ZIMSEC O Level · Heritage Studies · Form 1, Form 2
Unhu/Ubuntu/Vumunhu is the African philosophy that a person is a person through other people: “I am because we are.”
Values of Unhu/Ubuntu
- Respect for elders, others and the environment.
- Honesty and integrity.
- Sharing, generosity and hospitality.
- Humility, responsibility and hard work.
- Solidarity: helping neighbours in times of need, for example through nhimbe/ilima (communal work parties).
Why the values matter
- They build peace, trust and unity in communities.
- They reduce crime and corruption.
- They shape good citizens who serve their country.
Threats to these values
Corruption, drug and substance abuse, disrespect, the breakdown of the extended family, and harmful content online.
Promoting the values
Families teach by example; schools teach through Heritage Studies and clubs; religious organisations, traditional leaders and the media also play a part.
Exam tip: Link each value to a real example from home, school or the community.
Check yourself
- Explain the meaning of “I am because we are.”
- Give three values of Unhu/Ubuntu.
- State two threats to Unhu/Ubuntu in modern society.
Show answers
- A person's humanity is shown through how they relate to and care for others in the community.
- Any three: respect, honesty, sharing, hospitality, humility, responsibility, hard work, solidarity.
- Any two: corruption, drug abuse, disrespect for elders, breakdown of the extended family, harmful media.
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