{
  "id": 753542,
  "title": "It takes a village: Rebuilding Ubuntu before it is too late",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/it-takes-a-village-rebuilding-ubuntu-before-it-is-too-late",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-13T10:04:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/mercury/opinion/2026-08-13-it-takes-a-village-rebuilding-ubuntu-before-it-is-too-late/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The African proverb \"It takes a village to raise a child\" is more than just a saying; it embodies a profound understanding of human development. A child's identity is shaped by the relationships, examples, values, and conduct of the people and institutions around them. My colleague Siva Naidoo's reflection on Ubuntu and the treatment of migrants in South Africa emphasized a crucial point: hatred is learned, while compassion is cultivated. Ubuntu is something that is lived out. This also implies that we must question who is responsible for nurturing the human spirit and what happens when the community loses its moral compass. The instinct is often to look outward - at government, criminals, foreigners, political parties, or economic conditions. However, Ubuntu is not a government program; it begins with us, in the home - with children learning respect, kindness, honesty, and consideration for others. It begins with parents modeling restraint, integrity, and service, rather than rage, expediency, or selfishness. It begins with grandparents, elders, and communities passing down wisdom and reminding younger generations that we are never merely individuals; our lives are intrinsically connected to those of others. However, it is important to distinguish between human values and their artificial cultivation. Love, truth, peace, right conduct, compassion, and non-violence are inherent aspects of our humanity. They are not subjects to be added to the human being but are part of the Divine gift given at birth. The responsibility of the village is to nurture, awaken, and develop what is already within the child. Education should not merely be the transfer of information; it should help the human being discover their true selves, recognize their inherent dignity, and incorporate their innate values into daily life. The ultimate success of a person is not measured by their knowledge, credentials, or professional achievements, but by how they live their life. If the family becomes fragmented, parents are absent or overburdened by economic pressures, and children are exposed to violence, intolerance, or materialism, the foundation of human formation is weakened. Schools are then expected to rectify the societal failures. But teachers face immense pressures due to overcrowded classrooms, inadequate resources, and the demands of a complex educational environment. Education without character is incomplete, and producing technically skilled graduates who lack ethical grounding can lead to negative consequences for society. The roots of corruption often lie in childhood experiences. If a child learns that dishonesty is acceptable when it benefits them, or if cheating is tolerated, or if connections overshadow competence, or if success is solely measured by wealth, status, and power, unethical behavior can eventually manifest in boardrooms, public institutions, and political structures. The issue is systemic because human beings are formed within systems of relationships. Government has a crucial role in establishing just laws, protecting citizens, managing borders, providing public services, and holding wrongdoers accountable. However, government cannot legislate compassion into existence. A constitution can protect human dignity, but it cannot force a person to respect others. A law can prohibit violence, but it cannot create love. A regulation can prescribe accountability, but it cannot manufacture integrity. Therefore, the restoration of Ubuntu must ultimately become a societal and human endeavor, not just a governmental one. Rebuilding the village begins with families recognizing their responsibility for the moral and emotional development of children. It continues through early childhood development and schools, where educators should not only transmit knowledge but also facilitate human development. Education must extend into universities, colleges, and workplaces, producing not only employable graduates but also responsible citizens. Religious and spiritual communities also have a role to play in supporting human development.",
  "summary": "There is an African proverb, older than any constitution and wiser than many policy papers: “It takes a village to raise a child.”",
  "key_points": [
    "Ubuntu embodies understanding of human development through relationships and values.",
    "Hatred is learned, while compassion is cultivated within communities.",
    "Restoring Ubuntu requires societal and human effort, not just governmental actions."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Rebuilding Ubuntu requires a societal shift where families, educators, and communities take responsibility for nurturing human values, rather than relying solely on government to legislate compassion and integrity.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}