South Africa Workshop for Social Entrepreneurship - 2008/Reflections/Circle of Courage

Paul van Muschenbroek, The Win Win Group

Ensuring the sustainability of communities, particularly rural communities, is not something new. In fact, for centuries communities have known instinctively what systems and values they must nurture in order for them to survive and thrive.

Belonging: Firstly, there must be a sense of belonging by each individual within a group and this can only be created if there the group has a common set of values, goals and dialogue.

Mastery: The second attribute required in order for communities to thrive is individual mastery – the ability to find, harness and use those particular skills each community member has. Centuries ago, when hunting was the only means of obtaining meat for food, skilled hunters were celebrated by the communities within which they lived. They had mastered their skill, used it for the common benefit of the community within which they lived and, more importantly, they taught their skills to other members of the community. This transfer of knowledge ensured the sustainability of the group.

Independence: In every community there will always be a strong individual need for independence but this is coupled with the community’s pre-requisite for accountability. Whilst it is human nature to want personal independence, such independence has to be accountable to the rest of the community.

Generosity: Finally, communities knew the intangible rewards received through personal generosity. Generosity encompasses not only the giving of material or financial assistance; it is also the giving of one’s time and effort without the expectation of reward. In South Africa traditional generosity among rural people is called Ubuntu – giving without wanting reward.