Ubuntu
From Southern African law and philosophy
Constitutional and public lawReligious and customary law
What it means
An African idea that a person is a person through other people, stressing community, dignity and mutual care. South Africa's Constitutional Court has referred to it when interpreting constitutional values.
Why it travels badly
It has no single English equivalent. 'Humanity' or 'solidarity' capture part of it. It is a value and a way of reasoning, not a rule, so it cannot be turned into a legal term in the way that a contract term can.
How other systems say it
ubuntu
Cited by the Constitutional Court, for example in S v Makwanyane (1995), as a value that supports human dignity and the Constitution.
Tip for translators and students
Do not translate 'ubuntu' with a single English word in legal writing. Keep it, and explain what the court meant by it in the case.
Related: Adat
Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
TheLawToKnow Tools’s glossary is an educational overview of the main differences between legal systems. It is not legal advice.
