1. Ubuntu- Humanity Towards Others
Ubuntu, a philosophy that translates to humanity towards others, is a cornerstone of our culture. It teaches us that our individual humanity is inextricably linked to the community. in essence, we are all connected, and our actions have a ripple effect on our community. This belief has instilled in me a sense of responsibility towards others, a recognition that my actions can either contribute to or detract from the greater good.
Ubuntu has taught me to approach life with empathy, compassion, and kindness. I strive to be a good neighbor, a supportive friend, and a caring family member.
2. Sawubona- We see you
Sawubona, a Zulu greeting that means we see you, is more than just a casual hello. It is a recognition of the person in front of me, acknowledgment of their presence, their story, and their humanity
Sawubona has shaped my worldview by reminding me that every person has a unique perspective and experience worth acknowledging. its a reminder to be present in my interactions, to listen without judging.
These two teachings, Ubuntu and Sawubona have profoundly impacted my worldview, guiding me towards a path of compassion, empathy, and community. They remind me that our individual actions have a collective impact and that our connections with others are what makes us human.
Rites of separation.
I wake up at five o'clock everyday in the morning. I then study and prepare on what I will be attending on the day. I then place my outfit for the day on my bed then heard to take a shower. After doing my hygiene processes I eat breakfast which is just simple cereal and cold milk. I then pack my stationery then seven o'clock sharp I am at the bus stop waiting for my ride then heard to campus.
Liminal phase.
Upon arriving at campus I scan my student card at the entrance then heard straight my lecture hall. During class I make sure I participate and focus on whatever is taught. After class I go to the student center to meet with my study group then we all go to the library to study. Once I am done at campus I go to the bus gate to catch my bus then heard straight to my student accommodation .
Rites of reincorporation.
When I get to my room I have a hot shower , just to let go of everything and feel refreshed after along day I had at campus. I then cook and go eat with my friends at the television room and have a mini chitchat afterwards its bedtime. i heard to my room I pray then sleep.
Based on my personal reflection the number of young traditional healers has gone up extremely. According to Mufamodi and Sodi (2010), Traditional healers are held in high esteem in Southern African societies and play the roles of doctor ,psychologist and priest.
A lot of youngsters are going through initiation also known as " Ukuthwasa " in South Africa. Now the big question is it indeed a calling or a trend. If its indeed why is everyone becoming a traditional. Is this the reality of many are called and only a few are chosen ( Matthew 22:14). Am I next?. Traditional healing is becoming a fashion in South Africa resulting in many people envying the life style of traditional healers.
It is hard to believe that people go through initiation because they have a calling because most people are doing it for content. People thwasa because they want to post content on social media platforms and become famous. This are part of the reasons why people no longer believe in traditional healers because everything is done publicly while back then this rituals used to be done privately. People also get initiated on social media platforms.
Based on my reflection this has resulted in fraud, yes people claim to be traditional healers just so that they can scam people of their hard earned money. This also resulted in a lot of teenagers dropping out of school so that they can thwasa and make money and also people who are having a hard time in getting employed thwasa too because they believe they can make a living out of this.
according to Khanyi Mbau (2023) sometimes its not a calling but anxiety. Consult with a professional health practitioner before you make the wrong decisions y going through initiation while all you have to do is go through therapy because you do not have a calling you are depressed. Stay in school , focus on getting that degree , the is no easy money in life.