Karlos Naimwhaka
In the heart of the African spirit, the timeless philosophy of Ubuntu once thrived, binding communities and nations with a shared sense of humanity. Ubuntu, which means “I am because we are,” embodied the very essence of togetherness, mutual support, and a sense of responsibility to our fellow human beings. Yet today, we find ourselves at a crossroads, as the cancer of individualism slowly devours the unity and soul of African communities.
In the past, Africa was a tapestry of vibrant communities where the welfare of the collective outweighed the desire for individual glory and gratification. Neighbours cared for each other, communities worked hand in hand, and the spirit of Ubuntu prevailed. However, as time has passed, the individualistic mindset has eroded this bond, leaving behind a trail of self-centred ambition and a disturbing indifference to the struggles of our neighbours.
Everywhere we turn, it seems that personal gain and self-gratification have become the driving force in our lives. The “me-first” mentality has permeated every aspect of our society, from the grassroots to the upper echelons of power. In a world where we should be lifting each other up, we are becoming increasingly isolated and self-serving, neglecting the values that once defined our culture.
A poignant example of this decay is the political arena. Those entrusted with the responsibility of providing opportunities and fostering equality have, in many cases, succumbed to the allure of self-interest. Government agencies, institutions that should be the bedrock of social justice, are often seen as promoting only those individuals who align with their political ideologies. This practice perpetuates division and exclusion, casting aside the fundamental principle of Ubuntu in favour of political partisanship.
The marriage of individualism with materialism has turned our society into a spectacle of competition and ostentation. There is nothing inherently wrong with owning possessions or striving for personal success, but when these material goods become the sole measure of human worth, a dangerous chasm of inequality emerges. The pursuit of wealth has driven a wedge between the haves and the have-nots, deepening the divide in our society.
The consequences of this cultural shift are painfully visible. We see the glittering skyscrapers that soar to unprecedented heights while, not far away, shantytowns stand as stark reminders of the inequality that festers within our communities. As the pursuit of individual wealth intensifies, the values of sharing, compassion, and collective progress have been relegated to the shadows.
Our communities are no longer harmonious but fragmented by the pursuit of individual desires. The spirit of Ubuntu, which once bound us together, is fading, as we chase after personal ambitions without regard for those around us. The elderly are left without care, the youth without guidance, and the destitute without hope.
It is a sorrowful sight, but all hope is not lost. We must rekindle the flames of Ubuntu that once burned so brightly within us. We must remember that our worth is not measured by the possessions we accumulate, but by the compassion we extend to our fellow human beings. We must reclaim the sense of responsibility for one another and rebuild our communities on the foundation of unity, empathy, and shared progress.
To overcome the cancer of individualism, we must start by acknowledging its existence and its corrosive effects on our society. We must challenge the status quo and encourage a shift in our cultural values. Together, we can transform the pursuit of personal success into a collective endeavour, where individual accomplishments are celebrated, but not at the expense of the well-being of others.
The road to recovery is not easy, but it is necessary for the survival of our communities and the restoration of our African souls. We must reawaken the spirit of Ubuntu that once defined us, for it is only through unity and compassion that we can heal the wounds inflicted by the cancer of individualism. It is time to remember that we are because we are together, and together, we can rebuild the bonds that once made our communities thrive.
Uncommon Sense is published every Friday in the New Era newspaper with contributions from Karlos Naimwhaka.
E-mail: karlsimbumusic@gmail.com