pandemic, it is painfully obvious that His Majesty has lost a few pounds, as he’s put his complete commitment to safeguarding us before his own wellbeing. Pictures of His Majesty hiking in soaking boots, walking in the pouring rain, the searing heat, the sludge, through leech-infested jungles, occasionally stopping for a simple meal in the wilderness have become all too common in the past two years. And they capture his mood perfectly – one of grave concern for our wellbeing and safety.
It is only because of His Majesty that we have collectively persevered through the pandemic. Left to ourselves, we’d have been done in by its first wave itself. The strain would have collapsed our health facilities and our death toll would have been dangerously higher, our towns along the borders would have been sidelined if not isolated, and well, there would not have been the monthly monetary support for a large portion of the population. And there would have been no loan waivers.
We would have been at the mercy of politicians – who we know haven’t the slightest clue about the spirit of Ubuntu, and if they did, wouldn’t give two hoots about it.
Thankfully, early on, even as the pandemic was just breaking out, it was His Majesty who understood the severity of the crisis and acted swiftly and boldly. His Majesty commandeered all possible levels of defense mechanisms in place and prepared us for protracted measures. And it is His Majesty, who worked round the clock, putting his life on the line, to guarantee our safety.
Even on his birthday, His Majesty could have been celebrating the occasion in the comfort of his palace, surrounded by loved ones. Instead, he chose to stand with those hit hardest by the repercussions of the pandemic. Before that, on His Royal Highness the Gyalsey’s birthday, he chose to stand with the people in the frontlines – inspiring them, providing them guidance while recognizing that, “We are all bound together in ways that can be invisible to the eye; that there is a oneness to humanity; that we achieve ourselves by sharing ourselves with others, and caring for those around us.”
Thank you, Your Majesty, for your spirit of Ubuntu – may it remind and cajole us to the warrior’s way of living, giving, receiving and leading.