The question of morality and African personhood in Motsamai Molefe

Obidigwe, Ugochukwu Chiwenite

The question of morality and African personhood in Motsamai Molefe

Thesis / Dissertation

2026

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

African Studies

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Abstract

This thesis critically examines the interrelation between morality and personhood within African philosophy, focusing on the contributions of Motsamai Molefe. The discourse is contextualised within three key historical periods: pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial Africa, thereby offering a nuanced analysis of how African conceptualisations of personhood and morality have evolved. By engaging with Molefe's scholarship, alongside the perspectives of Kwame Gyekye, Ifeanyi Menkiti, and others, the study sheds light on African communalism, the ontological grounding of personhood, and the ethical dimensions of African identity. This research forms a minor thesis, as such, the scope is limited in comparison to that of a major thesis, primarily focusing on Motsamai Molefe's contributions on morality and African personhood. Molefe's contribution to African philosophy lies in his systematic articulation of Afro-communitarian ethics, particularly his emphasis on Ubuntu, a concept that prioritises relational existence, compassion, and interconnectedness. The study adopts a qualitative methodology, utilising a critical analysis of primary texts, including Molefe's writings, and secondary literature from prominent African philosophers such as Menkiti, Gyekye, and Nyamnjoh. The findings reveal that African philosophy provides a robust framework for understanding morality and personhood as relational rather than individualistic. Molefe's emphasis on Ubuntu provides a compelling argument for ethical relationality, positioning African moral philosophy as a significant contribution to African studies. The study also identifies the need to address the challenges posed by post-colonial realities, including globalisation and cultural hybridisation, in sustaining African ethical values. While the philosophical underpinnings of African personhood are significant, their relevance extends beyond theoretical discourse to broader fields within African studies. Understanding the relationship between morality and personhood is crucial for addressing contemporary issues such as governance, social justice, and human rights in African context.