Storying Ubuntu as a rainbow nation

Abstract

South Africa is often referred to as the ‘Rainbow Nation’. This term was coined by Desmond Tutu during the advent of democracy in the country. Tutu stated: ‘They tried to make us one colour: purple. We say we are the rainbow people! We are the new people of the new South Africa!’ This article seeks to answer the question as to whether the Rainbow Nation is a true reflection of Ubuntu in South Africa or whether it is just idealism.