Madame Speaker,

The first question we have to ask ourselves today is what is the current situation in our country? This is very important to understanding the values of uBuntu and their importance to our people.

Our streets are dominated by thieves and other criminals;

Our schools are war zones;

There is a complete breakdown in authority at most levels;

Our families are dysfunctional with fathers raping their children, and children defying parental authority.

I can go on for a very long time, but suffice it to say that there is currently a very high degree of societal and political decay to be found in our country. With such high levels of moral degeneration, we must concede that our country is becoming a weak state.

Part of the problem is the increasing level of moral relativism where nothing is explicitly wrong or inherently bad. In Afrikaans we say: "Laat maar loop!"

The subject of today's discussion suggests that in a situation as we find ourselves in, we should turn to uBuntu for the answers and remedies.

There is some truth to be found in that.

But, Honourable Members, uBuntu is not a light switch that can be flicked on or off depending on the demands of a particular situation or problem.

In our everyday lives some very important uBuntu principles have either been ignored or jettisoned altogether.

Let me mention some of these uBuntu principles.

uBuntu says that a person is a person through other people. Umuntu Umuntu Ngabantu

This uBuntu principle is an opposite of the Western principle of individuality. This principle also means that an individual is not alone responsible for his or her failures or successes. His or her fellow beings are his or her immediate support system. His / her society must be so structured that it promotes human success.

So, when we judge individuals, uBuntu does not allow for the adoption of "holier than thou" attitudes.

Our society today lacks the necessary support systems for individual fulfilment. The rich are not willing to share.

We have to ask if we, as Members of Parliament, form the necessary support systems or do we wait and gloat over some of our colleagues' difficulties?

To such people we would say in Zulu aphorism: Abanabo ubuntu.



FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr Alfred Mpontshane MP: 083 441 6201
Noleen Hendricks: 082 886 9848
email: noleen@ifp.co.za