An Awkward Style

In this chapter, I draw attention to awkwardness as a style that is disrespectful towards others. I will read awkwardness into how colonialism and apartheid left societies torn apart, with heads turned away from the interests of the individuals and communities they belong to. Pointing to a mixed martial arts champion and Springbok rugby personalities, I insist that ubuntu is not realisable where awkward attitudes dominate, saying that other people's stories, pain, or loss are of no matter. Ubuntu has no chance where “I don't care about your story” is a modus operandi . I contend that to rehumanise our world, ubuntu must replace norms of coloniality and apartheid. Rugby provides an opportunity for this to happen. Beyond interactions on sports fields, rugby enables diverse individuals to meet and interact with one another, showcasing their unique strengths and characteristics. Regrounding South African culture in ubuntu will enable a society to emerge that will value individuals and their stories so that we can say, “never again” to the coldness unto death of colonialism and apartheid.