The tragedy of families banned from visiting dying covid stricken relatives, or visiting close family members is well documented.
Conversely, during lockdown and widespread social distancing the community spirit appears to be flourishing. As well as the front line heroes there are reports of people reaching out and being more supportive towards neighbours. And endless reports of random acts of kindness towards strangers.
Covid has fuelled a mind shift and the belief that if we all pulled together the world could be a better place (attitudes towards climate change are a good example.)
However this collective spirit is variable. Few would question that people who live in villages are friendlier and more engaged with their neighbours than urban dwellers. But what of those who live in remote tribal African villages?
It is easy to forget the spirit of community and co-operation is the very essence of tribal living. This is maybe best summed up in the ancient Ubuntu philosophy ‘I am because we are.’

Himba children bathing one another - a show of Ubuntu.
Over years of exploration and travel, I have gradually built up relationships with several Namibian village chiefs. This has afforded me the privilege of staying in their traditional working villages. Here, nothing is air brushed, nothing is commercially organised for tourists (as some ‘model’ villages are.) I experienced the real deal.
On a visit to one Himba tribe I saw for myself how people worked as a close-knit team. The young males trekked deep into the land to herd and tend goats, sheep and cattle. Meanwhile the sculpturally beautiful young females with ochre red tinted skin fetched firewood and water from the various rivers and streams.
The older folk had a purpose in life, working in the fields, growing grain crops and vegetables. Some of the vegetables and most of the fruit they consume grows naturally in the wild.
In the evening we sat by wood fires and I listened to the gossip about the latest scandals, betrothals and tribal issues. Of course it isn’t all sunshine and roses. But the communal harmony between these proud, self sufficient people stays with me. And reminds me it shouldn’t take a pandemic to make us watch out for one another and pull together.

Curdling of milk to make butter.