Unravelling the Concept of Hunhu/Ubuntu among the Shona People in Zimbabwe

This paper seeks to unravel the concept of Hunhu/Ubuntu among the Shona people in Zimbabwe. It does this, primarily, by providing an understanding and history of this concept in relation to African society. It looks at Hunhu in relation to ethics (ethical conduct) or morality among the Shona. It also establishes aspects of Hunhu ethics that influence family relations among the Shona. Thereafter, it looks at the impact of Hunhu in education and development in Shona society. Above all, it examines the nature of the family (mhuri) among the Shona. It concludes that while challenges such as Western values, migration, and changing family structures exist, Hunhu/Ubuntu continues to provide valuable insights and guidance for navigating these modern realities. It is a way of life which expresses an African view of the world anchored in its persons, culture, and society which is difficult to define in a Western context. It focuses on people’s allegiances and relations with each other. Among the Shona, Hunhu forms the core of their culture, and it embraces a spirit of caring and community, harmony and hospitality, as well as respect and responsiveness. Ubuntu principles of communalism, justice, love, humility, tolerance, and honesty can be used to address challenges besetting education in Africa and the world at large, and to promote national and human development. Its purpose is to redefine social relations so that they become more egalitarian, transparent, and democratic. It is recognised as an important source of community’s existence. In this sense, the continuous well-being of families relies on the behaviour and principles of individuals. Hence, it is the responsibility of everyone to nurture goodness in each other and acknowledge that one’s failure results in the failure of the whole society.