Ubuntu: I am because We are (Katie Rimmereid)

Ubuntu. I am because WE are. A completely foreign word and concept that was introduced to me at the South Africa orientation. As all YAGMs come from the United States, I think it is safe to speak for the majority that Ubuntu is much more present here in communities than it is back home.

Thinking back on the history of South Africa, everyone is familiar with the apartheid period, the discrimination and the hierarchy of race. Now 17 years since the end of apartheid this nation still struggles with division of power, but it is much more connected and the expression of Ubuntu shines brightly.

Having reached the 3 month mark of my year here, I have witnessed this overpowering sense of community not only in their display of generosity and hospitality, but also how highly a simple greeting is stressed. I cannot speak for other communities outside of Soweto, but it is nearly impossible to walk by a stranger and not greet them. At one time, I was on my way to my pastor’s office and I denied greeting the ladies at the secretary office as I walked past; they were having a conversation and I thought best not to disturb them. It was only about 10 minutes later did the pastor receive a phone call from the secretary’s office and the lady at the front desk telling him that I did not greet them. I was shocked that I was being called out on my lack of saying “Hello”. Perhaps it is my ignorant American attitude, but I have never been in a situation like this. I mentioned it to a South African friend and he sided with the secretary. Again, I couldn’t believe what I was hearing; that everyone was getting in a big huff about me not saying “Hi.” I told my German friend, and she shared a similar reaction to me. So maybe it is a western civilization issue. It definitely taught me something. No matter the person, greet them. Not only is one’s presence known but it also makes it much easier to get to know others, to create that sense of community that most strive for in their living place.

Apart from greeting neighbors, friends, and strangers alike, I have felt the enormous action of generosity and hospitality from this country. I have always been welcome to join a friend’s family or to come along for an event of a friend of a friend…etc. I have found that the idea of paper and formal invites cease to exist. Everyone is invited. The more the merrier.

It is helping me to get over my selfish ways. It is helping me to understand people. To understand the importance of relationships versus materialistic things. To not take life for granted. To share with others. To give and not expect something in return. As Jesus states in Matthew 10:8, “…Freely you have received, freely give.”

Ubuntu is more than just a word. It is part of South African culture. It is lived out and shared with friends, family, and strangers. Nobody is left out. I am because we are.

Katie Rimmereid is an ELCA-MUD participant-learner in Soweto, South Africa.