Reclaiming Indigenous Unity: Embracing Ubuntu
By Francis Mwaanga
Unity and communal support are the core of African societies, deeply rooted in their indigenous heritage. Historically, African communities exemplified a remarkable spirit of cooperation and shared endeavor, often surpassing other cultures in these respects. They thrived on mutual support, living in harmony well before the disruption of colonial interference.
The colonial era, however, introduced divisive policies that fragmented these close-knit communities, eroding the principles of unity and cooperation. In contrast, communities such as the Indians, Chinese, and Lebanese have shown great success in fostering mutual support in various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, thus building generational wealth. Meanwhile, African societies often grapple with rivalry and discord—a direct residue of colonial divide-and-rule tactics meant to facilitate easier exploitation.
This legacy of division is noticeable in many professional and business environments today. For instance, in the healthcare sector, African doctors might compete for recognition rather than collaborate to improve community health outcomes. This individualistic pursuit undermines the potential for collective success. Similarly, in the business realm, I once experienced firsthand the impact of these imposed divisions. Walking into a shop owned by a fellow African, I was met with indifference, a stark contrast to the attention a non-African might receive. This treatment, as though I was an outsider rather than a brother, is a poignant reminder of how deeply colonial attitudes have penetrated, influencing how we perceive and interact with one another.
To move beyond these colonial imprints, a decolonization of the mind is essential. Africans need to recognize that traits like division and rivalry were imposed on them and do not reflect their true nature. Embracing the indigenous African spirit of unity means deliberately moving away from these imposed behaviors and rebuilding the communal support systems that once flourished.
Decolonization is not just a nostalgic look back but a powerful act of reclaiming and revitalizing our ancestors' heritage. By reviving the historic unity and cooperation among different communities and embodying the philosophy of Ubuntu—which emphasizes a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity—we can forge a future free from divisive external influences and secure collective prosperity.
This transformative process is crucial for Africans to regain the inherent unity of their past, empowering them to move forward with strength and cohesion. This isn't just a call to action—it's a necessity for reclaiming the richness of our heritage and marching towards a future that respects and reflects our true communal spirit.
_From the insights of an African boy, now a business owner of 7 years and a medical student, drawing from the raw experiences and realities observed on the ground._