Is the spirit of ubuntu beginning to fade?
Ubuntu, often described as “I am because we are,” has long served as the country’s moral compass, rooted in compassion
As South Africans commemorate Mandela Day, a pressing question is surfacing in communities, charities and homes: is the spirit of ubuntu — once a defining national value, beginning to fade?
Ubuntu, often described as “I am because we are,” has long served as the country’s moral compass, rooted in compassion, shared humanity and collective responsibility.
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Former president Nelson Mandela described it as “the essence of being human”.
It is about compassion, understanding, reconciliation, forgiveness and respect.
“It is about realising that we are all interconnected and that we share a common humanity,” he said.
But in 2026, that ideal is facing mounting pressure.
Rising living costs, deepening inequality and growing anti-immigration tensions are reshaping not only how South Africans give, but also who they are willing to help.
While some believe ubuntu is fading, those working closely within communities argue that it has not disappeared but is, rather, being tested and, in some cases, redefined.
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Humanitarian organisations said the willingness to give remains, even as economic hardship limits people’s capacity.
The greater challenge, they note, is convincing people that their contributions still make a meaningful difference.
Matt Hogarty, founder of Love uMngeni, formerly known as Love Howick, believes the narrative of a declining ubuntu does not reflect what is happening on the ground.
It may look like the spirit of ubuntu is fading from the outside, but in communities it is still very much alive.
“Most South Africans want better for the country and are stepping up to support one another,” he said.
Hogarty said across the uMngeni Municipality and in other towns that have adopted the Love Cities model, businesses and residents continue to support community programmes and volunteer initiatives despite financial strain.
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“When there is a clear vision, people respond. Ubuntu is alive, people are contributing and getting involved,” he said.
Dan Moodley, founder of Love to Live, shared similar sentiments that while the spirit of ubuntu still exists, it has been affected by changing social and economic realities.
“A lot of it has been lost along the way for various reasons, but people are still giving in the name of ubuntu,” he said.
Moodley noted that motivations for giving differ with some contributing for personal belief, others for tax benefits, and many doing what they can within limited means.
“The more you give, the more you receive, that has always been my belief,” he said.
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Even those with very little still try to support worthy causes when they can. What is encouraging is the number of fundraising initiatives by NGOs and NPOs, and the fact that people continue to contribute despite tough times.
This, he said, suggests that ubuntu is not disappearing.
Echoing this sentiment, a director at Community Chest, Richard Rangiah, said while economic pressures are making it harder for people to give, the underlying willingness to help remains.
“It is becoming more difficult because of the economy, but that has not dampened the spirit of people,” he said.
For Lifeline Pietermaritzburg director Sinikiwe Biyela, the challenge lies in how ubuntu is often understood.
“Due to the state of the economy, some people think showing ubuntu means giving money. But sometimes lending an ear, opening your door to a gender-based violence victim or helping a neglected child goes a long way,” she said.
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Biyela said Lifeline has directly experienced acts of ubuntu, including a Pietermaritzburg couple who donated a house to the organisation, and supporting fundraising events including the Walk The Talk.
“For us, this is a big act of the spirit of ubuntu,” she said.
But we also see it in everyday actions. Neighbours call us to report neglected children and then go further by feeding them and keeping them safe.
“There are victims who tell us they were abused and ran to neighbours who opened their doors to them. That shows humanity and that is ubuntu,” said Biyela.
However, she acknowledged that crime, poverty and social challenges may be overshadowing these acts.
“The level of poverty is so vast that many people believe everything must involve money.
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“But there are so many unsung heroes in our communities who demonstrate ubuntu every day through their actions and that will never die.”
