Missionalia : Southern African Journal of Mission Studies, 2010
Why was the name of Seth Mokitimi chosen for the new Southern African Methodist ministerial train... more Why was the name of Seth Mokitimi chosen for the new Southern African Methodist ministerial training institution? What was his connection and contribution to education in general and theological education in particular? Mokitimi is introduced, his significance is described, and his legacy is outlined. The new seminary with its motto: "Forming transforming leaders for church and nation", intends to embody the Moktimi legacy for the benefit not only of the Methodist Church, nor of South Africa alone, but for the benefit of church and society throughout the whole Southern African subcontinent.
Missionalia : Southern African Journal of Mission Studies, 2006
This article reflects on the 'Journey to the New Land' (JNL) programme, an initiative aim... more This article reflects on the 'Journey to the New Land' (JNL) programme, an initiative aimed at transforming the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA) for mission in a democratic South Africa. It looks at the aims, content, implementation, failures and successes of the programme. The central question that is addressed by the paper is the ability of the JNL programme as an agency of mission to bring social and ecclesiological change to an essentially colonial Methodism, despite its links with the political dissent in the apartheid era. First, the background to the JNL programme is given; second the process leading to the convocation that established it, third the aims of the JNL process and their implementation and finally the impact of the programme and the conclusion. The research was conducted by means of a survey and interviews.
... 2.2 Interviews Page 5. 5 Five interviewees were selected for the purpose of this research: Ms... more ... 2.2 Interviews Page 5. 5 Five interviewees were selected for the purpose of this research: Ms Lulu Dube (Dube's daughter); Zenzele Dube (grandson); Langa Dube (grandson); Cherif Keita (J Dube film producer); Musa Xulu (academic), and Jabulani Sithole (historian). ...
African Legends of Methodism is a tribute to leaders who attributed
their success to their contac... more African Legends of Methodism is a tribute to leaders who attributed their success to their contact with Methodism. These Methodists were politicians, artists, academics, prophets, theologians, pioneers and humble Christians who inspired by Methodism pushed the boundaries of colonialism, apartheid, patriarchy, homophobia, capitalism and ethnicity. Through these stories, we are telling and re-telling the complex liberating work of the church in the African soil with its ambiguities. Academics, students of history, the church and theology will find a resource from where they can learn about those who shaped our modern Southern Africa.
The level of violence in South Africa has reached frightening proportions where, all too often, t... more The level of violence in South Africa has reached frightening proportions where, all too often, the instrument of violence is chosen rather than peaceful problem-solving mechanisms as means of resolving conflicts. The continued killing of political leaders in the province of KwaZulu-Natal has exposed a need for a contextual theological approach to establishing peace between the warring parties in the milieu of complex intra-party conflicts. The failure of the church to build lasting peace in the province has exposed the inadequacies of the older models established under apartheid to address the current problem. Accordingly, there is a need to develop new methods that can address the present climate of political violence that prevails in the country, both individualised and intra-party, located at provincial and municipal levels, and fuelled by the quest to access patronage networks and resources. In this essay, I propose ways in which the KwaZulu-Natal Church Leaders' Group can intervene to dismantle intra-party violence within the province, especially at the local government level.
Religion in Gender-Based Violence, Immigration, and Human Rights, 2019
Botswana, is a country that is extremely religious. It also practices and embodies the values of ... more Botswana, is a country that is extremely religious. It also practices and embodies the values of botho/ubuntu. Botswana has made good progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Information and education about HIV and AIDS is made available in print, social and electronic media. There are free testing centres throughout the country in urban and rural areas and most importantly Anti-retroviral treatments (ARV’s) are free and accessible for all citizens of Botswana. Because of the efforts of government and non-government organisations, HIV infections and mortality rates have gone down significantly over the years. However, the country has failed in the global fight against HIV because Botswana’s health policy denies cross-border migrants access to HIV services and treatment. Migrants who are mostly affected by this policy are the undocumented ones, especially women, who are already exposed to different sorts of vulnerabilities because of their gender and illegal status. Although there is no active hostility towards cross border migrants in Botswana, and although Botswana has a good and progressive refugee policy, the health policy is repressive towards migrants, it is designed to exclude and discriminate against migrants. Hence, we seek to discuss how botho/ubuntu and the ethic of care of the stranger alluded to in Mat 25:35-36 can be utilised as a resource for persuasion and conviction to Botswana and African governments to offer ARV’s to cross border migrants
This article is an appraisal of Presiding Bishop Purity Malinga’s journey from her rural upbringi... more This article is an appraisal of Presiding Bishop Purity Malinga’s journey from her rural upbringing in Cabazi, Ixopo in KwaZulu-Natal to the helm of Methodism in Bruma Lake in Johannesburg, headquarters of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA). The path of Purity Malinga to Presiding Bishop of the biggest mainline denomination in Southern Africa is explored from a perspective that her nomination breaks the 212-year-old glass ceiling that limited women’s rise into leadership in the MCSA. The aim of the paper is to present facts about the life, qualities and achievements that enabled her ascendance to the leadership of the MCSA. The major conclusions of the study indicate that her rise to the echelons of the church was because of a combination of factors, namely her leadership capabilities, theological acumen, progressive nurture of Methodism and the crisis caused by a leaked conversation between Rev. Vukile Mehana and Raymond Sibanga on December 28, 2018.
ABSTRACT
This article examines the response of Bishop Alphaeus Hamilton Zulu to the racism that w... more ABSTRACT This article examines the response of Bishop Alphaeus Hamilton Zulu to the racism that was prevalent in both the church and society when he was elected as the first African Bishop of the Anglican Church in South Africa. Clergy, especially bishops, are by virtue of their ecclesial positions expected to transcend racial prejudices, to embrace all members of their churches and to ransform their churches to multi-racial ones. This means that they have to deal with racial stereotypes both within the church and society at large. This study is based on interviews with key leaders of the Anglican Church who knew and worked with Bishop Zulu, as well as an analysis of media releases and minutes of meetings that he was part of and some that were written about him. This article argues that Bishop Zulu played a pivotal role in the fight against racism, through his episcopal ministry which brought politics and religion into a creative tension, when he worked as bishop, speaker of the Legislative Assembly in Natal and key founder of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP). It also argues that church leaders must hold politics and religion together for their ministry to bring transformation to both the church and society.
South Africa, like many other countries around the world experience continuous surges of immigran... more South Africa, like many other countries around the world experience continuous surges of immigrant populations in search of a better life (Harris 2006). Regional and internal country conflicts are a major sources of population displacement. Uneven development also contributes to migration across borders, a phenomenon that increases illegal labour mobility, creating potential tension between host nation citizens and immigrants, (Hakizimana 2002). A limited number of these migrants do integrate into the local communities where they become members but a majority remain on the margins of society and continue to connect and preserve their culture, citizenship and belonging with their countries of origin. This particularly affects their religion which is spread across the international borders as a result of migration and failure to integrate into the local churches. Migration and resettlements of African migrants has compelled them to challenging periods of adaptation, preservation and acculturation in their cross-border religion. Taking the example of three churches with African migrants, this article will illustrate the challenges of belonging, citizenship and religion confronting migrants in South Africa and how they resolve it by forming their own brand of protestant faith, which takes into account their unique experience of living in a foreign land. The analysis will focus on the role of Protestantism in determining and shaping the integration of migrants into the South African Society. It will conclude with outlining sinews of a theology of migration as articulated and practiced by members of these churches.
In 1911, Isaiah Shembe (1865-1935) founded the Nazareth Baptist Church popularly known as KwaShem... more In 1911, Isaiah Shembe (1865-1935) founded the Nazareth Baptist Church popularly known as KwaShembe (Dube 1936: 29). The church became the first amongst the Zulus to be founded 'with the quest to restore the Zulu to their glorious past' (Masondo 2004: 69-79). Today it is the oldest and most respected church founded with the intention of bringing Christianity and the quest for Zulu nationalism and culture together in South Africa. In its early days, the church was faced with much opposition from the missionaries who accused it of misleading people, polluting the gospel and sheep-stealing. Shembe had to continuously defend himself and his church against the external forces that sought to destroy him and his church. As a result, the church has had to walk a fine line, between belligerence and servility throughout the colonial and apartheid periods. However, its history has also been marked by forces from within that have divided the church into what has become seven splinter groups, or factions, that are at war with one another. The power-struggles and fights amongst family members have directly taken a toll on the once great church as each scrambles for a piece of the legacy, prestige, and resources, of the church and its founder. This article mainly examines the factors that lead to the conflicts that have divided the church into the seven groups that are at loggerheads with each other and threaten to destroy its legacy.
This paper explores the contribution made by Dr Hamilton Mvumelwano Dandala during his time as ch... more This paper explores the contribution made by Dr Hamilton Mvumelwano Dandala during his time as chairperson of the Black Methodist Consultation (BMC). We begin with a brief look at church and state relations and the role of the clergy, followed by a historical background of Dandala and the making of a political priest. We then explore the BMC from Dandala's perspective and ministry from a perspective of the BMC. We reflect on Dandala's role in the building of racial bridges within the MCSA and the struggle against poverty. The paper is concludes with a discussion of Dandala as a peacemaker, ecumenist and humanitarian. The author argues that Dandala should be hailed as one of the finest sons of the Black Methodist Consultation.
ABStRACt the researcher believes that while in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA) wom... more ABStRACt the researcher believes that while in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA) women have been ordained to the ministry of Word and Sacrament since 1976, they remain a minority numerically and are still marginalised in leadership. As a result ordained women remain the most unrecognised and underutilised group in the MCSA. Few women ministers have held leadership positions during this period, particularly primary leadership positions. this article enquires into the experiences (or, 'acceptance') of these women, the reasons for the minority representation, and reflects on the future of representative ordained ministry. A theoretical framework of feminist ecclesiology is used as an approach. Primary research provides statistical data upon which the assessment of progress towards gender equality is based. the impact of culture upon institutional gender representation is discussed, together with equality of opportunity in principle and practice. Reference is made to gender equality in other institutions, both secular and religious. The article reflects upon the leadership of the MCSA towards gender equality in the ordained ministry, and some conclusions are drawn and recommendations suggested for the future.
Abstract
Since the 2000s, Africa has carried out a project of its regeneration, popularly known a... more Abstract Since the 2000s, Africa has carried out a project of its regeneration, popularly known as the African Renaissance. This vision of a self-reliant and developed continent is embodied in the figure of Pixley ka Isaka Seme. Seme had first eloquently articulated this vision in 1906 in an award-winning speech titled the Regeneration of Africa. He had implemented its fundamental ideas of uniting African tribes in 1912 when he facilitated the founding of the oldest political movement in the continent - the South African Native National Congress (SNNC) - the precursor of the African National Congress (ANC). The traces of Seme and the African Renaissance are not obvious in the projects of NEPAD, the African Parliament and so on. They rather remain buried in the archives of the history of the ANC, and the social history of South Africa - but also in the dreams, aspirations and imagination of patriotic Africans. The aim of this article is to explore how and why a shared memory of Seme has to be built; to contribute to the construction of an ideology that will be instrumental in underpinning the work of resisting the negative effects of the empire or globalization.
One of the great characteristics of Chief Albert John Mvumbi Luthuli was that he was a
devout Chr... more One of the great characteristics of Chief Albert John Mvumbi Luthuli was that he was a devout Christian. He attributed his political commitment to his Christian commitment by saying “I am in the congress simply because I am a Christian.” He is remembered as one leader who held the interface between faith and the politics of struggle in a creative tension. Formany this accounts for his legacy as a successful and outstanding leader who went on to winmany accolades for his leadership qualities, including being the first continental African to win the Nobel Peace Prize. This paper explores the influence of Christianity on his political leadership and the lessons gained from 20 years of democracy
Missionalia : Southern African Journal of Mission Studies, 2010
Why was the name of Seth Mokitimi chosen for the new Southern African Methodist ministerial train... more Why was the name of Seth Mokitimi chosen for the new Southern African Methodist ministerial training institution? What was his connection and contribution to education in general and theological education in particular? Mokitimi is introduced, his significance is described, and his legacy is outlined. The new seminary with its motto: "Forming transforming leaders for church and nation", intends to embody the Moktimi legacy for the benefit not only of the Methodist Church, nor of South Africa alone, but for the benefit of church and society throughout the whole Southern African subcontinent.
Missionalia : Southern African Journal of Mission Studies, 2006
This article reflects on the 'Journey to the New Land' (JNL) programme, an initiative aim... more This article reflects on the 'Journey to the New Land' (JNL) programme, an initiative aimed at transforming the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA) for mission in a democratic South Africa. It looks at the aims, content, implementation, failures and successes of the programme. The central question that is addressed by the paper is the ability of the JNL programme as an agency of mission to bring social and ecclesiological change to an essentially colonial Methodism, despite its links with the political dissent in the apartheid era. First, the background to the JNL programme is given; second the process leading to the convocation that established it, third the aims of the JNL process and their implementation and finally the impact of the programme and the conclusion. The research was conducted by means of a survey and interviews.
... 2.2 Interviews Page 5. 5 Five interviewees were selected for the purpose of this research: Ms... more ... 2.2 Interviews Page 5. 5 Five interviewees were selected for the purpose of this research: Ms Lulu Dube (Dube's daughter); Zenzele Dube (grandson); Langa Dube (grandson); Cherif Keita (J Dube film producer); Musa Xulu (academic), and Jabulani Sithole (historian). ...
African Legends of Methodism is a tribute to leaders who attributed
their success to their contac... more African Legends of Methodism is a tribute to leaders who attributed their success to their contact with Methodism. These Methodists were politicians, artists, academics, prophets, theologians, pioneers and humble Christians who inspired by Methodism pushed the boundaries of colonialism, apartheid, patriarchy, homophobia, capitalism and ethnicity. Through these stories, we are telling and re-telling the complex liberating work of the church in the African soil with its ambiguities. Academics, students of history, the church and theology will find a resource from where they can learn about those who shaped our modern Southern Africa.
The level of violence in South Africa has reached frightening proportions where, all too often, t... more The level of violence in South Africa has reached frightening proportions where, all too often, the instrument of violence is chosen rather than peaceful problem-solving mechanisms as means of resolving conflicts. The continued killing of political leaders in the province of KwaZulu-Natal has exposed a need for a contextual theological approach to establishing peace between the warring parties in the milieu of complex intra-party conflicts. The failure of the church to build lasting peace in the province has exposed the inadequacies of the older models established under apartheid to address the current problem. Accordingly, there is a need to develop new methods that can address the present climate of political violence that prevails in the country, both individualised and intra-party, located at provincial and municipal levels, and fuelled by the quest to access patronage networks and resources. In this essay, I propose ways in which the KwaZulu-Natal Church Leaders' Group can intervene to dismantle intra-party violence within the province, especially at the local government level.
Religion in Gender-Based Violence, Immigration, and Human Rights, 2019
Botswana, is a country that is extremely religious. It also practices and embodies the values of ... more Botswana, is a country that is extremely religious. It also practices and embodies the values of botho/ubuntu. Botswana has made good progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Information and education about HIV and AIDS is made available in print, social and electronic media. There are free testing centres throughout the country in urban and rural areas and most importantly Anti-retroviral treatments (ARV’s) are free and accessible for all citizens of Botswana. Because of the efforts of government and non-government organisations, HIV infections and mortality rates have gone down significantly over the years. However, the country has failed in the global fight against HIV because Botswana’s health policy denies cross-border migrants access to HIV services and treatment. Migrants who are mostly affected by this policy are the undocumented ones, especially women, who are already exposed to different sorts of vulnerabilities because of their gender and illegal status. Although there is no active hostility towards cross border migrants in Botswana, and although Botswana has a good and progressive refugee policy, the health policy is repressive towards migrants, it is designed to exclude and discriminate against migrants. Hence, we seek to discuss how botho/ubuntu and the ethic of care of the stranger alluded to in Mat 25:35-36 can be utilised as a resource for persuasion and conviction to Botswana and African governments to offer ARV’s to cross border migrants
This article is an appraisal of Presiding Bishop Purity Malinga’s journey from her rural upbringi... more This article is an appraisal of Presiding Bishop Purity Malinga’s journey from her rural upbringing in Cabazi, Ixopo in KwaZulu-Natal to the helm of Methodism in Bruma Lake in Johannesburg, headquarters of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA). The path of Purity Malinga to Presiding Bishop of the biggest mainline denomination in Southern Africa is explored from a perspective that her nomination breaks the 212-year-old glass ceiling that limited women’s rise into leadership in the MCSA. The aim of the paper is to present facts about the life, qualities and achievements that enabled her ascendance to the leadership of the MCSA. The major conclusions of the study indicate that her rise to the echelons of the church was because of a combination of factors, namely her leadership capabilities, theological acumen, progressive nurture of Methodism and the crisis caused by a leaked conversation between Rev. Vukile Mehana and Raymond Sibanga on December 28, 2018.
ABSTRACT
This article examines the response of Bishop Alphaeus Hamilton Zulu to the racism that w... more ABSTRACT This article examines the response of Bishop Alphaeus Hamilton Zulu to the racism that was prevalent in both the church and society when he was elected as the first African Bishop of the Anglican Church in South Africa. Clergy, especially bishops, are by virtue of their ecclesial positions expected to transcend racial prejudices, to embrace all members of their churches and to ransform their churches to multi-racial ones. This means that they have to deal with racial stereotypes both within the church and society at large. This study is based on interviews with key leaders of the Anglican Church who knew and worked with Bishop Zulu, as well as an analysis of media releases and minutes of meetings that he was part of and some that were written about him. This article argues that Bishop Zulu played a pivotal role in the fight against racism, through his episcopal ministry which brought politics and religion into a creative tension, when he worked as bishop, speaker of the Legislative Assembly in Natal and key founder of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP). It also argues that church leaders must hold politics and religion together for their ministry to bring transformation to both the church and society.
South Africa, like many other countries around the world experience continuous surges of immigran... more South Africa, like many other countries around the world experience continuous surges of immigrant populations in search of a better life (Harris 2006). Regional and internal country conflicts are a major sources of population displacement. Uneven development also contributes to migration across borders, a phenomenon that increases illegal labour mobility, creating potential tension between host nation citizens and immigrants, (Hakizimana 2002). A limited number of these migrants do integrate into the local communities where they become members but a majority remain on the margins of society and continue to connect and preserve their culture, citizenship and belonging with their countries of origin. This particularly affects their religion which is spread across the international borders as a result of migration and failure to integrate into the local churches. Migration and resettlements of African migrants has compelled them to challenging periods of adaptation, preservation and acculturation in their cross-border religion. Taking the example of three churches with African migrants, this article will illustrate the challenges of belonging, citizenship and religion confronting migrants in South Africa and how they resolve it by forming their own brand of protestant faith, which takes into account their unique experience of living in a foreign land. The analysis will focus on the role of Protestantism in determining and shaping the integration of migrants into the South African Society. It will conclude with outlining sinews of a theology of migration as articulated and practiced by members of these churches.
In 1911, Isaiah Shembe (1865-1935) founded the Nazareth Baptist Church popularly known as KwaShem... more In 1911, Isaiah Shembe (1865-1935) founded the Nazareth Baptist Church popularly known as KwaShembe (Dube 1936: 29). The church became the first amongst the Zulus to be founded 'with the quest to restore the Zulu to their glorious past' (Masondo 2004: 69-79). Today it is the oldest and most respected church founded with the intention of bringing Christianity and the quest for Zulu nationalism and culture together in South Africa. In its early days, the church was faced with much opposition from the missionaries who accused it of misleading people, polluting the gospel and sheep-stealing. Shembe had to continuously defend himself and his church against the external forces that sought to destroy him and his church. As a result, the church has had to walk a fine line, between belligerence and servility throughout the colonial and apartheid periods. However, its history has also been marked by forces from within that have divided the church into what has become seven splinter groups, or factions, that are at war with one another. The power-struggles and fights amongst family members have directly taken a toll on the once great church as each scrambles for a piece of the legacy, prestige, and resources, of the church and its founder. This article mainly examines the factors that lead to the conflicts that have divided the church into the seven groups that are at loggerheads with each other and threaten to destroy its legacy.
This paper explores the contribution made by Dr Hamilton Mvumelwano Dandala during his time as ch... more This paper explores the contribution made by Dr Hamilton Mvumelwano Dandala during his time as chairperson of the Black Methodist Consultation (BMC). We begin with a brief look at church and state relations and the role of the clergy, followed by a historical background of Dandala and the making of a political priest. We then explore the BMC from Dandala's perspective and ministry from a perspective of the BMC. We reflect on Dandala's role in the building of racial bridges within the MCSA and the struggle against poverty. The paper is concludes with a discussion of Dandala as a peacemaker, ecumenist and humanitarian. The author argues that Dandala should be hailed as one of the finest sons of the Black Methodist Consultation.
ABStRACt the researcher believes that while in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA) wom... more ABStRACt the researcher believes that while in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA) women have been ordained to the ministry of Word and Sacrament since 1976, they remain a minority numerically and are still marginalised in leadership. As a result ordained women remain the most unrecognised and underutilised group in the MCSA. Few women ministers have held leadership positions during this period, particularly primary leadership positions. this article enquires into the experiences (or, 'acceptance') of these women, the reasons for the minority representation, and reflects on the future of representative ordained ministry. A theoretical framework of feminist ecclesiology is used as an approach. Primary research provides statistical data upon which the assessment of progress towards gender equality is based. the impact of culture upon institutional gender representation is discussed, together with equality of opportunity in principle and practice. Reference is made to gender equality in other institutions, both secular and religious. The article reflects upon the leadership of the MCSA towards gender equality in the ordained ministry, and some conclusions are drawn and recommendations suggested for the future.
Abstract
Since the 2000s, Africa has carried out a project of its regeneration, popularly known a... more Abstract Since the 2000s, Africa has carried out a project of its regeneration, popularly known as the African Renaissance. This vision of a self-reliant and developed continent is embodied in the figure of Pixley ka Isaka Seme. Seme had first eloquently articulated this vision in 1906 in an award-winning speech titled the Regeneration of Africa. He had implemented its fundamental ideas of uniting African tribes in 1912 when he facilitated the founding of the oldest political movement in the continent - the South African Native National Congress (SNNC) - the precursor of the African National Congress (ANC). The traces of Seme and the African Renaissance are not obvious in the projects of NEPAD, the African Parliament and so on. They rather remain buried in the archives of the history of the ANC, and the social history of South Africa - but also in the dreams, aspirations and imagination of patriotic Africans. The aim of this article is to explore how and why a shared memory of Seme has to be built; to contribute to the construction of an ideology that will be instrumental in underpinning the work of resisting the negative effects of the empire or globalization.
One of the great characteristics of Chief Albert John Mvumbi Luthuli was that he was a
devout Chr... more One of the great characteristics of Chief Albert John Mvumbi Luthuli was that he was a devout Christian. He attributed his political commitment to his Christian commitment by saying “I am in the congress simply because I am a Christian.” He is remembered as one leader who held the interface between faith and the politics of struggle in a creative tension. Formany this accounts for his legacy as a successful and outstanding leader who went on to winmany accolades for his leadership qualities, including being the first continental African to win the Nobel Peace Prize. This paper explores the influence of Christianity on his political leadership and the lessons gained from 20 years of democracy
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their success to their contact with Methodism. These Methodists were
politicians, artists, academics, prophets, theologians, pioneers and
humble Christians who inspired by Methodism pushed the boundaries of
colonialism, apartheid, patriarchy, homophobia, capitalism and ethnicity.
Through these stories, we are telling and re-telling the complex liberating
work of the church in the African soil with its ambiguities. Academics,
students of history, the church and theology will find a resource from where
they can learn about those who shaped our modern Southern Africa.
This article examines the response of Bishop Alphaeus Hamilton Zulu to the racism that was prevalent in both the church and society when he was elected as the first African Bishop of the Anglican Church in South Africa. Clergy, especially bishops, are by virtue of their ecclesial positions expected to transcend racial prejudices, to embrace all members of their churches and to ransform their churches to multi-racial ones. This means that they have to deal with racial stereotypes both within the church and society at large. This study is based on interviews with key leaders of the Anglican Church who knew and worked with Bishop Zulu, as well as an analysis of media releases and minutes of meetings
that he was part of and some that were written about him. This article argues that Bishop Zulu played a pivotal role in the fight against racism, through his
episcopal ministry which brought politics and religion into a creative tension, when he worked as bishop, speaker of the Legislative Assembly in Natal and key
founder of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP). It also argues that church leaders must hold politics and religion together for their ministry to bring transformation to both the church and society.
Since the 2000s, Africa has carried out a project of its regeneration, popularly known as the African Renaissance. This vision of a self-reliant and developed continent is embodied in the figure of Pixley ka Isaka Seme. Seme had first eloquently articulated this vision in 1906 in an award-winning speech titled the Regeneration of Africa. He had implemented its fundamental ideas of uniting African tribes in 1912 when he facilitated the founding of the oldest political movement in the continent - the South African Native National Congress (SNNC) - the precursor of the African National Congress (ANC). The traces of Seme and the African Renaissance are not obvious in the projects of NEPAD, the African Parliament and so on. They rather remain buried in the archives of the history of the ANC, and the social history of South Africa - but also in the dreams, aspirations and imagination of patriotic Africans. The aim of this article is to explore how and why a shared memory of Seme has to be built; to contribute to the construction of an ideology that will be instrumental in underpinning the work of resisting the negative effects of the empire or globalization.
devout Christian. He attributed his political commitment to his Christian commitment by
saying “I am in the congress simply because I am a Christian.” He is remembered as one
leader who held the interface between faith and the politics of struggle in a creative tension.
Formany this accounts for his legacy as a successful and outstanding leader who went on to
winmany accolades for his leadership qualities, including being the first continental African
to win the Nobel Peace Prize. This paper explores the influence of Christianity on his political
leadership and the lessons gained from 20 years of democracy
their success to their contact with Methodism. These Methodists were
politicians, artists, academics, prophets, theologians, pioneers and
humble Christians who inspired by Methodism pushed the boundaries of
colonialism, apartheid, patriarchy, homophobia, capitalism and ethnicity.
Through these stories, we are telling and re-telling the complex liberating
work of the church in the African soil with its ambiguities. Academics,
students of history, the church and theology will find a resource from where
they can learn about those who shaped our modern Southern Africa.
This article examines the response of Bishop Alphaeus Hamilton Zulu to the racism that was prevalent in both the church and society when he was elected as the first African Bishop of the Anglican Church in South Africa. Clergy, especially bishops, are by virtue of their ecclesial positions expected to transcend racial prejudices, to embrace all members of their churches and to ransform their churches to multi-racial ones. This means that they have to deal with racial stereotypes both within the church and society at large. This study is based on interviews with key leaders of the Anglican Church who knew and worked with Bishop Zulu, as well as an analysis of media releases and minutes of meetings
that he was part of and some that were written about him. This article argues that Bishop Zulu played a pivotal role in the fight against racism, through his
episcopal ministry which brought politics and religion into a creative tension, when he worked as bishop, speaker of the Legislative Assembly in Natal and key
founder of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP). It also argues that church leaders must hold politics and religion together for their ministry to bring transformation to both the church and society.
Since the 2000s, Africa has carried out a project of its regeneration, popularly known as the African Renaissance. This vision of a self-reliant and developed continent is embodied in the figure of Pixley ka Isaka Seme. Seme had first eloquently articulated this vision in 1906 in an award-winning speech titled the Regeneration of Africa. He had implemented its fundamental ideas of uniting African tribes in 1912 when he facilitated the founding of the oldest political movement in the continent - the South African Native National Congress (SNNC) - the precursor of the African National Congress (ANC). The traces of Seme and the African Renaissance are not obvious in the projects of NEPAD, the African Parliament and so on. They rather remain buried in the archives of the history of the ANC, and the social history of South Africa - but also in the dreams, aspirations and imagination of patriotic Africans. The aim of this article is to explore how and why a shared memory of Seme has to be built; to contribute to the construction of an ideology that will be instrumental in underpinning the work of resisting the negative effects of the empire or globalization.
devout Christian. He attributed his political commitment to his Christian commitment by
saying “I am in the congress simply because I am a Christian.” He is remembered as one
leader who held the interface between faith and the politics of struggle in a creative tension.
Formany this accounts for his legacy as a successful and outstanding leader who went on to
winmany accolades for his leadership qualities, including being the first continental African
to win the Nobel Peace Prize. This paper explores the influence of Christianity on his political
leadership and the lessons gained from 20 years of democracy