“The Spirit of Ubuntu”

The spirit of Ubuntu, is something we’ve been questioning as it relates to everyone in the world right now.

Above is a short video where Reverend Mpho Tutu, episcopal priest and the executive director of the Desmond & Leah Legacy Foundation, explains the concept of “ubuntu”.

Reverend Mpho Tutu, episcopal priest and the executive director of the Desmond & Leah Legacy Foundation, explains the concept of “ubuntu”.

“Implications of the Coronavirus Pandemic to the Concept of Ubuntu in Africa”

Ubuntu is the universal African custom of commitment to family and village. “I am because you are” means we all support each other. At a time like this, with the coronavirus pandemic, everyone throughout the world is falling back on ubuntu, including the United States, which prides itself on self-reliance and every man for himself, the exact opposite of Ubuntu.

Jim Holden enjoying the tented camp in Tanzania

Support of the safari lodges and the devastation caused with some of them having to close due to lack of guests and funding. Located in the remoter areas of Africa, where Africa’s remaining natural wildlife lives, safari lodges provide essential anti-poaching activities, without which Africa’s unique wildlife would be decimated.

Maternity ward in Zimbabwe

In addition schooling, medical services and disease prevention is provided by the safari lodges to the indigenous people in these remote areas. Again, without funding, people are destined to die, not necessarily from coronavirus but from other curable diseases such as malaria and yellow fever.

Our trip to Kenya with “Women travel with a purpose,” visiting a Masai village

Whatever the cause and source of this pandemic, innocent people and animals will suffer the most in Africa. The developed world has had a long stretch of uninterrupted development, the result of which is being felt through this pandemic, with people and wildlife at the margins of society bearing the brunt.

Guests watching wild dogs in Zimbabwe

Nature has a way of bringing us all back to the basics of life. In this case we are all being reminded of the spirit of ubuntu and the need to take care of everyone in society and not just the haves leaving the have-nots behind.

Guests watching elephants interact from jeep in Madikwe, South Africa

I wanted to stress how once again we go back to Africa, the place we all came from, to find our bearings again. Just like when you go on safari, you are forced back into a simpler and more meaningful way of life.

Please take care and we’d love to hear from you. E-mail SoniaM@HoldenSafaris.com with your comments and suggestions for our future Newsletters.

Don’t miss our next Newsletter on April 8th. You’ll get a chance to see selfies from our staff in the U.S. and Africa.

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