The Moses Kotane Institute welcomes the opportunity to participate in research which brings about meaningful change in KwaZulu-Natal. We are proud to introduce the Moses Kotane Ubuntu Conference 2009.

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The Honourable Michael Mabuyakhulu, MPP, MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Zweli Mkhize, Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Professor Albert T. Modi, CEO of the Moses Kotane Institute. Ubuntu Conference 2009.

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FOREWORD by Professor Albert Thembinkosi Modi: CEO of the Moses Kotane Institute

Speaker:    Professor Albert Modi, CEO of MKI

7th December 2009

Innovation Centre

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7th December 2009

Innovation Centre

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Dr Zweli Mkhize, Premier of KwaZulu-Natal

Speaker:    Premier: The Hon Dr Zweli Mkhize.
Title:    Ubuntu as leverage for sustainable growth and development in KwaZulu Natal.

Abstract:   

There is no place in South Africa for corruption, greed, fraud and bribes. A void has to be filled by Ubuntu if South Africa is to thrive. Our nation has many examples of Ubuntu: it underpinned the liberation struggle and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission; it forms part of certain policy formulations; it is also practised by home-based care workers in the support of people suffering from HIV/AIDS.

The values and principles that will ensure sustainable growth for South Africa are: equality, human dignity, peace, justice, the creation of non-racialism, democracy, an acceptance of the diversity of cultures, religious tolerance, respecting others and a realisation that there is a common future. Sustainable growth means that resources in South Africa should be used for the advancement of all communities, equal access to services, eradication of poverty, job creation, education (even fir those who canít afford it) and better health for all.

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Keynote Address: Ubuntu as a leverage for sustainable growth and development in KwaZulu-Natal by Dr Zweli Mkhize

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The Honourable Mr Senzo Mchunu, KZN MEC for Education

Speaker:    Senzo Mchunu, MEC for Education KZN.
Title:    Ubuntu and academic excellence.

Abstract:   

The key to academic excellence is a new education system steeped in the values of Ubuntu, which should be taught right from ECD level. The education of individuals does not happen in isolation, however: individuals are part of an ecosystem. Learners, educators, parents and the wider community should therefore take responsibility for learning and teaching. This new Ubuntu-premised education system should not be based on deficits, but instead on principles such as patience, empathy, sympathy, compassion, understanding and support.

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Ubuntu and Academic Excellence

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Dr Mathole Motshekga, former Premier of Gauteng

Speaker:    Dr Mathole Motshekga.
Title:    The interpretation of the Ubuntu concept

Abstract:   

Through the Ubuntu initiative, we are able to transcend our differences and look for something that brings us together as human beings. Parliament can also play an important role in this regard. We need to create a platform that brings everyone together to engage in open debate. Our children will be different from us, because they will understand that the differences between us are those of form and not of substance. We need to look for the substance. This is the same regardless of language or culture. Let us work together. The means will be different, but the goal will be the same to improve the quality of life of all people.

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The interpretation of the Ubuntu Concept  By Dr Mathole Motshekga

Innovation Centre
Moses Kotane Institute/Department Of Economic Development

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Mr Jacob Molapisi, director of SANGOCO

Speaker:    Jacob Molapisi, SANGOCO.
Title:    Ubuntu as a philosophy guiding the activities of NGOs.

Abstract:  

It is important to remember that ëI am, because we areí. It is imperative to look inwards and find our own indigenous knowledge systems. The Ubuntu value system must consciously underlie all aspects of our engagement, together with its critical outcomes. When looking at NGOs and Ubuntu, we can see that there are four areas that need to be examined: structure (leadership, communication and behaviour, all linked to the mission and vision of the organisation); the environment that the NGO works within; the values and the impact that the organisation is making in society. It would be even better if we could qualitatively measure the impact of Ubuntu. We need to mainstream Ubuntu as a philosophy and way of life that makes us proudly African.

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Ubuntu as a philosophy guiding the activities of NGOs  By Mr Jacob Molapisi

Innovation Centre
Moses Kotane Institute/Department Of Economic Development

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Mr Sdumo Dlamini, President of COSATU

Speaker:    Sdumo Dlamini, COSATU president.
Title:    Ubuntu to ensure harmonious and productive relations in the workplace.

Abstract:  

The basis of a human beingís social activity is labour. How and why do hunger and poverty exist? The answer lies in the philosophy underlying most economic policies, that is, profit and profit maximisation. It is difficult for this to exist, or to co-exist, alongside the concept of Ubuntu. The extent to which people are prepared to put Ubuntu aside for capitalism and personal gain is the extent to which Ubuntu has gone. The basic precondition of the trade union movement is that in the workplace, battles to improve conditions of employment are not won by individuals, but by collectives. An injury to one is an injury of all. People are members of society before they are regarded as employees. Caring and care for each other, a culture of solidarity, is Ubuntu. This is found in the working class trade union community. Ubuntu enriches society.

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Ubuntu to ensure harmonious and productive relations in the workplace By Mr Sumo Dlamini

Innovation Centre
Moses Kotane Institute/Department Of Economic Development

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Mr Bheki Sibiya

Speaker:    Bheki Sibiya, BMF.
Title:    Ubuntu as a catalyst for business profitability, sustainability and competitiveness.

Abstract:   

Ubuntu should govern our conduct in business. There are sins of omission (eg turning a blind eye) and commission (eg price fixing, corruption), and Ubuntu reminds us of the importance of rendering a service or product at the best quality and best price without taking people for a ride. We need to inculcate the culture of Ubuntu in our workplaces, because it can have a fundamental impact on profit and sustainability. Where there is a culture of Ubuntu in a work environment, there is also integrity, courage, honesty and service excellence. An organisation with a culture of Ubuntu regards people or human resources as the companyís best asset. This affects how issues like retrenchment are dealt with. It should also govern the way in which we deal with issues like the dumping of medical waste, because such issues affect children, the environment, the water system and sustainability.

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Ubuntu as a catalyst for business profitability, sustainability and competiveness
by Mr Bheki Sibiya

Innovation Centre
Moses Kotane Institute/Department Of Economic Development

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Mr Phil Molefe, Acting Head, SABC News

Speaker:    Phil Molefe, SABC.
Title:    Ubuntu and Objective Reporting on the National Transformation and Cohesion Project. Can the two co-exist?

Abstract:  

The author explores the constructive role that Ubuntu has played and continues to play ñ  in South African society. Ubuntu has been called a special kind of African philosophy that guides people in their social relations and interactions. Furthermore, Ubuntu is core to the National Transformation and Social Cohesion project, the core elements of which are outlined. Next, the history and definition of objective reporting are discussed. The most widely accepted consensus on the concept of objectivity in news reporting is that it has to be supported by interest theory.

The link between Ubuntu and the National Transformation and Social Cohesion project is illustrated through an exploration of how the core values of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (Conversations and Partnerships; Restoration of Human Dignity; and Building a Common Future) resonate closely with the principles of Ubuntu. In addition, the author asserts that the SABC ís approach to news production must be sensitive to the values that South Africans subscribe to ñ chief amongst these being the philosophy of Ubuntu.

It is thus shown that the SABC Newsroom philosophy has its foundations in Ubuntu; it is issue driven instead of personality focused and deliberately tackles or prioritises those stories that form the building blocks of the national transformation and social cohesion project (including stories about poverty, health, education, crime, and development of rural people, youth and women).

Issues around objectivity in the newsroom are also tackled in accordance with balance and fairness. Finally the author asserts that Ubuntu and objective reporting on the National Transformation and Social Cohesion project can indeed co-exist.

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Ubuntu and Objective Reporting an the National Transformation and Cohesion Project. Can the two co-exist by Mr Phil Molefe

Innovation Centre
Moses Kotane Institute/Department Of Economic Development

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Mr Hlupheka Chabalala

Speaker:    Hlupheka Chabalala, National Indigenous Knowledge Systems Office, Department of Science and Technology.
Title:    Ubuntu and Indigenous Knowledge Systems (the Science of Ubuntu and the Ubuntu of Science).

Abstract:   

Ubuntu is a science in itself. Every nation has its own way of interpreting life (cosmology), and the Ancient Egyptian concept of life can be studied alongside the Bantu conception of life. It is useful to explore these two models and to see what they have in common with one another. When we talk about Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Ubuntu, we need to be scientific and objective enough to come up with a verifiable blueprint in order to understand our cosmology.

It is also important to invite the wisdom-keepers and sages to our conferences to ensure that we have access to not only information, but to knowledge. Ntu is Consciousness Devoid of Energy and Matter. Mu is Conscious Energy that Objectifies Everything. Mu-Ntu is Divine Being. We are all Ntu (having conscious will, the Source). The concept of Ntu needs to be fully understood and seen as the basis of everything we do. For example, if we see ourselves essentially as embodied consciousness, we will not support things like corruption, because we will not want to harm one another (since we are one with each other). If seen in this way, Ubuntu will have a positive effect on Governance, Economics, Education, the Social Order, Health, Spirituality and Religion.

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Ubuntu and Indigenous Knowledge Systems (the Science of Ubuntu and the Ubuntu of Science
by Mr Hlupheka Chabalala

Innovation Centre
Moses Kotane Institute/Department Of Economic Development

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Section 2: abstracts of PEER-REVIEWED academic papers

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Please note that for ease of reference, authors appear in alphabetical order.

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Mr Udo Richard Averweg

Speaker:    Udo Richard Averweg, Information Services, eThekwini Municipality and University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South†Africa
Email:     averwegu@durban.gov.za
Title:    Community in Community Informatics: exploring the philosophy of Ubuntu.

Abstract:    In the emerging discipline of Community Informatics (CI), one of its terms of reference  the Community  has been critically examined (Averweg and Leaning, 2009).1 In that research it was contended that the term Community has come to be used in an unspecific and general manner and that this may dilute and subvert the attention of practitioners in the field. In making that argument, a critical account of the term community was given. It was argued that the term is almost always used in a positive fashion and, moreover, that it has been deployed in differing discursive frameworks and political projects in Western society. While the focus of that research had a Western society focus, it was also noted that there may also be a need to explore and review interpretations of community in developing countries such as those in Southern Africa.

In this paper a proposed questionnaire is developed to explore the term communityí from a specifically Southern African perspective. In the survey instrument the classic African concept of Ubuntu is incorporated into the term community. It is contended that there is a need to explore the term community in terms of the concept of Ubuntu in Southern Africa, since such research may attract the attention of practitioners in the field of CI.

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Mr Stan Hardman

Speaker: Mr Stan Hardman, Senior Lecturer, Leadership Centre, Faculty of Management Sciences, UKZN and Wilna Botha, CEO, Africa!Ignite.
Email:     Hardmans@ukzn.ac.za; wilna@africaignite.co.za
Title:    Indigenous knowledge, leadership and workforce participation.

Abstract:    In partnership with Africa!Ignite and funded by the NRF, the Leadership Centre, UKZN, has been running a pilot project during 2009 on Indigenous Knowledge and Leadership in Africa. The project is focused on identifying the emergent strands of thinking about leadership at dominant university sites of contemporary thinking about leadership in Africa, particularly sub-Saharan Anglophone Africa. The emphasis is on participating in the flow of thinking and dialogue which has distinctive indigenous roots but which is promoting an emergent discourse in contemporary African realities. The paper will explore six dominant themes, namely:An exploration and articulation of African philosophy, identity, spirituality, social practices and values as embedded in Ubuntu.

An identification with critical thinking with regard to power constructs and their manifestations and implications. Concepts relating to marginalisation and exclusion, race, gender, hegemony, bias and entitlement are paramount in these discourses.

Youth and the post colonial/post-apartheid society.

A rejection of a narrow African identity in favour of a global identity  thus a message of leading in Africa rather than African leadership.

The ownership of ideas, narratives and artefacts of African culture through which leadership is communicated.
A disillusionment with the moral character of leadership and the conflict- ridden nature of many African societies where atrocities, including genocide, are still committed.

These six themes will be integrated into the theme of implications for an inclusive South African workforce.

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Mr James Khomba

Speaker:    James Kamwachale Khomba, University of Malawi, The Polytechnic, Blantyre, Malawi. Senior lecturer in finance and strategic management at the University of Malawi and a 3rd year PhD student (Financial Management Sciences) at the University of Pretoria.
Email:     jkkhomba@poly.ac.mw; jkkhomba@gmail.com
Title:    Indigenisation of the learning and growth perspective on the balanced scorecard: an African perspective under the Ubuntu philosophy.

Abstract:    Whilst the Kaplan & Norton Balanced Scorecard model has been proven to be successful in some quarters, it has also registered many failures in other environments. The model was designed for first world countries that operate within a capitalistic system. In third world countries, and in particular Africa, where capitalism is not so predominant, socio-cultural settings apply more rigorously, and the Ubuntu principles that are more humanistic, socialistic and community-based in nature are critical determinants of any successful African organisation.

Taking this into cognisance, it was necessary to establish whether or not there is a requirement that a different understanding of the current Learning and Growth perspective on the Balanced Scorecard model could be formulated, developed and adapted specifically for an Africa-based organisation. In a separate study that has just been conducted in Malawi, empirical results have identified four principal components that constitute the African Learning and Growth perspective: General African Indigenisation, which addresses the general issues surrounding the African socio-cultural environment Employee Learning Values, which expounds on values that can be realised when employees gain indigenous knowledge Africanised Customer Values, which elaborates on a need to have Africanised customer care and services Employee Skills and Motivation, which describes the values gained from skilled and motivated employees.
The study results were extracted from detailed statistical analyses using SPSS. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with the principal component extraction method was employed.

Conclusively, there appears to be a need of indigenising the employee and organisational learning and knowledge. The study results empirically indicate that indigenisation of the learning and growth activities is the most plausible way of enhancing corporate productivity and performance of an African organisation. The study is subject to some limitations, which include the small scope of geographic coverage, the fact that no adequate detailed analysis of causal relationships was conducted and finally the issue of data constructs not having been validated because only exploratory factor analysis was deployed. However, the study results suggest that indigenisation of the African Learning and Growth perspective addresses the socio-cultural underpinnings of the continent and is thus the most ideal way of running an Africa-based organisation .

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Ms Eve D Mafema

Speaker:    Eve D Mafema, School of Sociology, The University of Nottingham, UK, and Ndwakhulu Tshishonga, School of Social Work and Community Development, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus.
Email:    lqxedm@nottingham.ac.uk and tshishonga@ukzn.ac.za
Title:    Application of Ubuntu Principles as Building Blocks of Community Economic Development: A Co-op Case Study.

Abstract:    Persistent poverty, unemployment and inequality, most particularly in the rural areas, have prompted both the public and private sectors to seek alternative pathways to combat these socio-economic challenges. At the economic level, the situation has been aggravated by the dawn of the global economic crisis that has further hindered developing countries such as South Africa in its efforts to respond to these challenges. The situation is further worsened by public sector institutionsí lack of capacity, corruption, poor and incompetent human resources as well as skewed development and deployment, particularly in local government, which fuelled the recent discontent that resulted in mass strikes and protests.

Various policies were promulgated In the new and democratic South Africa, including strategic programmes that range from the Poverty Relief Programme, the Expanded Public Works Programme to the Working for Water Programme as measures to alleviate the side effects of poverty and unemployment. Surprisingly, these micro-macro development initiatives have had little impact; hence the rampant poverty and increasing rate of unemployment, coupled with gross income inequalities.

The authors advocate a vibrant and competitive transformation of local economic enterprises in order to bring about radical socio-economic changes. They argue that it is through transforming community-based enterprises such as co-operatives that the poor and marginalised could act as vanguards, the agents of transformation in fighting the scourge of poverty and unemployment. The paper therefore presents the principles of Ubuntu as the building blocks for capacity building to enhance the ability of community-based co-operative enterprises to operate effectively and efficiently.

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Prof Manoj Maharaj

Speaker:    Professor Manoj S Maharaj, Head of School, Information Systems and Technology University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.
Email:     Maharajms@ukzn.ac.za
Title:    The Curse of Ubuntu!

Abstract:    The concept of Ubuntu is noble. It has its parallels internationally in many different cultures and societies. Its generic values espouse the oneness of all mankind that in turn teach respect for each other and the environment. Furthermore, these teachings tell us that the Earth belongs to all of us and that we should all share in its bounty. This paper takes the view that while the principles of Ubuntu are well meaning and worthy of adoption, it works effectively only if all parties equally ëbuy intoí its propositions. We demonstrate this by means of examples drawn from many cultures where the clash of value systems invariably mean that those who regard the principles of Ubuntu as paramount are the ones that come second.

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Dr Sathiasiven Moodley

Speaker:    Dr. Sathiasiven Moodley, ex Dean at Unizulu, now convenor of the Education in Human Values Initiative.
Email:     sathimoodley5@gmail.com
Title:    The impact of human values: a co-operatives business perspective.

Abstract:    The paper aims to reflect on the nature and scope of human values in general and their impact on the co-operative movement in particular. The individualís values shape society and societyís values characterise the nation. The individual must contribute to society for society to uphold the values that will endure and ensure progressive and enlightened development. This in essence encapsulates the African concept of Ubuntu. Ubuntu is the core characteristic of human values.

Human values education serves as a catalyst for the ongoing growth and development of the individual and therefore society itself. It is in this context that co-operatives come into being. As a social structure co-operatives focus on business principles and ethical/moral action, the basis of a sustainable enterprise which adds value to the quality of life.
The paper initially defines the key concept of ëhuman valuesí and then contextualises its impact on the co-operative movement. In the process, the analysis reflects on the opportunities available for defining the character and capabilities of the individual and the group within the co-operative movement.

The paper then proposes an approach which uses human values as the constructive agent, firstly for re-defining the self and secondly for equipping both the individual and the group to understand how human values can support the co-operative movement in its quest for economic empowerment while ensuring that the human spirit and human endeavour are in harmony.

The outcome of the paper is to reflect on how human values education and training will contribute positively to the co-operative movement so that transformation and progress is sustainable.

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Dr P Mbiji Mahlangu

Speaker:    Dr P Mbiji Mahlangu, University of Fort Hare.
Email:     PMahlangu@ufh.ac.za
Title:    An analysis of the potential role of Ubuntu in the formal models of educational leadership and management in democratic South Africa.

Abstract:    This article seeks to establish the potential role of Ubuntu in formal models of educational leadership and management in a democratic South Africa. As part of this process, the influence of relevant models within both the pre- and the post-1994 era is discussed. The literature on Ubuntu is reviewed, and some theories on education leadership and management are considered. The central idea is to attempt to find links that would indicate the potential role of Ubuntu in these formal models. The findings suggest that the bureaucratic model, by its very nature, is devoid of the philosophy and values of Ubuntu and that it would be extremely challenged to incorporate them. On the other hand, the systems model of leadership and management seems able to underpin the functions of leadership and management with the philosophy of Ubuntu and to accommodate the majority of the Ubuntu values. These findings would suggest that for the future training of principals, school management teams, school governing bodies as well as studentsí representative councils, the concept of Ubuntu cannot be ignored. A strong recommendation is made to the designers of modules for the training of principals to begin to incorporate the notion of Ubuntu as an important component in such modules. In a transforming society such as South Africa, the philosophy of Ubuntu needs to form the foundational basis for all leadership and management modules for the training of principals. The adoption by the national government of South Africa of a developmental policy framework for the public sector post-1994 necessitates a philosophy and accompanying values such as those of Ubuntu to form the basis of education leadership and management.

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Mr Ndwakhulu Tshishonga

Speaker:    Ndwakhulu Tshishonga, Lecturer in Community Development, School of Social Work and Community Development, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus, Durban.
Email:     Tshishonga@ukzn.ac.za
Title:    Ubuntu-centred leadership: Implications of leading from the front or leading from the back.

Abstract:    For developed or developing nations, leadership or lack of leadership remains one of the fundamental challenges of the contemporary world. These challenges are complicated by a turbulent environment where uncertainties threaten and undermine the potential of organisations to develop and deploy human resources to produce optimal outputs and outcomes. Furthermore, these are challenges to the structural and operational functions of public and private organisations, where strategic planning and management systems must be put in place in order to nurture responsible and accountable leadership based on the African philosophy of Ubuntu. This represents a major challenge for project managers and co-ordinators, who need to acquire unique and innovative skills and to develop strategies for the appropriate planning and management of sustainable projects.

In order to address the gloomy global economic crisis, both public and private managers are challenged to transcend autocratic leadership and to embrace transformative and responsible leadership based on core ideals and principles. Fundamental to this shift is leadership commitment anchored on an enabling environment that promotes collective creation of a learning organisation. According to Blanchard and Hodges (2005), the most common leadership model is egocentric. In most organisations and institutions the rewards of money, recognition and power increase as members or employees move up the hierarchy. Self-promotion (pride) and self-protection (fear) are the reigning motivations that dominate the leadership landscape (Blanchard and Hodges 2005: 3).

In this paper, Ubuntu-centred leadership is identified as leadership that is inspired and driven by acts of collective/group solidarity and governance, compassion and respect. In essence, Ubuntu-centred leadership is transformative, visionary, people centred, strategic and action orientated. In this paper the author explores Ubuntu-centred leadership in terms of its implications in either enhancing or stifling leadership from the front or leadership from the back. The paper suggests Ubuntu-centred leadership not only as a framework through which production (services) could be maximised but as a tool to nurture ethical and responsible future leaders (empowering and enabling).

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Callum D Scott

Speaker:    Callum D Scott, Discipline of Philosophy, Department of Philosophy and Systematic Theology, University of South Africa.
Email:    scottcd@unisa.ac.za
Title:    An Ubuntu critique of racism:†towards a racist-free society.

Abstract:    In this working paper, the author explores the concept of Ubuntu from a philosophical perspective, concluding that Ubuntu is as an unquestionably ethical philosophy which readily serves as a lens for critique on moral issues. Rooting itself in South Africa, the issue addressed is the perennial problem of racialism, leading the author to consider ñ following Lucius Outlaw ñ racial identity as an important component of the human, but not as grounds for discrimination. The paper concludes with a consideration of the importance of Ubuntu ethics for Western philosophy, thus not limiting this thinking to Southern Africa.

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Mr Jerald Vedan

Speaker:    Jerald Vedan, Attorney, Notary, Conveyancer, member of the Kwazulu-Natal Inter-Religious Council.
Email:     jdvedan@telkomsa.net
Title:    Ubuntu and moral regeneration.

Abstract:    My purpose is to discern from the various definitions of Ubuntu as encapsulated in African traditional cultures and pronouncements of eminent statesmen, theologians and literati with reference to the South African Constitution, a common groundwork of Moral Regeneration principles to be disseminated and accepted widely in South Africa. I propose that for our populace these should form a world view (weltanschauung) which should become the basis of conflict-resolution among citizens and, where appropriate, relationship-building mediation techniques. With all-encompassing acceptance, Ubuntu Moral Regeneration principles could usher in a more compassionate and violence-free society. This work contributes to an effort to develop a mental infrastructure (guided by a Charter) which could enable our nation to thrive.

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Prof Musa Xulu

Speaker:    Prof Musa Xulu, Office of the Premier, Durban.
Email:    xulum@premier.kzntl.gov.za or musaxulu@telkomsa.net
Title:    Ubuntu and being Umuntu: Towards an Ubuntu Pedagogy through Cultural Expressions, Symbolism and Performance.2

Abstract:    Ubuntu manifests itself through cultural dynamics, symbols and performance practices, which include language idioms, music, song and dance. These exist in Africa in order to consistently define life and preserve tangible and intangible knowledge systems. John Miller Chernoff (1979)3 concludes that African music is ordered to establish a framework for communal integrity.

In this paper it will be demonstrated that idioms like umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu, meaning one becomes human through others are supported by the value systems, and the structural framework of the arts such as music, song and dance. The fact that the dancer depends very much on others to clap and to praise him or her reflects the value of humans to others. Similarly, in Africa, the call-and-response format of music creates a world in which people are consistently looking for opportunities to support each other. The paper argues that, historically, the education system of South Africa, from the missionary to colonial and apartheid and beyond continues to erode the values of Ubuntu and the cultural context within which these could take place.

The paper concludes by suggesting a new pedagogy for Ubuntu, whose basis is the need to create symbols of continuity in the building of a new society based on non-racism, non-sexism and democracy. This is informed by a conclusive understanding that Ubuntu is learned behaviour which can be taught.

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Section 3: abstracts of PEER-REVIEWED poster presentations

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Please note that for ease of reference, authors appear in alphabetical order.

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Cyril Francis

Speaker:     Cyril Francis, Senior Lecturer, Department of Tourism Management, University of Pretoria
Email:     cyril.francis@up.ac.za, tourism1@telkomsa.net
Title:    Ubuntu and skills development in the Overberg region of the Western Cape

Abstract:    The philosophy of Ubuntu forms an integral part of tourism and tourism development in underdeveloped and neglected regions in South Africa. The Overberg region in the Western Cape is a classic example of where this philosophy can be applied to the benefit of the entire region. It is high time that the tourist ërandí be extended to the local communities to empower them in a real and significant manner.

The untapped secrets of the Overberg were revealed and identified in a very recent study of the region. The Overberg is situated between Cape Town central and the Garden Route, and because the access route is between Caledon and Swellendam, the area tends to be ignored, whereas Cape Town with its popular branding and abundant tourist offerings attracts many international tourists annually.

The Western Cape is divided into ten different regions, each with its own unique characteristics and appeal, of which the Overberg is the third biggest in terms of its geographical area. This unspoilt area boasts some of the regionís richest birdlife and a wealth of fauna and flora; the southernmost tip of Africa, where the cold Atlantic and warm Indian oceans meet; sprawling, white, sandy beaches and dunes; an abundance of whales and last, but not least, it has the greatest historical and cultural significance of all the regions.

Given Cape Town as the gateway to the entire region and the strong Mother City brand, the Overberg should be branded and marketed strongly to expose the ëuntapped secretsí of the region.

If this became a regional priority of Cape Town Routes Unlimited (DMO), the Overberg would enjoy the benefit of better tourism, which would stimulate greater skills development for the owners and employees of the regionís tourism SMMEs.

Standing together, building the brand together and promoting the essence of real empowerment in the region can only lead to more sustainable tourism enterprises. Equipping the people of this region with skills, determination and passion will inevitably lead to the highest standard of satisfaction in terms of the unlimited needs of tourists.
Ubuntu, the way forward.

Download Abstract PDF

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Ubuntu and skills development in Overberg region of the Western Cape by Cyril Francis