The Value of the African Philosophy of Ubuntu (“I am because we are”) in Leading Teams
26/02/2026 -
Dr Ndiweteko Jennifer Nghishitende is an Equality and Human Right Education Project Manager, NHS Lothian
On 4 February 2026, Christiana Ekpete, Senior Specialist Lead in the Leading to Change team, invited me to join an important discussion on the value of the African philosophy of Ubuntu in leading teams for the Inclusive Leaders Voices Podcast. I was delighted to attend, because Ubuntu is very close to my heart and sits at the centre of everything I do to do in my approach to work and leadership.
In a world where leadership is often defined by hierarchy, performance metrics, and individual achievement, Ubuntu offers a powerful alternative. It invites us to rethink what it means to lead and to belong — not as isolated individuals, but as deeply interconnected human beings.
What Is Ubuntu and Where Does It Come From?
Ubuntu is often translated as “I am because you are” or “I am because we are.” At its heart, it recognises that our humanity is intrinsically tied to the humanity of others. We become who we are through relationships.
The term originates from the Nguni languages of Southern Africa, particularly South Africa. In isiZulu, umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu means “a person is a person through other people.” Across the African continent, similar expressions exist. In my own Ovawambo community in Namibia, we say omunhu omunhu molwa ovanhu — a person is a person because of other people. Ubuntu is therefore not confined to one country; it is a shared African worldview rooted in reciprocity and interdependence.
Ubuntu also shaped South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation process after apartheid. Leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu practised Ubuntu as a framework for justice, healing, and collective responsibility. A contemporary reflection can be found in Everyday Ubuntu by Mungi Ngomane, which shows how ordinary people practise Ubuntu quietly and consistently in daily life.
Ubuntu matters because it grounds us. Before roles and systems, we are human beings.
This does not diminish individual dignity; rather, dignity is understood as both individual and collective. Leadership becomes relational and shared. The leader is not above the team, but part of it. The task is not control, but empowerment, creating the conditions in which everyone’s strengths are recognised and nurtured.
Trust, Belonging and Wellbeing
Leading with Ubuntu strengthens trust and belonging. When people feel seen and valued, psychological safety grows naturally. Individuals feel able to speak honestly, ask questions, and challenge ideas without fear. They no longer feel the need to mask or code-switch to fit in.
This has a direct impact on wellbeing. Reduced fear and increased recognition foster engagement and resilience. Teams rooted in Ubuntu do not merely function, they thrive.
Bringing Ubuntu into Practice
Even within hierarchical systems, Ubuntu can be practised. It begins with intentional psychological safety and genuine attentiveness: asking how someone is, listening deeply, remembering what matters to them.
Ubuntu lives in these everyday acts.
Ultimately, Ubuntu reminds us that leadership is about people. Our success is interconnected. We rise, or fall, together.
Reflective challenge: Think of a moment in your recent work where someone else’s contribution, presence, or support shaped the success of an outcome you are proud of. How might acknowledging that interdependence — openly and intentionally — strengthen relationships and reinforce Ubuntu within your team?
We’d like to thank Jennifer for writing this guest blog which is part of the Leading to Change Diversity Blog Series. We aim to highlight and promote the voices and experiences of leaders at all levels across the communities we serve and celebrate potential role models for other aspiring leaders.
Her podcast will be available to listen to on both PodBean and Spotify in the near future.
Dr Ndiweteko Jennifer Nghishitende
Role:
Equality and Human Right Education Project Manager, NHS Lothian
Dr Ndiweteko Jennifer Nghishitende is an Equality and Human Rights Education Project Manager with NHS Lothian’s Equality and Human Rights Team. Her expertise spans multiple disciplines and is underpinned by law.
She holds a degree in Law and specialises in Human Rights Law, followed by a PhD in Criminology focusing on the lived experiences of women who exited situations of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery in England and how they navigated systems and found a sense of belonging.
Her ethos is grounded in the African philosophy of Ubuntu and the lived experience of Black joy. Before joining the NHS, she worked as a researcher and lecturer at the University of Hull.
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