A demise or just a beginning of Ubuntu? A defence of a Metzian perspective on Ubuntu.

Abstract

Ubuntu is a concept deeply rooted in the cultural and moral thought of the Nguni-speaking communities across sub-Saharan Africa. It is a philosophy that embodies humanism and ethics, prioritising communal relationships, compassion, respect, and human dignity as vital. The concept is well captured by the aphorism "umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu" which simply translates to "a person is a Person through others" (Tutu, 1999:31; Metz, 2010:99; Gade, 2012; TerblanchéGreeff, 2019). The question of the "relevance" of ubuntu was raised by Matolino and Kwindingwi (2013) in their co-article, "The End of ubuntu", which argues that the ontological conditions that had promoted the flourishing of the concept of ubuntu are no longer in existence in modern African reality. Furthermore, Matolino and Kwindingwi argue that there is a need for this concept to 'end' or to demise. This position never went unchallenged as Metz (2014), Chimakonam (2016), Koenane and Olatunji (2017) argued that the concept of ubuntu is still viable as an ethical theory and a way of life that can still play a role in modern African reality. Hence, this study seeks to examine the philosophical debate between Matolino and Metz on the relevance of ubuntu and the arguments for its end. This study seeks to argue that it remains relevant as it is a source of significant moral guidance and a moral compass for interpersonal relations in present-day southern Africa. Ultimately, the study concludes that ubuntu is not nearing its demise, but it should maintain its dynamism and evolve as a philosophy to be able to address social ills and complexities in the modern African era.