In a touching video, an American woman beautifully illustrates how Ubuntu has resonated with her through genuine interactions with the warm-hearted people she encountered during a visit to Cape Town.
Cape Town, South Africa (17 April 2025) – An American woman who goes by @auntie.tyty on TikTok shared a heartwarming video about some of the things South Africa has taught her during a recent visit to Cape Town.
On top of her list was: Ubuntu. In a montage of clips showing shared moments with kind strangers, she shares how she has learned how the word means community, graciousness, welcoming and radical hospitality through interactions with South Africans.
Moved by the natural warmth of our people, she attempts to describe ubuntu as:
“The fact that this is your home and home is with people – I am because you are, you go deeper, I go deeper, we go deeper.
“It’s the ideal here that I’ve never experienced in the States; that is so important that everyone should be gracious and kind, and that if anyone needs help, assistance or support, we’re there to do it,” @auntietete shares in the video.
She also spoke about how, after meeting and interacting with a group of people in the span of an hour, they had invited her over to their home for dinner.
“They have connected me with resources, taught me how to plant a flower that I love. One beautiful woman even invited me to sing with her on her set,” @auntietete adds.
For her, ubuntu is an essence she can easily feel on our land because it’s a value that our people hold dear.
“I’m not even kidding it has changed my ethos, it has changed my internal spirit. Now, without a second thought, I’m always thinking, how can I contribute, and that is the spirit of ubuntu.”
What a great affirmation of how truly special our nation and its people are!
@auntie.tyty Ubuntu ❤️. #capetown #southafrica #ubuntu #studyabroad #internationalstudent #travelwithme #traveltiktok #communityorganizing #community #blackgirlmagic #fyp #thingstodoincapetown #solotravel #femalesolotravel #femalesolotraveler #solotravelling
Sources: @auntie.tyty
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