Positioning the Natural environment in Ubuntu’s Axiom ‘Umuntu Ngumuntu Ngabantu’: An Ecospiritual Social Work Perspective

Abstract

Over the past decades, there is an increasing interest in the meaning of ‘umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu’ or ‘a person is a person through other persons.’ Utilising an Ubuntu-inspired Ecospiritual Social Work perspective, this chapter aims to critically reflect on the meaning of ‘umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu.’ As an ecophilosphy, Ubuntu is holistic and illustrates the interconnections between human beings and the natural environment. In exploring the significance of the natural environment through Ubuntu philosophy, issues of radical equalitarian ecological justice, sustainable development, climate change and public health are explored. The chapter underscores that ‘umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu’ is philosophically inclusive of the environment as part of the ‘others’ and as part of ‘umuntu.’

Ubuntu philosophy values kindness, empathy, forgiveness, social justice, compassion, human rights and social connectedness. An Ubuntu Social Work practitioner is expected to exhibit these values in practice. Reflecting on the axiology of Ubuntu, this chapter explores the scientific benefits of the aforementioned values. It argues that Ubuntu Social Work promotes health, social development and sustainability. Of essence, the reflection posits that Ubuntu Social Work is scientifically beneficial to both the practitioner and service users. Ubuntu Social Work values connects both the practitioner and service user in ways that transform society. Finally, the chapter explores the ripple effects of Ubuntu when put in practice. As a philosophy, Ubuntu should be understood from its value system for it to change the world.