Todays copy of the Sunday Observer has this article on page 18: Tragedy bonds humanity 18/05/2014 03:00:00 By Bongani Dube Ubuntu/buntfu (humanity) is a Pan-African concept whose merits are embedded in the understanding that ones existence and survival is inextricably intertwined to the next persons own quest for such. It stands to reason, therefore, that human progression, since time immemorial, calls for some interdependence of sorts, right from family up to global levels. That interdependence usually comes in the form of such abstract presents we render to each other as love, care, warmth, encouragement, protection, concern, and a whole lot more. In Southern Africa, especially among the Nguni lineage (isiZulu, isiXhosa, siSwati, isiNdebele-speaking people) we even take the concept further through such bold assertions as Umuntfu ngumuntfu ngebantfu. That underlines our oneness as a people and decries any form of egocentricism, selfishness, etc. However, notwithstanding all this, humanity finds itself in a self-conflicting state of siege. Humanity has become own foe, hence trust and hope has diminished. I cringe every time I think of how modernity has stolen our social presence and thrown us into an imaginary and seemingly ubiquitous world of cyber networks; your Facebooks, WhatsApps, Twitters, you name it. Humanity has withdrawn from the real world into this fantasy world we have created on these social media networking sites, no wonder theres so much infidelity, un-productivity, unfriendliness, among many other resultant ills. Family heads should consider ensuring that families get their social time as a family every single day by insisting on limiting time spent on these internet- based chatting gadgets. Because of these gadgets, our children suddenly know more about one Solange in America who slaps a brother-in-law than they know about their own sister/ brothers problems. But thats just one of the contra- humanity examples that we see obtaining right in front of our eyes. There are more. However, this article seeks to remind us that humanity bonds every time tragedy or danger strikes. That is commendable, and that is reassuring. The country recently experienced a series of unprecedented accidents that claimed human lives. One cannot afford to pay a blind eye to such show of national compassion and oneness, right from social and mainstream media to our respective places of daily interaction. Accidents remind us of a known fact; no one knows the day nor the time. In other words, the unpredictability of our demise compels us to remind each other, our loved ones (family, friends, and colleagues), that we need to express each other’s love and care now, and right now. We don’t have to wait for tragedy to strike before we start telling them how much they mean to us. Now that’s humanity. We are all reminded of the 9/11 catastrophe where we all felt the pain Americans were going through, and the show of love that followed that event was insurmountable. This piece, is also inspired by the unfortunate events obtaining in Nigeria as we speak. What that dreadful terrorist organisation did defies who we are as Africans and indeed as global citizens. The spirit of Ubuntu has been grossly violated and again, we have all come to raise our voices in unity and say ‘Bring back our girls’. As His Majesty rightfully said, this is war against humanity, and Swaziland will not keep quiet and watch such inhuman atrocities as one perpetrated by Boko Haram. Tragedy bonds humanity. From west to east, north to south, we are united in decrying such barbaric and draconian acts of terror, and only but hope our leaders will find a resolution to this calamity. It’s time we revisit and repair our social fabric as Africans, and civilised world. Our fathers and mothers, teachers, political and religious leaders, should remind us and teach the younger generation about the principles of ‘ubuntu’. We do not want them thinking what transpires now is normal. It is not, and should never be. I reiterate, it should all start at a family level. If families ignore their offspring, then surely, we will be breeding future terrorists and notorious elements. I’m reminded of the Black Eyed Peas song; ‘Where is the love?’ Let’s find it at home first. United we stand. Viva ‘ubuntu’. Cheers to humanity!
Posted on: Sun, 18 May 2014 06:22:35 +0000
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