Breaking the cycle of systemic fragility: The Ubuntu philosophy as a catalyst for institutional resilience in South Sudan

Abstract

This study examines the tension between systemic institutional fragility and collective resilience within South Sudan’s Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare using a two-pillar theoretical framework. It utilises the Authority, Legitimacy and Capacity framework to diagnose the cycle of systemic fragility – manifesting as the capability trap, legitimacy gap and sovereignty gap. To disrupt these failures, Ubuntu philosophy is proposed as the normative solution, providing the functional ‘substance’ – rooted in relational ontology and moral stewardship – required to fill the ‘hollow’ institutional ‘forms’ created by isomorphic mimicry. Reimagined as communal moral stewardship, Ubuntu provides the intrinsic motivation necessary to sustain institutional resilience when formal structures are incapacitated. Empirical evidence from the Ministry demonstrates how an Ubuntu-inspired leadership approach translates philosophy into practical administrative responses that preserve state functions during acute resource crises. The article concludes that by transitioning from the ‘hollow forms’ of Western best practice to ‘best-fit’ indigenous governance, the state can reclaim data sovereignty, achieve active visibility in service delivery and restore the social contract through the radical inclusion of marginalised groups.
Transdisciplinary Contribution: Integrating political science, public administration and African philosophy, this study challenges Western-centric models. It proposes a ‘best-fit’ governance approach where communal moral stewardship addresses systemic gaps, fostering institutional resilience and sustainable state-building in fragile and conflict-affected states.