Paper short abstract:

This paper seeks to explore the concept of Botho/Ubuntu by applying the concept to a European context. The concept emphasizes the needs of the community over that of the individual and individual achievements are view as achievements of the collective.

Paper long abstract:

For Batswana and other Bantu people in Sub Saharan Africa, the concept of Botho/Ubuntu permeates every aspect of life including policy and governance structures. Botho/Ubuntu is a concept of acceptable relational living, which is measured by one’s relationship to family, community, the environment. Botho define a process of earning respect by giving respect, being empowered by empowering others and must guide every aspect of life. Botho in everyday life is reaffirmed through greetings, which is a way of acknowledging each other’s existence and showing interest in ones wellbeing. Different from common Western practice where greetings carry little content and have become almost pro forma, in Botswana the question of “how are you?” is expected to be answered factually.

Being humble is a key aspect of Botho and it is seen as a considerate way of behaving that preserve the dignity of others. Young people are taught to respect senior citizens and to accord them respect. When explored further, the concept touches on power relations especially its emphases on obedience and respect for authority. This can be problematic in the context of democracy, where those in position of power and intrusted with authority should be held to account by the less powerful masses.

The study seeks to explore to what happens to the concept of Botho if it is moved across space. The research looks into the concept when it is applied to contemporary Europe in relation to development approach and power relations.