I am deeply saddened by the recent wave of xenophobic violence in my home country of South Africa. It seems that so many of our people have lost their basic humanity and have started to act in an "ubulwane" (animal-like) behavior.I contributed a popular-press article to the Regent Global Business Review that explores the intersection between embracing our humanity and Gospel value of radical mutuality as it applies to the marketplace in Southern Africa. The summary of the article reads as follows:
"There are strong parallels between the Christian construct of kenosis and the African social philosophy of ubuntu. These parallels allow for the construction of a value–based style of leadership in business that is both African and Christian where leader and follower attain full humanity through a liberating, empowering relationship of mutuality."
Here is a link to the online version of the article: http://www.regent.edu/acad/global/publications/rgbr/vol2iss1/2008%20April_Ubuntu-Kenosis_Bekker.pdf
May we recover our basic humanity that will allow us to recognize the humanity and value of each person.
