Exploring racial persistence in South Africa through Black Liberation Theology

Abstract

Racism remains a persistent and deeply rooted problem in South Africa, years after the end of the apartheid era in 1994. Despite significant progress made, racism endures within institutional structures (public and private), society and interpersonal relations. Its aggressive persistence undermines democratic values and thereby runs counter to the ideals of total freedom, dignity and justice. Racism does not only raise challenges for social progress but brings deep theological questions in relation to the doctrine of creation and the ontology of being. Theologically, racism stands in direct contradiction to the core doctrine of the Christian tradition that highlights the inherent worth of every individual, unity and the ideal of universal humanism. This article examines the enduring reality of racism and its impact on black people through the lens of Cone’s Black Theology of Liberation. It also discusses the role of Christian religious communities in dismantling structures and attitudes that create racial injustice in society.

Contribution: While the article is theological in nature, it draws from various multidisciplinary theories to contribute to the ongoing conversation and strategies to tackle the challenges of racism and promote values of unity for social cohesion.