Ah, Ubuntu! That noble philosophy of shared humanity, the idea that “I am because we are.” We proudly advocate it as proof that our existence is enriched by community, compassion and benevolence. A concept so pure, so altruistic, it could single-handedly solve our greatest social issues. If only it truly existed in practice.

For decades, Ubuntu has been Africa’s moral export and gift to the world. Thrown around in speeches, conferences and ANC manifestos. South African leaders have praised it with the same enthusiasm they reserve for cutting ribbons at billion-rand corruption scandals.

The irony is hard to miss. Ubuntu tells us that when you rise, take another with you. In this society, we recognise our well-being is deeply tied to the well-being of others and the whole comes before the individual. This shared bond is Ubuntu — I am incomplete without you; my happiness is incomplete without yours. Yet, the reality is starkly different from Cape Town to Soweto to Nkandla. Inequality is soaring, the rich retreat into high-walled estates and the poor are left to fend for themselves in a culture defined by every man for himself.

South Africa is considered the epicentre of Ubuntu, the land where solidarity reigns. The same country where crime, corruption and cronyism have become national pastimes. Where Eskom, SAA and Transnet embody the very opposite of communal well-being. Where a flawed BEE policy teaches tenderpreneurs, ‘if you give a man a fish, he has food for a day — then leave him to starve, overcharge millions to the government and find a bigger fish’. Where ANC officials would sooner blame apartheid’s ghost than take responsibility for their own incompetence.

One might argue that Ubuntu exists in our families, in our small acts of kindness, our traditions of sharing and in the individuals striving to uplift their communities. If Ubuntu is truly a reality, then where is it in the rancid GBV plague or when people are xenophobically attacked? Where is it when service delivery collapses and neglected communities are left without water or sanitation? Sitting at the traffic light, we muse over Ubuntu — this wonderful African treasure … right before rolling up the window to our fellow human begging for help.

Of course, Ubuntu does surface, but in curious ways. It’s in the collective sharing of a rolling blackout — nothing says “we are one” like everybody sitting in the dark again, wondering where the money went. It’s in the harmony of communal laughter when yet another politician gets caught lining their pockets, to be then forgiven by a lack of consequence. It’s in the shared expression of ‘ya ma se p…’ directed at the fancy blue light brigades as they speed past.

Ubuntu, it seems, is a fantasy, a convenient slogan for those who want to project an image of harmony without doing the hard work of actually creating it. It’s the feel-good philosophy they recite while stepping over their struggling comrades. A beautiful lie we believe in because the truth is too uncomfortable to confront.

So, let’s be honest. Ubuntu, as a principle, is magnificent. As a reality, it is largely a myth. A great African farce, played out on the stage of rhetoric, while the actors backstage loot the props, try to steal the crowd’s wallets and ruin the show.

There is still a collective hope for the beautiful dream this country longs to be. Perhaps, it’s time to stop talking about Ubuntu and start living it. Or, at the very least, to stop pretending it exists when all evidence suggests otherwise.

“My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.” — Desmond Tutu

When we triumph over this pandemic, let’s take our renewed spirit of togetherness and fresh energy to manifest that magic feeling: that feeling of omnipotence, that together we are capable of so much and all things are possible. Similar to the early joys of freedom post-apartheid, where we had the whole world at our feet, a great spirit and the hope for the beautiful dream this country longs to be. That amazing feeling of unity is us at our best. Let’s work towards the comprehensive liberation of all our people from the horrors of a pandemic, but also the climate crisis and the chains of poverty and inequality.

Ubuntu is the Zulu word for a Nguni Bantu philosophy often translated as “I am because we are” or “humanity towards others”. It is commonly used in a more philosophical sense to mean “the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity.” It describes a collective society, where the paramount principle is the connection and bond to others, and the moral base is sharing what you have and helping others. In this society, we recognise our wellbeing is deeply tied to the wellbeing of others, and the whole comes before the individual.

Fighting this disease involves solidarity and collaboration amongst all to socially distance and slow the spread. Let’s use this to make a permanent change in our attitudes and philosophy of our society to be more inclusive of our neighbours. Let’s push on and take responsibility for how we influence and develop a happier, better community. We help others not only because it’s the right way to behave, but we recognise that respect and humanity shown towards others is mutually beneficial. We share the experience of life with all those around us — they make us who we are. This shared bond is Ubuntu — I am incomplete without you; my happiness is incomplete without yours. Would the human life experience not be enhanced by benevolence, altruism and deep care for others?

“Our society needs to re-establish a culture of caring.” — Nelson Mandela

Our interconnectedness is not limited to South Africa’s borders but extends to the world alike. COVID-19 transcends borders, social status and is mightily successful — this indifference to ‘who’ is nature’s way of thriving. Maybe we could follow nature’s lead and transcend the boundaries we have created in society and across the world to all thrive together.

The people are the lifeblood of our country, the salt of the earth that makes our nation so spectacular, colourful and wonderful. All South Africans are in this struggle together — a nation united in its diversity. Ubuntu is a national treasure that we all should celebrate and embrace. So much can be gained through simple acts of sharing, kindness and compassion.

Our Economy

Once the medical crisis subsides, we must be prepared to face a more significant challenge of building our new world. Our economy is in immense trouble and nearing a breaking point. Joblessness is worse than ever — it already was before COVID-19. Alas, we will recover but how we do this will be telling of the future success of South Africa and the world. Let’s rebuild a new, modern South Africa — not only technologically advanced and innovative but modern and innovative in thought and principle.

What would an economy or business look like built on the principles of Ubuntu? Core to Ubuntu is sharing. Individuals gaining immense wealth for themselves should not be what drives and motivates us. We should be driven by how we change the world for the better. It should be that your success is a product of the change you have made in the world.

We’re all taking a hit. Our duty in this pandemic and beyond is to take on a load for the greater good. Let’s be compassionate and find a balance between helping our employees as much as possible whilst keeping the business alive. When you can, hire/rehire as many people as possible. Would one extra cleaner at your office make much difference to your bottom-line? Does that person live in a township and are they struggling to feed a family? For everyone we bring out of poverty, we create a consumer who in turn boosts the economy around them.

In essence, we need to crowdfund our economy. Crowdfunding is whereby a business raises funding from a large number of people, sometimes thousands, all contributing a little amount. Buy local products and support local small shops/services. Before we order everything online, let’s see who we can help out in the community around us. If there is no local alternative, then maybe there lies the gap to create a local business or create a few jobs? The stronger the community is when we come out of this, the better prepared we will be for the future, and the more likely we will be to thrive as a nation united. Community investment is an investment in others and self alike. Let’s rise together as one.

“The work is not for oneself. Kill the spirit of ‘self’ and do not live above your people, but with them. If you rise above them, take somebody with you.” — Charlotte Maxeke

Our Poverty & Inequality

South Africa is the most unequal country in the world. A place of haves and have-nots. I fear this pandemic is going to be a massive setback for the eradication of poverty and inequality, as well as globalisation. Sadly, we are already seeing more nationalist and protectionist policies across the world and the consolidation of power with the few.

Solving inequality and poverty is not a zero-sum game, where if someone gains, others have to lose. Neither is poverty, where for one to be rich others must suffer. Rich people and prosperity for all are not mutually exclusive. The sickening fact is right now we probably have the resources and know-how to solve hunger and poverty, but we choose not to do so. We have the resources — financially, economically and humanely as a species.

It’s a proven fact, bringing everybody out of poverty is how we will stop the world’s population growth. Quite simply, people above the poverty line tend to have fewer children averaging around two children per couple. If population growth continues unabated, the demand for resources will overwhelm the planet, and global warming will continue to spiral. We will seal our doom and face a mass-extinction event far outweighing COVID-19. However, we are capable of putting this all on hold. Ubuntu starts with assisting the members of society who are most in need, and we should be driving wealth into the poorer parts of our economy.

We need to find a balance between progress and humanity. Allowing some to have so much and others so little is not the world we want. Sadly, if we fail to get this right, if we fail to help the needy people on this planet, we all lose. The irony is the rich (countries and people) need to give to the poor to save themselves. Can the ‘rich’ have the vision to recognise their role in securing their own future; can they restrain their selfish, greedy urges and close the equality gap for the greater good of all? The sharing of wealth is the best long-term investment we can make, but it involves everyone. Let’s teach people around the world a sophisticated new collective way of solving our problems.

“Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life” — Nelson Mandela

Our Environment

Earth has a disease that humans have created called Climate Change. We have diagnosed it; the symptoms are a global warming fever and decreasing air quality. We are choking the planet’s lungs and starving it of clean air needed for life by burning fossil fuels and cutting down forests. We have developed many vaccines and innovative treatments, but roll-out has been far too slow. We possibly even know the cure? We are past the ‘Wuhan phase’ but still have time to get ahead of it before it becomes a pandemic. We need to start fixing the problem now before it gets out of control. No ventilator will be there to save us.

Our relentless quest for economic progress at all costs is fatally flawed. Is the world not fighting back? We have treated the world with utter disrespect, favouring our progress, greed and gluttony over what’s best for all. We have risked our very existence on this planet. Ubuntu is about shared humanity and responsibility; climate change is a human problem for which we are all responsible. This pandemic shows us, when our way of life is threatened, we can be unselfish and do the right thing for all.

“We are at the beginning of a mass extinction event, and all you can talk about is money and fairy tales of eternal economic growth. How dare you!” — Greta Thunberg

Our New World

Let’s embrace change and move forward, leading the world into a new enlightenment. The next level of human consciousness will be when people across the globe can look across borders and social structures realising their fates and futures are inextricably linked. An Ubuntu minded world where we live as one people; where wealth, decisions and intentions are for the benefit of all and not a few. Let’s ignore the sceptics, educate our people and evolve a more sophisticated humanity; a humanity that allows us to view others with more empathy, compassion and solidarity. Ubuntu is having a country where we share the experience of life with all those around us. A country allowing everyone the best opportunity to live a life of dignity and the chance to chase their dreams.

We need to pause and reflect on the ideals we are striving to achieve. Let’s alter or upgrade these for the changing times and in line with who we are as a nation. Use this ‘lockdown’ time to dig a little; to find out who you are and who we are as a nation; what we are grateful for and what we stand for; why and where you want us to go. Then, make a stand, pull along those beside you and make a difference in the world around you. If we all pull together, the best in us will shine through, and we will find ourselves capable of dealing with the challenges around us. Let’s build the country of our dreams — we have a chance to be part of something truly incredible that will leave our heads and our hearts full.

Let’s leave this tragedy by uplifting the down-trodden on the notion that we are one and only as strong as our weakest link. This season is about life triumphing over suffering and death. Let’s not be the generation defined by the tragedy of pandemic, rather the generation who took the opportunity presented by a health crisis to reassess and upgrade. Let’s shape a new perspective, a new way of life and change the world for the better. Humbled through its challenges, this generation could be the envy of the ages.

“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others. The true test of our devotion to freedom is just beginning.” — Nelson Mandela

Our African dream — Mzansi

I am a hopeful optimist. My dream is that you might share in this hope and optimism. Amongst this pandemic experience, let’s excite a positive feeling about the goodness in this country and help create a counterbalance to the relentless drone of negativity. Let’s find a sense of national pride that inspires us to go make a difference in our own way. Go out into the world with kindness and compassion; spread some positivity and optimism; share some love and share some hope; be courageous and never give up! Let’s give back to the country that has given us so much and always remember you can make a difference — you do make a difference! So please, take on the collective responsibility and let’s play our parts well in stopping this pandemic. When it is all over, let’s rebuild our African dream together using the spirit of Ubuntu as our guide.

https://www.andyevansconsulting.com/

Finding Ubuntu in a Pandemic was originally published in The Startup on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Adversity comes in many different forms and the experience is different for everybody. It is very difficult to teach someone how to deal with adversity — we have to figure it out and experience it for ourselves in the context of our struggle. However, it can be a journey that teaches us so much about ourselves and puts everything in life into perspective. The sooner we realise that it can and probably will benefit us in the long run, the better. This is a collection of my learnings and I hope to highlight the positive side to facing adversity, including how one grows and learns resilience, patience, humility and happiness.

“It is the very act of struggling against the resistance that ultimately results in our own strength. The same way as one appreciates exercise not for the immediate pleasure it provides but for the ultimate benefit it provides. It’s the very struggle of life that makes us who we are. It is through the resistance that we grow.” — The Dalai Llama, The Art of Happiness

Some context

I had a severe concussion from a bad fall and a few successive bumps on the head. I ended up being diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome and, for 18 months, I woke up every morning not quite feeling myself, living in a permanent fog and having constant headaches. There were some very dark and lonely times — both figuratively, through the internal and external challenges, and literally, through surviving two long London winters.

Be open and humble

Firstly, we have to be open about our struggles. We think we are alone, but everyone has their battles. As hard as you think things are, life is tough and you are not the only one battling. It’s not fair. Life isn’t, but everyone’s playing a similar game with their own battles. Once we humble ourselves by talking openly and honestly with those around us, we find that our battles, although unique in the symptoms, are not unique in substance and depth. Challenges in life are plentiful and common. Many are worn on the inside, but once you open to those around, you will be surprised at how many others are facing similar struggles. With that comes solace and comfort.

Get perspective

Get perspective on the struggles in your life and try to see them as something that will benefit you in the long run. In a sense be grateful for the bad stuff. If everything in our lives went as planned and nothing bad ever happened to us, we would take all the good stuff for granted and not be happy. We have gratitude and appreciation for the good stuff in our life as a result of experiencing the bad stuff. We thereby attain true happiness through experiencing the bad and we figure out what truly matters to us. We find out what we want from life! The big and real struggles put the smaller worries and anxieties into context. Things that looked so terrible suddenly feel insignificant. This perspective helps us with our long term happiness and the resilience to do hard things. Let’s be grateful for the journey, resilient to future troubles, happy about what we have and able to enjoy all the good around us.

Look forward and stay positive

You have to look forward and realise what has happened, has happened and cannot be changed now. We have to make the best of the current situation and go from there. Lingering and regretting the past has little use and moving forward is important. Stay positive and take one step at a time. Break it down, day by day, week by week … eg. just focus on getting through the day and then focus on the next. You won’t notice much change after a day but then after a while, you will stop to look around and be pleasantly surprised at the progress you have made. Admire the progress, celebrate milestones and small wins alike and occasionally pat yourself on the back; gain courage and strength, and forge onwards.

Recovery is not linear or quick

Realise that the path to recovery is not a straight line and there is not only one way to get there. We have good days and we have bad days, but as long as the long term trend is upwards then we’re on the right path. We expect progress to be linear, or at least to come quickly. In some cases, it takes months and years of effort to slowly build us up to a place where we can realise the true value of all our previous efforts. Don’t get disheartened if you are not showing results right away. Patience is key and the results will begin to show. When results start to show, it will not be what you did that day but rather your cumulative effort over a sustained period.

Be proactive

Time is a very good healer but not the only one on offer. We can be proactive about making ourselves feel better. Too much time is also dangerous and can be harmful. If we wait around, we risk becoming what we do. What you put in, you get out. You must explore all the avenues. Read books and articles, speak to people, get a 2nd and 3rd opinion and look outside the obvious fields. In my case, the help came from a psychologist and physio rather than the neurologist. They were able to put my battle into a context that I understood; they helped me understand where we were going and how to get there.

Focus on the process

Focus on the process and less on the result. Goals are good for setting a direction, but systems are how you make progress. If we spend too much time focusing on where we want to be and not how to get there, we might not ever get there. By focusing on the end result, we will constantly be comparing it to our current situation; because they are far apart, we get disheartened and demotivated. Focus on the different incremental little things requiring improvement that together will result in your goal. Celebrate the journey and don’t base your happiness on the destination. Trust in the process and the advice you have been given. Keep searching for the right process and advice until you trust it.

“Goals are about the results you want to achieve. Systems are about the process that leads to those results.” — James Clear, Atomic Habits

Change is positive

It’s ok to change who we are. Change is positive. Expand and upgrade who you are. Take this opportunity to reassess, expand and upgrade what type of person you want to be and then figure out what it will take to be that person. Create habits around the person you want to become and not simply on reaching back to where you were. Use the experience as a growth opportunity, find enjoyment in life again and take control. Instead of being the product of our environment, let’s choose to be the architect of it.

Less worrying

To quote from Baz Luhrman’s song called ‘Wear Sunscreen’ — “don’t worry about the future or worry, but know that worrying is about as effective as chewing bubblegum to solve an algebra equation”. I know this is hard but we have to try to be as happy as possible in the present moment. Look around, notice the positives and be grateful for the beautiful life around you and, again, trust the process. As they say in Swahili “Hakuna Matata” meaning “no worries” … or maybe in this context, less worrying. When feeling anxious or worried, try to reframe it as a positive emotion like excitement. However, when you lose focus in any way and are not doing your exercises, meditation, etc. — don’t be too hard on yourself! View your ill-discipline as you being too busy getting on with life as normal. That is what we want!

What did I get from this whole experience?

It made me a better human. It gave me compassion and kindness by making me more aware of everyone’s battles and more empathetic to those in need. It gave me gratitude and made me appreciate what I have; it humbled me and showed me it can all disappear very quickly and you shouldn’t take your health for granted (or anything for that matter). It gave me the resilience and strength to face all of life’s tough challenges and the motivation to live life to the full. These are lessons no money can buy — this is my blessing in disguise.

Oops! I bumped my head! was originally published in The Startup on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.