This study is a philosophical investigation into the question of race and racism in “South Africa” seen from the perspective of the philosophy of Ubu-ntu. We distinguish between Ubuntu and Ubuntu. The former refers to a critical philosophical exposition of the meaning and practice of Ubuntu.1The latter speaks to the everyday use of the concept in conversation and conduct without direct and immediate reference to the philosophical meaning of ubu-ntu. The approach to this investigation is philosophical, that is, a critical analysis – in this case with particular reference to “South Africa” – of the historical concept, “South Africa” and, the place and meaning of race/ism in it considered from the standpoint of the philosophy of ubu-ntu. The historical perspective is an integral part of this approach because the evolution of “South Africa” found its first expression in the conflict-ridden encounter between the indigenous peoples of the land and the colonial conquerors led by Van Riebeeck. “South Africa” is not an abstract invention. It is the product of a dynamic and violent historical encounter between the indigenous peoples of the land; its rightful owners from time immemorial and, the colonial invader. Therefore, history will be the special point of focus in the proposed investigation. Our approach to the investigation is the philosophical-historical. The core argument in this study is that the just war doctrine sanctions the taking away of human life on the ambivalent principle of “guilt” determined unilaterally by each of the belligerents. The victory of the colonial conqueror over the indigenous peoples of “South Africa” was complemented by the colonial conqueror’s claim to the ethically questionable “right of conquest”. It is by virtue of this right that the colonial conqueror-imposed race/ism as the way of life in the country called “South Africa”. A philosophical investigation into this problem cannot be complete without the just war doctrine with a particular focus on the “right of conquest” within this doctrine. This is because our central argument is that “South Africa” as embodied in the 1996 constitution is founded upon the ethically dubious “right of conquest”. As such the constitution and the discourses supporting its legitimacy will be the special focus of our critique. Among the objects of our critique is the discourse in philosophy which has attempted to enjoin Ubu-ntu philosophy to the legitimation of the conqueror constitution. Because this discourse takes place within a historical background, a study of recent developments within “South African” philosophy departments as well as a study of “South African” historiography will make up part of our study. Throughout the study we will draw upon the Azanian critical philosophical tradition and its particular conception of Ubu-ntu as a philopraxis of liberation. The aim of the study which should emerge by the end is the conception of an African philosophy of race/ism and the positing of Azania as ethical alternative which must succeed “South Africa” as a possibility condition for just peace. 

Keywords: Ubu-ntu; Indigenous peoples conquered in the unjust wars of colonisation; conquest; liberation;