THE tragic death of an alleged juvenile delinquent is a product of African philosophy.
These kids did not comply with community norms and social standards and were thus subsequently subjected to an old age law of “bundu” discipline.
According to “Ubuntu”, “a person is always a being-with-and-for-others. Failure to attain personhood points blame at the individual, his or her family and community.
Those who brutally assaulted those kids feel that they have complimented social norms.
Children have to undergo rituals of incorporation, culminating in some societies in the rites marking the passage from childhood to adulthood.
Personhood is an ongoing process attained through interactions with others and one’s community, featuring generosity, benevolence and respect, according to studies of African culture (Gyekye, 1992).
A number of sayings in some African societies refer to people who have failed to meet standards expected of a fully human person.
These are sayings such as ‘ga e se motho’ (Tswana) or ‘ku si muntu’ (Nguni), literally meaning ‘he or she is not a person’.
Personhood is achieved, lost, and regained, depending on a person’s circumstances. The community rules.
Chris
