IFP MP Launches New Book on Ubuntu

MEDIA STATEMENT RELEASED BY:
MR MFUNISELWA JOHN BHENGU MP
INKATHA FREEDOM PARTY MP

February 19, 2007

Mr Mfuniselwa John Bhengu, an Inkatha Freedom Party MP, will be launching his new book - "Ubuntu: The Global Philosophy for Humankind," at the The Novalis Ubuntu Centre in Kenilworth, this coming Wednesday, February 21, 2007.

Asked why he decided to write a book on Ubuntu, Mr Bhengu said: "The new order, born of the victory in 1994, inherited a well-entrenched value system that placed individual acquisition of wealth at the very centre of the value system of our society as a whole. This means our society assumed a tolerant or permissive attitude towards such crimes as theft and corruption.

Mr Bhengu continued: "We must react and respond urgently to the visible virus that is destroying and reducing the cell of humanity to ruins and fragments. It is my belief, that one day, mankind will be measured by its compassion and Ubuntu, which is above law, and beyond black and white. It has a very significant role to play in the creation of conditions for peace and harmony in the world.

Mr Bhengu's book not only deals with the historical origins of Ubuntu, but also deals with the practicalities of Ubuntu. It deals, among other things with the concept of Africanisation, which is a process of defining, interpreting, promoting and transmitting African thought, philosophy identity and culture.

In conclusion Mr Bhengu said: "I submit this book to South Africa, as a nation, for use in our fight against the corrosion of our societal fibre, and the rebuilding of a peaceful and harmonious society - a world that is steeped in Ubuntu principles, such as human dignity, respect, honesty, compassion, brotherhood, tolerance, empathy, caring, sharing, etc. A world free of corruption, crime, rape, violence, oppression, racism, etc. It may sound like a dream world, but it is not impossible to reach."


BOOK LAUNCH INFO:

Publisher: Lotsha Pulications

Date: Wednesday, 21st of February 2007

Time: 16.30pm to 18.30pm

Venue: The Novalis Ubuntu Centre, Rosmead Avenue, Kenilworth, Cape Town

Guest Speaker: Prof. Lovemore Mbigi

More info: Anthony Hill - 021 448 1725


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr Mfuniselwa John Bhengu MP: 083 303 8723
Liezl van der Merwe: 083 611 7470