What has happened to the principles of ubuntu? Exploring the concept of xenophobia in the post-apartheid literary work, Kudela Owaziyo by Maphumulo

Abstract

The whole world strives for a meaningful existence where a reasonable degree of harmony and tolerance can be maintained. This is not to imply any form of homogeneity as this would raise unrealistic expectations of a people shaped by wide-ranging contexts. As can be expected of a young democracy, South Africa, even after the lifting of discriminatory policies, is faced with challenges most of which are rooted in its apartheid legacy. There are sectors of society that are still disgruntled, after twenty-three years of democracy. Due to this situation some of the Zulu people, a nation that is historically known for ubuntu (humanity), are among those behind the torture of their fellow African brothers and sisters in the diaspora in what is commonly known as xenophobia. This article probes the situation and maintains that through their literary works authors can play a prominent role in bringing back ubuntu principles to the nation inundated with poverty.