Isivivane is a Zulu word that refers to a concept found in a number of other African cultures. In Zulu, Isivivane literally means ‘throw your stone upon the pile…’ and refers to rocks arranged as piles and / or hub and spoke patterns.
Once upon a time, stones were used in the ancient world to mark places of spiritual, astronomical and historical significance. The modern world enlists the work of architects, artists and poorly paid workers for any notable public enterprise but in ancient times, it was expected of all ordinary people to contribute to great works. Any public enterprise needs the support and contribution of the ordinary person; hence the Zulu proverb “Ukuphosa itshe esivivaneni”…. To make a personal contribution to a great common task. Literally “to throw one’s stone on the pile (monument).”
This contribution is made in the spirit that everyone buys into and does their bit to create a motivating vision of the future.The arrangement of stones in an Isivivane is contributed by diverse people over time and so another way of seeing isivivane is as a form of collectively performed memory.
Isivivane is an ancient African metaphor for guiding change, now revived for the modern world. The model has been successfully used in a variety of environments ranging from schools to boards of listed companies. Isivivane for Change and Transformation was one of 3 finalists in the Mail & Guardian Investing In the Future 2007 “Most Innovative” category.
Keywords : Knowledge Management (KM), Co-operation, Leadership, Culture, Change Management, Change, Transformation, Learning Organisation, Systems Theory, Storytelling, Narrative, Organisational Storytelling, Narrative Therapy, Modeling, Meta-Modeling, Innovation, Ideation, Community Animation, Strategic Planning, Vision of Harmony
We provide Isivivane Facilitator Training that enables you to use these models for individuals and organisations.
Check out the- Isivivane for Change and Co-operation eBook
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7 replies on “Isivivane for change and Co-operation”
Great explanation, thanks!
With thanks! Valuable information!
Very poor explanation. I still don’t know the spiritual significance of the pile of stones. They mark a place of what sort of spiritual significance? What is the benefit of contributing your stone
Traditionally this is a ritual and by adding a stone to the pile you are seen by the others (showing that you are part of the ritual) and by moving a stone you are using all your senses so it is memorable.
“spiritual” refers to a shared sense of meaning, purpose, and connection, whether to God, nature, or the others, beyond the purely physical or material aspects of life
Ukuphosa itshe esivivanenI, in the times of Shaka and later whenever amabuto returned from fighting each warrior would bring a stone and throw it in esiviivaneni. It the pile of stones was less than original then some warriors were lost in battle. In the old days people couldn’t count.
thank for your perspective and insight – much appreciated!
Hello Umatsheketshe
Thank you for adding such interesting history to the lore of the isivavani. It is such a beautiful tradition and I would love to read more. Louise