Ubudlelane philosophy

Conceptualised by Xweso[1] and Gwam[2] (2024)  

Ubudlelaneis an isiXhosa term meaning ‘ukwabelana’ which translates to ‘to share’. This concept is deeply embedded in human sociability and communal living, reflecting values that transcend national boundaries. In the Shona language, Ubudlelane is synonymous with ‘kupanana’. The philosophy of Ubudlelane is epitomised by the African proverb ‘ukuqhe’kezelana ngesonka’ meaning ‘breaking bread’. This proverb highlights the critical role of compassionate communities where individuals come together to share, support, and uplift one another. The Ubudlelane philosophy posits that poverty alleviation and the mitigation of various social ills in communities can be significantly advanced through the recognition and practice of compassionate sharing and mutual support.

Tenets

The basic tenets of Ubudlelane philosophy include:

Table 1: The basic tenets of Ubudlelane philosophy

Sharing and reciprocity	Recognising the value of mutual sharing and exchange, which is predicated on “Ukuqhe’kezelana ngesonka”.
Community and togetherness	Emphasising the importance of building and strengthening community connections.
Empathy and understanding	Fostering empathy and understanding among individuals and groups.
Inclusivity and diversity	Celebrating diversity and promoting inclusivity, just like gathering compassionately to support one another.
Respect and dignity	Promoting respect and dignity for all individuals, regardless of background or circumstances
Collaboration and cooperation	Encourage collaborative efforts and cooperative problem-solving.
Gratitude and appreciation	Cultivating gratitude and appreciation of one’s role in a compassionate community, including families ang group, and recognise the resources shared.
Social justice, Forgiveness and reconciliation	Emphasising social justice as a significant value in shared relationships fosters a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation. Just as breaking bread can symbolize a new beginning, these values pave the way for renewed and harmonious interactions.

Applicability in Social Work

The tenets of Ubudlelane philosophy are applicable at all levels of social work practice and intervention and extend to various forms of relationships across communities.

Inqanaba loBuntu (micro level): At the micro level of social work, Ubudlelane philosophy emphasises the importance of the “self”, recognising that individuals must practice living by Ubudlelane principles. These principles ensure that one’s selfless efforts to internalise and practice compassionate sharing with others translate into helping those around them. This closely aligns with the philosophy of ubuntu, which emphasises the interdependence of humanity and the values of caring.

Inqanaba leQela (mezzo level): At the mezzo level, Ubudlelane extends beyond the individual to include the building of interwoven connections within families, larger groups and communities. This fosters initiatives that enhance social cohesion among groups, promoting unity and mutual support.

Inqanaba leNgingqi (macro level): At the macro level, Ubudlelane supports the building of community structures that break down social barriers and reduce isolation. This leads to the identification of opportunities and the sharing of resources within the community.

Institutional Level: Institutionally, Ubudlelane philosophy can be employed to address inequalities, alleviate poverty, and support vulnerable populations. Through community-led and owned initiatives, this philosophy contributes to creating a more compassionate and equitable society. It is important to highlight that institutions should be guided by the principles of collaboration and cooperation in rendering services, which implies adopting a bottom-up approach.

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[1] Mr Mzukisi Xweso, Nelson Mandela University, Department of Social Development Professions

[2] Dr Zukiswa Gwam, Nelson Mandela University, Department of Social Development Professions

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