Stanlake J. W. T. Samkange

Stanlake John William Thompson Samkange (1922–1988) was a Zimbabwean historiographer, educationist, journalist, author, and African nationalist. He was a member of an elite Zimbabwean nationalist political dynasty and the most prolific of the first generation of black Zimbabwean creative writers in English.

Quotes

• To be human is to affirm one's humanity by recognizing the humanity of others and, on that basis, establish respectful human relations with them.
  • [1]Presenting the first maxim of Hunhuism (Ubuntuism) as a foundation for human relationships.

• The king owed his status, including all the powers associated with it, to the will of the people under him.
  • [2]Presenting the second maxim of Hunhuism, emphasizing the value of human life over material wealth.

• If and when one is faced with a decisive choice between wealth and the preservation of the life of another human being, then one should opt for the preservation of life.
  • [3]Presenting the third maxim of Hunhuism concerning political authority and the will of the people.

• The attention one human being gives to another: the kindness, courtesy, consideration and friendliness in the relationships between people; a code of behaviour, an attitude to other people and to life; is embodied in unhu or Ubuntu.
  • [4]Defining Hunhu/Ubuntu as an ethic governing relationships between people.