Exploring ubuntu discourse in South Africa : loss, liminality and hope

dc.contributor.authorEliastam, John Leslie Benjamin
dc.date.accessioned2015-09-18T09:06:26Z
dc.date.available2015-09-18T09:06:26Z
dc.date.issued2015-06-15
dc.descriptionThis article was written as part of the research for the PhD degree that was done under supervision of Prof. Julian C. Müller, Department of Practical Theology, University of Pretoria, South Africa.en_ZA
dc.description.abstractThis article explores the current state of the social value of ubuntu. The notion of ubuntu seems to offer possibilities for nation building and social cohesion in post-Apartheid South Africa. However, this is contested by scholars who argue that the concept is vague and open to abuse. Interviews reveal that, whilst core elements remain, the meaning of ubuntu has been eroded, and is subject to distortion and even abuse. Ubuntu exists tightly interwoven with un-ubuntu. The notion of liminality is introduced to understand the current state of both ubuntu and South African society in transition. A liminal space offers possibilities for the creative re-imagining and recovery of ubuntu as a social value that can drive social transformation in South Africa. The lens of discursive leadership offers insight into the ways in which leaders can stimulate and shape ubuntu discourse and facilitate the construction of new meaning in society. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : The article forms part of broader research into perceptions of difference and threat, and prejudice on the part of South Africans towards foreigners. Ubuntu is a social value that should challenge prejudice and xenophobia and shape social relationships. Research in a rural and urban context in the Eastern Cape suggests that ubuntu discourse has been eroded and is in need of reinvigoration.en_ZA
dc.description.librarianam2015en_ZA
dc.description.sponsorshipThe National Research Foundation (NRF)en_ZA
dc.description.urihttp://www.ve.org.za/en_ZA
dc.identifier.citationEliastam, J.L.B., 2015, 'Exploring ubuntu discourse in South Africa : loss, liminality and hope', Verbum et Ecclesia 36(2), Art. #1427, 8 pages. http://dx.DOI.org/ 10.4102/ve.v36i2.1427.en_ZA
dc.identifier.issn1609-9982 (print)
dc.identifier.issn2074-7705 (online)
dc.identifier.other10.4102/ve.v36i2.1427
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/49976
dc.language.isoenen_ZA
dc.publisherAOSIS OpenJournalsen_ZA
dc.rights© 2015. The Authors. Licensee: AOSIS OpenJournals. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.en_ZA
dc.subjectUbuntuen_ZA
dc.subjectSocial valueen_ZA
dc.subjectNation buildingen_ZA
dc.subjectPost-apartheid South Africaen_ZA
dc.subjectSocial cohesionen_ZA
dc.subject.otherTheology articles SDG-04
dc.subject.otherSDG-04: Quality education
dc.subject.otherTheology articles SDG-10
dc.subject.otherSDG-10: Reduced inequalities
dc.subject.otherTheology articles SDG-16
dc.subject.otherSDG-16: Peace, justice and strong institutions
dc.subject.otherTheology articles SDG-17
dc.subject.otherSDG-17: Partnerships for the goals
dc.titleExploring ubuntu discourse in South Africa : loss, liminality and hopeen_ZA
dc.typeArticleen_ZA

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