Mbongis
Mbongi
Mbongi is a Bantu Kongo term. Institutionally, MBONGI referred to a common shelter where “Mbongi assemblies” take care of and/or address the human as well as material good of the community. Consistent with Bantu philosophy, to take responsibility for the community meant to become responsible for lightening the weight of social and economic problems of the people. To sit in an Mbongi assembly was to have one’s eyes wide open (toward the secrecy of life) and to be able to honestly tell the story of the community.
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The Mbongi was a way of structurally 1) gathering together the best minds and practices; 2) taking, seizing or accepting responsibility for solving and resolving the problematics of the African community; 3) capturing, critiquing and clarifying those “things which concern us dearly”, 4) exposing the “truth” of our reality as reflected in and represented by our spiritual, intellectual, social and artistic memory and creations; and, 5) uncovering, correcting and utilizing the core meaning and purpose of a people in the service of human development and well-being. The commissions of the Mbongi were incorruptible. Hence, the term Mbongi institutionalizes the idea of a community of thinkers and activists having the responsibility to take care of the welfare and well-being of its people.