African Economic Humanism

Download or read book African Economic Humanism written by Mfuniselwa John Bhengu and published by Gower Publishing Company, Limited. This book was released on 2011 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: There is much discussion as to the reasons why capitalism does not thrive well in some non-European settings and there is a view that this is particularly so in Africa. In African Economic Humanism Mfuniselwa J. Bhengu focuses crucially on the cultural backdrop to economics in Southern Africa specifically, and Africa generally. The author describes his search for a suitable alternative economic paradigm, particularly one appropriate for the African Sub-Saharan region, that might serve to enhance economic development in a free and unhindered way. Throughout his distinguished career in public service in South Africa, Bhengu has devoted himself to the study of African philosophy and economics. There is, today, a plethora of literature on the traditional concept of 'Ubuntu', with its focus on community, sharing, and generosity. Bhengu embraces this, but goes beyond it in attempting to establish a viable approach to economics that is rooted in African soils and recognizes the nature of the belief systems by which his fellow Africans live. The author's thorough research examines pre-colonial African economic relations, the ascendancy of Western capitalism and responses to it, and the particular nature of South African capitalism. He investigates the phenomenon of the 'capitalist comrades' and the Bantu philosophy of 'Ntu' or 'Being'. He eventually arrives at a theory of African Economic Humanism, which he proposes as the basis for a new economic paradigm that could have the power to transform individuals, organizations, and societies on the continent of Africa, and even beyond. This fascinating addition to the Gower Transformation and Innovation Series will appeal to a wide international audience of academics and researchers, policy makers, development specialists and business people.