Philosophy Of Ubuntu Research Articles

Centring Race: Unpacking Informality Through the Lens of Black Tax

AbstractTaking a historical and contextual approach to racialization, this study seeks to unpack informality in the development of welfare regimes. By centring race as a conceptual lens, it elicits knowledge hierarchies that exist within the formulation of social policies; particularly concerning the classification of informal/formal practices. It thereby draws on Black Tax as a lived example of family and kinship support in Southern Africa, in the development discourse predominantly understood as informal social protection or informal safety nets. Black Tax, however, is a colloquial term that claims its non-Western origin and struggle to co-exist in a Westernized unequal society. It does so by stressing its racialized nature as a necessary practice in response to racial inequality but also as a form of alienation from its origin, being the African philosophy of Ubuntu. In showing consequences and internal conflicts that arise when living across dominant (Western) and subaltern (African) divides, it challenges colonial dichotomies that continue to dominate the development discourse. In highlighting what the informal/formal dichotomy overlooks, the study seeks to encourage a process of repositioning and expanding informality to better account for its political role in ‘thinking’ and ‘doing’ development.

Echoes of Ubuntu Capacity in The Realization of Child Rights Through Ujamaa Intersections – A Case of a Parasocial Work Model in Tanzania

Child rights abuse has become a serious global concern in the 21st century as it has been reflected in the global agenda of SDGs. Tanzania like other developing countries experienced significant child rights abuse in the 1990s due to the influx of the number of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) which was highly influenced by the HIV and AIDS pandemic, poverty, urbanization, etc. OVC was exposed to the high risk of being deprived of their rights following the failure of the formal systems and the shortage of childcare workforce that necessitated the government to involve the key child welfare stakeholders to revitalize and capacitate among the Ujamaa Intersections Models (UIM) under Ubuntu philosophy. Ultimate the country successfully designed an Indigenous cadre of para-social work (PSW) that advocated for and addressed the multiple rights of vulnerable children from 2007. Initiation and operation of PSW are embedded in the Ujamaa sections from side to side with social work and Ubuntu competence, this combination capacitated existing Ujamaa Intersections in the community such as family, extended families, neighborhood, local leadership, ecology, spirituality, and wider attributes in realizing child rights. The relevance of Ubuntu values and social work enabled para-social workers to identify the special needs of vulnerable children, increase community child protection awareness, create alarm systems for abused children, and sometimes link them to temporary self-shelters or social welfare services, etc. Despite the challenges, PSW succeeded in advocating for children's rights and improved the quality of life of children and their families. PSW has rendered evidence based on how the Indigenous models can offer relevant and sustainable solutions in addressing the rights of vulnerable populations in the community. Over time, several African countries adopted the PSW model and the model calls for child rights stakeholders and global decision-makers to revisit and relearn the capacity of the PSW model in the realization of SDG including protecting children from abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and violence. Also, it has relevant sustainable opportunities that ensure children attain inclusive and equitable quality social welfare services.

Selection of a classroom observation tool for disability inclusion in Uganda.

Obuntu Bulamu is a Ugandan intervention promoting inclusive education for children with disabilities. This culturally appropriate approach, based on the Ubuntu philosophy, utilises peer-to-peer support activities for children, parents and teachers. To effectively measure the intervention's impact on disability inclusion, the study aimed to select, adapt and test classroom observation instruments suitable for the Ugandan context. Three structured classroom observation tools were selected and piloted in 10 primary schools in Wakiso District: The Classroom Observation Checklist (CoC), the Teacher-Pupil Observation Tool (T-POT) and the Interaction Engagement Scale (IES). These tools were adapted to ensure cultural relevance and applicability within Ugandan school settings. Factors like class size, teaching methods, cultural relevance, language and ease of use influenced the suitability of the selected tool. The CoC emerged as a more effective tool with a strong internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha of 0.80) for capturing inclusiveness and peer-to-peer support in the classroom compared to the T-POT and IES. The study findings emphasise the significance of adapting and testing tools in specific cultural contexts and low-income country settings and considering culturally contextual factors like class size, teaching methods, language complexity and ease of use when measuring disability inclusion in primary schools. The selection of a classroom observation tool for the Obuntu Bulamu randomised control trial contributed to African disability knowledge and practices designed on and for the continent.

The Ubuntu Way: Ensuring Ethical AI Integration in Health Research

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in health research has grown rapidly, particularly in African nations, which have also been developing data protection laws and AI strategies. However, the ethical frameworks governing AI use in health research are often based on Western philosophies, focusing on individualism, and may not fully address the unique challenges and cultural contexts of African communities. This paper advocates for the incorporation of African philosophies, specifically Ubuntu, into AI health research ethics frameworks to better align with African values and contexts. This study explores the concept of Ubuntu, a philosophy that emphasises communalism, interconnectedness, and collective well-being, and its application to AI health research ethics. By analysing existing global AI ethics frameworks and contrasting them with the Ubuntu philosophy, a new ethics framework is proposed that integrates these perspectives. The framework is designed to address ethical challenges at individual, community, national, and environmental levels, with a particular focus on the African context. The proposed framework highlights four key principles derived from Ubuntu: communalism and openness, harmony and support, research prioritisation and community empowerment, and community-oriented decision-making. These principles are aligned with global ethical standards such as justice, beneficence, transparency, and accountability but are adapted to reflect the communal and relational values inherent in Ubuntu. The framework aims to ensure that AI-driven health research benefits communities equitably, respects local contexts and promotes long-term sustainability. Integrating Ubuntu into AI health research ethics can address the limitations of current frameworks that emphasise individualism. This approach not only aligns with African values but also offers a model that could be applied more broadly to enhance the ethical governance of AI in health research worldwide. By prioritising communal well-being, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship, the proposed framework has the potential to foster more responsible and contextually relevant AI health research practices in Africa.

(Un) Learning and Re (Learning) Counterterrorism in Kenya: A Pilgrimage Towards Indigeneity

Abstract To a great extent, Kenya’s counterterrorism approach is criticised for being a copycat of the Western state-centric approach. This raises questions on whether the country’s approach is indeed based on African heritage or embedded in Eurocentric dispositions. Despite being framed largely by discourses of Islamophobia Kenya’s counterterrorism approach is also a product of the dominant universalistic knowledge that is not entirely suitable for the country’s counterterrorism situation. Debates have emerged on whether this scenario is attributed to the failure to place terrorism in the wider historical context or whether coloniality and Western modernity are contributing to this threat. To address these issues, this paper employs the Afrocentric decolonial approach anchored on the Ubuntu philosophy to investigate what a decolonised counterterrorism approach that reflects indigenous perspectives should entail in Kenya. Consequently, this paper attempts to shed light on history through the eyes of the subaltern by deconstructing some of the mainstream assumptions that have dominated Kenya’s counterterrorism discourse. Consequently, this paper aims to provide the platform for epistemic reconstitution by debunking the myth that Indigenous Knowledge about counterterrorism is insubstantial.

Reimagining a nursing ecosystem in an uncertain world.

The discussion paper synthesises the insights shared during a keynote panel at the 26th International Philosophy of Nursing Conference, themed "Reimagining a nursing ecosystem in an uncertain world." It delves into the substantial impact uncertainty has on nursing, offering innovative strategies for reconceptualization. Through a critical examination of evidence-based practice, the tendency to homogenise nursing is discussed, prompting advocacy for a Nietzschean political framework as a form of resistance and emancipation. Drawing inspiration from Donna Haraway, a transition from individualistic to relational approaches is needed, especially amidst social and economic instability. Furthermore, the integration of caritas and Indigenous epistemologies underscore the significance of cultural sensitivity in nursing. Meanwhile, Ubuntu philosophy champions empathy and collective values, while a convergence of Eastern and Western philosophical traditions promises to enrich nursing practice. Ultimately, the panellists advocate for overcoming rigid ideologies in favour of a pluralistic approaches, ontologies, epistemologies and ethics to address contemporary challenges, and signal for a philosophical reorientation to engage uncertainty and reshape nursing roles in an ever-evolving and world.

“I Am Because We Are”: The Role of Sub‐Saharan Africa's Collectivist Culture in Achieving Traceability and Global Supply Chain Resilience

ABSTRACTPrior studies on traceability as an enabler of supply chain resilience (SCRes) have focused on large‐scale disruptions and developed country contexts. Few studies have focused on developing countries where chronic, small‐scale disruptions are common and resource scarcity means advanced digital technologies are rarely adopted. This research explores how traceability is achieved across upstream actors in two Ghanaian agri‐food supply chains and how this affects global SCRes. Social characteristics are shown to influence the risks inherent in supply chains, while traceability is both a direct and indirect SCRes enabler. Informed by the relational view, the roles of relation‐specific assets and governance mechanisms in maintaining traceability are explored. Supply chain‐wide relation‐specific assets are prioritized over dyadic relation‐specific assets. This original finding is explained by the importance of maintaining social ties over short‐term economic gains in a collectivist culture, leading to greater relational rents in the long term. A novel, informal third‐party governance mechanism that reduces formal contracting costs and provides flexibility and continuity to interfirm relationships is also identified, further facilitating the attainment of relational rents. The findings are explained in light of sub‐Saharan Africa's collectivist culture, encapsulated in the philosophy of ubuntu. Overall, the research theorizes on achieving supply chain traceability and thus enhancing global SCRes as a sociotechnical system incorporating technological and nontechnological systems that are socially embedded in the local context.

Reimagining Theological Anthropology: Ubuntu Philosophy, Election Violence, and the Quest for Peace and Justice in Kenya

In recent years, the intersection of theology, anthropology, and socio-political realities has garnered increased attention, particularly in Africa. This study engages with this conversation by examining human nature within the Kenyan context through Ubuntu, a philosophical tradition emphasizing communal interconnectedness, dignity, and justice. Focusing on the challenge of election-related violence in Kenya, the research explores the potential of Ubuntu-inspired theological anthropology to provide insights into addressing socio-political issues. By analyzing the historical, cultural, and socio-political dynamics of Kenya, particularly the roots and impacts of electoral violence, the study demonstrates how Ubuntu philosophy can inform theological reflections on human nature and contribute to peacebuilding efforts. Ubuntu, a Southern African concept, underscores the interconnectedness of humanity, encapsulated in the belief that "I am because we are." This perspective enriches theological reflection, offering a holistic understanding of human nature concerning the divine. Incorporating insights from African Christian theology, particularly inculturation theology, the study examines how cultural and historical factors contribute to conflict and explores indigenous approaches to peacebuilding and reconciliation. Addressing the root causes of electoral violence in Kenya, including selfish political interests, ethnic divisions, and land disputes, requires strategies promoting accountable governance, national unity, and equitable resource distribution. Ubuntu philosophy advocates for values of interconnectedness, justice, and ethical leadership, urging a theological perspective that reflects the communal nature of the Triune God and emphasizes living in harmony within a community. Integrating Ubuntu into Kenyan socio-political discourse calls for collective efforts to transcend ethnic differences, foster unity, and prioritize dialogue and reconciliation. This study highlights the significance of Ubuntu-informed theological anthropology in global discourse, advocating for a more inclusive and empathetic understanding of humanity that aligns with the principles of interconnectedness and communal well-being.

Social work and women's violence care in Morocco

This study explored the challenges and practices of social workers at Moroccan Integrated Care Units for Women and Children Victims of Violence (ICUWCVV) regarding violence as a major public health and social injustice issue. The study was guided by the Ubuntu philosophy, which emphasizes community solidarity, justice and human dignity. The theoretical framework is informed by African feminist epistemologies critiquing and extending African methods of empowerment within care practices. It applied indigenous research methodology through semi-structured interviews with 13 social workers across the Fès-Meknès region. In this paper, we will share the experiences in the field and challenges in operationalizing services. The perceived lack of training and resources in the programs impacts the quality of care provided and the ability to offer empathetic, victim-centered services. A need for training has been identified for all accountable health and social care workers who have access to case notes under the information-sharing protocol. Recommendations are made to contribute to policy development in areas related to continuous professional development support, as well as improved resourcing aimed at providing effective and culturally competent care for victims. These recommendations also emphasize the revaluation and incorporation of African philosophies and knowledge systems into social work practices. The recommendations draw upon national guidelines from governing bodies, outlining best practices and evidence-based methods for delivering healthcare, which service providers are expected to implement. HOW TO REFERENCE USING ASWDNET STYLE Mrabti L., Rhoulam I, Nejjar, F. and Belamfedel Alaoui Z. (2024). Social work and women's violence care in Morocco. African Journal of Social Work, 14(4), 225-232 https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v14i4.6 Visit journal website: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net

A sample ethics application to the African Independent Ethics Committee (AIEC) for research on social work with women victims of violence in Morocco

This article provides a sample of an ethics application to the African Independent Ethics Committee (AIEC). It is based on research with women victims of violence in Morocco, grounded in the African Ubuntu philosophy. Emphasizing interconnectedness and community respect, this ethical approach aims to enhance care for victims of gender-based violence through community-oriented and empathetic methods. At the end of this sample application, there are three appendices: the ethics application form of the AIEC, eight basic Ubuntu ethics in research and guidance on how to write an ethics statement. By sharing this sample application, and the appended information, authors intent to share knowledge of ethics planning in research with learners, academics, researchers, members of ethics boards, reviewers, editors and publishers in Africa and beyond. HOW TO REFERENCE USING ASWDNET STYLE Mrabti, L. & Belamfedel Alaoui, Z. (2024). An ethics application for research on social work with women victims of violence in Morocco. African Journal of Social Work, 14(4), 174-184. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v14i4.1 Visit journal website: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net

Situating Ubuntu Philosophy in Pre-service Teacher Education

Ubuntu African philosophy and its values have been a subject of discussion by stakeholders due to its humanness and communal nature. It embodies African cultural values and belief systems that form the ways of life of indigenous people. These critical attributes of Ubuntu have necessitated its integration into pre-service teacher education to prepare Ubuntu-focused teachers who can contribute to decolonizing the education system in South Africa and beyond. However, efforts must be made to integrate Ubuntu values into pre-service teacher education. This paper reports on an investigation of the relevance of Ubuntu’s philosophy to pre-service teacher education. The investigation adopted the qualitative integrative literature review approach by selecting twenty-four articles from Scopus, EBSCO, and Google Scholar databases for review. The authors selected relevant articles using the relevant inclusion criteria and analyzed them under different themes to answer the two research questions formulated for this study. In order to increase teachers’ capacity to support the decolonization of education in Africa, the article suggests that the humanness and communalism approaches to education should be incorporated into pre-service teacher education curricula. That the quest for colonial knowledge over the years in South Africa and, indeed, Africa has been attributed to the Eurocentric and increased domination of African culture of togetherness and ethics of care. The paper also concludes that Ubuntu higher education can serve as a framework for decolonizing the African higher education system. The authors suggest that there is a need to formulate strategies for integrating important values of Ubuntu, like humanness, interconnectedness, and communalism, into the pre-service teacher education program.

Re-echoing Afro socio-environmental sustainability philosophies: the purview of Ubuntu re-imagined through Adinkra symbols

ABSTRACT This paper argues that the concept of social and environmental sustainability is not a new philosophy in African cultures and can easily be practiced among Africans based on a better appreciation of their indigenous philosophies. It attempts to explore how the Ubuntu philosophy of humanness manifests in the Adinkra symbols to give an in-depth understanding, which shows how African societies share commonality in their concepts and to establish that African indigenous philosophies mirror strongly social and environmental sustainability dimensions of the Sustainable Development Goals. It further attempts to show a purview of Ubuntu extended that illustrates that social and environmental sustainability is inseparable in African philosophies. By method, the research purposefully selected six (6) Adinkra symbols and discursively analysed how they explain the Ubuntu Philosophy and their link to socio-environmental sustainability. From the findings, Adinkra symbols reflected the Ubuntu’s common values, which are compassion, mutuality and solidarity, and metaphorically showed their connection to socio-environmental sustainability and thus creates agency and deep appreciation for acting on the Sustainable Development Goals.

Applicability of Ujamaa Policy in Social Work Education in Tanzania Regarding Ubuntu Philosophy – A Literature Review

A literature review on the applicability of Ujamaa Policy in Social Work Education in Tanzania Regarding Ubuntu Philosophy. The late first president of Tanzania and Ubuntu champion (2014) Dr. Julius Kambarage Nyerere made deliberate efforts to decolonize education policy and systems in post-colonial Tanzania including education for self-reliance policy in 1967 under Ujamaa policy. Ujamaa is among the core values of Ubuntu philosophy that influenced social work education in Tanzania through the Ujamaa Intersections Model from pre-colonial to the present. In Ubuntu philosophy education is collectively developed and owned by the community and Tanzania’s social work education is integrated through the Ujamaa Intersections Model. Arusha Declaration of 1967 through the Ujamaa Policy strategically restored and integrated Social Work education through the Ujamaa Intersections Model that linked education and community. Compatibility of the Ujamaa Intersections Model and social work education facilitated self-reliance, voluntarism, community participation, cooperation, and empowerment by allowing community sections to take collective and holistic control of available resources for universal welfare. As per Ubuntu philosophy, the realization of Universal welfare in the country covered all community members regardless of their social status but emphasized vulnerable populations including orphans, disabled, elders, sick persons, pregnant women, etc. Over time, the applicability of social work education was in line with the Ujamaa Policy, and despite the colonial legacy in early social work programs, the content reflected the Ujamaa intersections Model. Ujamaa Policy addressed tribalism, and promoted national unity, solidarity, and cooperation spirit relevant to community development in the country, with more than 120 ethnic tribes requiring a comprehensive and collective cultural diversity social work relevant model of education to address existing social problems and collective sustainable future of Tanzania’s National Vision of 2050 and Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

“I am because you are”: traditional ruler-ship institutions and alternative dispute resolution in Africa

ABSTRACT Post-colonial Africa has played host to different kinds of conflict throughout its chequered history. Unfortunately, the continent’s modern institutions of conflict resolution have failed to intercept most of the disputes, leading to renewed calls for traditional institutions to go into conflict mediation strategies. While many studies have interrogated the nexus between traditional institutions and conflict, few examined the institutional involvement of traditional rulers in external peace support as an alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Most disputes occur within local communities rather than urban spaces, enlisting traditional rulers who are closer to the people, in resolution efforts is key to settlement. It posits that traditional ruler-ship institutions should be at the core of ADR in Africa given their inherent ability to negotiate, mediate, unite, reconcile and settle community disturbances. The paper observes politicization and corruption within the institution as plausible explanation for the disconnection between past successes and the inadequacies of today. Relying on a systematic analysis of relevant literature and the analytical strengths of the Ubuntu philosophy, the article concludes that for traditional rulers to be effective in the ADR framework, they must place community peace and cohesion over personal interests in conflict mediation.

The relationship between the philosophy of Ubuntu and the principles of inclusive education

This PRISMA scoping review identifies the emerging evidence on the relationship between the philosophy of ubuntu and the principles of inclusive education. The searches in this scoping review were conducted in AERD, Scopus, BASE EBSCO Host and Google Scholar to find the relationship between the philosophy of ubuntu as an African traditional knowledge system and the principles of inclusive education. Seven of the studies were included from a total of 134 articles published in Africa from January 2021 to December 2022 in English. Articles were excluded from review if they were published outside Africa, not in English, and from the period before January 2021. Data were thematically analysed following the thematic approach by Braun and Clarke (2021). Results organised by themes indicate that there is a very strong relationship between the philosophy of ubuntu and the principles of inclusive education. The thematic data analysis in this study indicated that both the philosophy of ubuntu and the principles of inclusive education are based on 1) equality, 2) unconditional acceptance, 3) enabling learning environment, and 4) respect for human diversity. The implication of this study is the recognition and adoption of the philosophy of ubuntu at inclusive education systems in Africa.

Communication of health messages using theatre: Appreciative inquiry from Ubuntu theatre group.

Theatre involves expressing meaning in a collaborative art using words, movements, and visual elements. However, theatre remains poorly used as a viable teaching strategy or a method for communicating health messages. Instead, it is relegated to solemnly transmitting indigenous knowledge. To explore and describe communication of educational health messages through theatre using an appreciative inquiry approach. The study was conducted among the Ubuntu theatre group from a rural province in South Africa. The group is famous for using theatre to communicate educational health messages through the lens of Ubuntu philosophy. A qualitative exploratory descriptive design was followed. A non-probability purposive sampling was used to select thirteen members of the Ubuntu theatre group. Data were collected by two moderators from the two focus group discussions through conference calls. Deductive thematic content data analysis was used to describe the 4-Ds of appreciative inquiry. Theatre is a playful pedagogy that can cut through language and cultural barriers when used to communicate educational health messages. There is a need to formalise it as an alternative pedagogy within the health care sciences curriculum. Furthermore, the sustainability of theatre as an educational tool is dependent on expanding educational practices, documenting its success stories and periodical in-service training. Using Ubuntu innovation to communicate complex educational health messages through theatre can maximise learning. This study recommends that Ubuntu-infused health messages be conveyed using theatre. The study adds to the body of knowledge by presenting Ubuntu innovation in communicating health messages through theatre.

Afrocentric triple helix: A communal perspective on addressing Africa’s economic and social challenges

ABSTRACT That collaboration has always been the foundation of human development as well as the coping strategy of some animal species is a view widely shared by scholars. In fact, no individual, organization or nation can produce everything it needs without collaboration. Therefore, nations and organizations use the concept of the triple helix as a collaborative tool to find solutions for commercial and social challenges. However, the main challenge of the model when applied has always been how to ensure its sustainability and its outcomes. Central to this challenge is the rationalist paradigm adopted in its conception and implementation, especially in an African context where communal and collectivist values are features of the society. Therefore, this paper advances a different model of collaboration. The African philosophy of Ubuntu is used as the framework for the conception and application of the triple helix. Our approach is grounded on the assumption that “culture” is one of the key determining success factors in sustainable collaboration. The approach requires a change in mindset and organizational structure and culture. Our practical approach to addressing the needed change is supported by renowned scholars in management.

Relational ontologies and epistemologies that are informed by our philosophies: Inaugural Ubuntu Annual Lecture 2022

It’s always a pleasure, a privilege, and an honour to share my thoughts with other African scholars. So, today I chose to talk about decolonising research and evaluation methodologies. I’ll start off with my understanding of what social workers do, then talk about the challenges that are there for social workers and others as evaluators and researchers. And then I introduce the decolonising paradigms and present the opportunities that are there for us as African scholars to work together to further our vision of an Africa that is liberated from only hearing from the global north. I understand that as social worker, you provide help and support to children and others in need, and that in doing so, you are informed by research. I understand that social workers are also evaluators, and they evaluate interventions to inform policy revisions and even modification of their interventions. I understand that social workers, they do research on social problems to inform design and evaluation of the interventions they design for efficacy. According to the SDGs, social workers have a responsibility, and this responsibility includes making sure that the interventions that they design are sustainable, that they provide long-term solutions for the wellbeing of the entire ecosystem that includes human beings and nature. I understand that social workers are also guided by the principles of social justice, human rights, and holistic and sustainable development to reach freedom and wellbeing. And I understand that social workers are expected to use various theories that take into account historical, cultural, and environmental underpinnings of society. Now, there are challenges with evaluation if you are a social worker. And the biggest challenge that we have today is that the paradigms that we use, the world views that we use that inform how we do evaluation have been informed by the ways of knowing of the West, the ways of seeing reality of the West, and the value systems of the West, and are also driven by Euro-Western methodologies. This has resulted in stagnation of thinking about other ways of doing evaluation and other ways of doing research. The biggest problem is that Western researchers and evaluators and the funders and donors from the West are reluctant also, because remember, most of our development interventions are funded from the West. These people are reluctant to engage with philosophies that see a connection between the living and the non-living. And these are called relational ontologies and epistemologies that are basically informed by our philosophies, especially the philosophy of Ubuntu. HOW TO REFERENCE USING ASWDNET STYLE Chilisa, B. (2024). Relational ontologies and epistemologies that are informed by our philosophies: Inaugural Ubuntu Annual Lecture 2022. Ubuntu Lecture delivered on 25 November 2022. African Journal of Social Work, 14(3), 158-165. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v14i3.8 Visit journal website: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net

Mazibuyele emasisweni: the nexus of Ubuntu philosophy, climate change and green social work

Climate change is a universal challenge that affects every country, community and individual. Importantly, its discourse requires collective participation from all academic disciplines, professionals, government sectors, classes and persons at a larger scale, not elite-imposed values. By adopting the critical paradigm, this article reviews the relevance of Ubuntu philosophy as an epistemic value of ordinary African people and of social work, which needs to be appreciated in climate change discourse. Most importantly, the hegemony of the imperialist values of the elite is explicated herein through the adoption of the narrative literature review method. The discussions highlight the nexus and relevance of a climate change discourse that should also be co-driven by social work and ordinary African people through the Ubuntu philosophy. For sustainable livelihoods, this article argues that Ubuntu, as an Afrocentric attitude, challenges the Western values of individuality and living for today without considering others and future generations.

The philosophy of Ubuntu and academic achievement among secondary school learners: A case study in the Gweru district of Zimbabwe

In the study reported on here we investigated the impact of Ubuntu on learner behaviour and academic achievement in secondary schools in the Gweru district of Zimbabwe. The study participants comprised 38 learners and 7 teachers from 4 secondary schools in the Gweru district. Data were collected through focus-group discussions, semi-structured interviews, participant observations and document analysis. We established that teachers and learners had a satisfactory understanding of how upholding values of Ubuntu contributed to academic achievement among learners. The findings reveal that in addition to other factors affecting academic achievement, like the school and home environment, learners who upheld the values of Ubuntu were disciplined, focused on their studies, and thus attained higher levels of academic achievement compared to learners who lacked Ubuntu and engaged in substance abuse, pre-marital sex, and lacked focus on their schoolwork. Based on the study we recommend that a course on Ubuntu be introduced in teacher training complemented by professional development workshops for teachers in the field to equip them with skills of integrating values of Ubuntu into the curriculum and thus foster the same among learners.