The societal impact of Ubuntu in Vhembe communities
Journal for Transdisciplinary Research in Southern Africa
| Field | Value | |
| Title | The societal impact of Ubuntu in Vhembe communities | |
| Creator | Tshivhase, Shonisani E. Mashau, Ntsieni S.P. Lebese, Tsakani R. Mulaudzi, Fhumulani M. | |
| Description | Ubuntu is regarded as a concept of humanity towards others. It embodies values and ethical principles that guide how individuals should conduct themselves in their daily lives, particularly in their interactions with others. Ubuntu is often cited as a foundational African philosophy, yet its practical application in postcolonial South Africa remains contested. The purpose of this study was to present a reflective narrative on the societal impact of Ubuntu values and principles, and the study was conducted in selected communities in the Vhembe District. The study utilised a community-based participatory research approach, gathering data through interviews and focus group discussions centred on participants’ personal experiences. Data were collected through interviews and focus group discussions with participants from various communities. These included males and females aged 18 to 76 years and above, with older participants considered a vulnerable group because of age-related factors. Throughout the study, the research team remained committed to safeguarding the rights, dignity and well-being of participants from these selected communities. The research population was accessed through the support of the traditional authority, which facilitated contact between the researchers and community members. The findings indicate that Ubuntu-based projects have positively impacted the communities, as expressed by participants during the data collection process. The participants affirmed that they now offer mutual support and assist one another without expecting any monetary reward. The study further revealed that projects based on Ubuntu have aided in reducing social isolation by forming various community-support networks, showing the necessity for community members to continue to support each other and nurture the spirit of collaboration.Transdisciplinary Contribution: The study provides a comprehensive understanding of Ubuntu values and their societal impact as it integrates a variety of disciplines – philosophy, sociology, psychology, education, law, developmental studies, environmental ethics and community engagement – to ensure that research is coproduced with communities, rather than being carried out on them without their active involvement. | |
| Publisher | AOSIS | |
| Date | 2026-01-28 | |
| Identifier | 10.4102/td.v22i1.1600 | |
| Source | The Journal for Transdisciplinary Research in Southern Africa; Vol 22, No 1 (2026); 9 pages 2415-2005 1817-4434 | |
| Language | eng | |
| Relation |
The following web links (URLs) may trigger a file download or direct you to an alternative webpage to gain access to a publication file format of the published article:
https://td-sa.net/index.php/td/article/view/1600/2637
https://td-sa.net/index.php/td/article/view/1600/2638
https://td-sa.net/index.php/td/article/view/1600/2639
https://td-sa.net/index.php/td/article/view/1600/2640
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