Ubuntu in Malawi

Abstract

The philosophy of Ubuntu or umunthu has its roots in humanist African philosophy, where the idea of community is one of the building blocks of society. In sub-Saharan Africa, the most striking features of the cultures of different people is their non-individualistic character, where community is the cornerstone in African thought and life. In Malawi, a developing country in Southern Arica, the Umunthu philosophy is embedded in the socialization process. Malawians are well-known in the world to be very kind and polite people. Malawian children are expected to embrace these values from their parents or guardians. Interestingly though, not every Malawian child ends up being a high holder of Ubuntu in their adulthood and that is the painful reality. The question then arises, is Ubuntu or umunthu a true reflection of humanity in Malawi or just a farce? The chapter answers this question by carefully exploring the umunthu philosophy, analyzing it in critical contexts in the Malawian society.