On 31 May 2025, at an event held at the Centurion Lake Hotel in Pretoria, the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMASS) accepted the uBuntu Civics Academy Ambassador Award, “in recognition of their great contribution towards the reclaiming and the living of uBuntu and the cultivation of an uBuntu conscious society. For making uBuntu alive.”
From Right to left: Professors Bradley Bennet, William Brown (Dean), Yoon Ju Kang, and Elizabeth Melton. In the centre: Anna-Mari Pieterse.
The uBuntu Ambassador Award is based upon KEY ASPECTS/FEATURES OF UBUNTU that have been chosen as the keystone of the award. The uBuntu Ambassador is seen as a representative, champion, keeper, agent, advocate, torch bearer, supporter and an embodiment of these features of uBuntu.
Being human.
There are numerous descriptions of what uBuntu is, but at the core, it is about being human. It is the one thing that we all have in common and that we would respect, preserve, and restore where necessary. UMASS has a heart for humanity.
Oneness/Unity in diversity.
Related to this, uBuntu is about our ‘oneness’ – the interrelated, interconnected, and interdependent reality of life. The uBuntu Ambassador (UMASS) appreciates the special and unique place that we all have in the Universe (unity in diversity), is mindful of the impact that we have on the world, and understands the responsibilities that come with our interconnectedness.
Being and the process of becoming.
With the word uBuntu pointing to the person (that is Sacred and part of community and the Greater Universe) that is in the process of becoming his/her higher potential, UMASS loves to see people and things grow and thrive and plays a positive and facilitating role in helping people and ideas reach their higher potential.
Excellence.
The late Archbishop Desmond Tutu said that the highest praise an African would give someone in recognition of his/her uBuntu is when they say: “Hey! So and so has uBuntu!” So, whilst uBuntu is about basic human dignity and worth, uBuntu is also about excellence! UMASS embodies and facilitates excellence.
Knowledge.
When it comes to knowing and understanding, Western science is one type of a knowledge system. “Human societies all across the globe have developed rich sets of experiences and explanations relating to the environments they live in. These ‘other knowledge systems’ are today often referred to as traditional ecological knowledge, or indigenous or local knowledge.” – July/August 2000 UNESCO Source Magazine – ‘Tapping into the World’s Wisdom.’
UMASS demonstrates love and respect for South Africa, African culture, and indigenous knowledge where uBuntu resides.
Spirit in Action.
uBuntu is Spirit in action that is expressed in all spheres of life. It is evident in our caring and sharing and how we treat our children, the elders, and fellow human beings, and in how we govern and lead and treat the environment. The uBuntu Ambassador is an active example of uBuntu.
In this regard, the uBuntu Civics Academy recognises the tangible difference that UMASS has been making in several South African communities and projects over many years, and we thank them!
The uBuntu Civics Academy acknowledges these important qualities in UMASS and hope that the key uBuntu features would always serve as a special reminder for them about who and what they are on their continuous journey of becoming!
Anna-Mari Pieterse.
FOUNDER. uBuntu Civics Academy.
