Black Theology in socio-economic-cultural-political context in South Africa during the period of the Government of National Unity

Abstract

The socio-economic-cultural and political conditions under which the black people live warrant ongoing black theological reflection in the context of poverty. Decades after the dawn of democracy in South Africa, black people continue to suffer because of the dehumanising poverty, inequality and unemployment. The majority of those who suffer are black people whose lives have not changed for the better despite promises that are often made by the governing party, the African National Congress (ANC). The promises continue even during the time of the Government of National Unity (GNU) following the electoral losses of the ANC and their initiation of the GNU in 2024. Despite the establishment of the GNU, indications are that black people will continue to live in poverty and that South Africa will continue to be the most unequal society and that unemployment will continue to reach high levels. This article argues that the persistent poverty experienced in black communities in South Africa demands critical theological reflection by pastors and theologians rooted in those contexts. Using the historical-theological method, the article argues that Christian faith in black communities must continue to be articulated from the standpoint of the poor and oppressed, who are the interlocutors of Black Theology. Utilising a situational theological method grounded in the works of Cone, Boesak and Motlhabi, this study examines the socio-theological role of Black Theology under the GNU.
Contribution: The article contributes to discourse related to Black Theology in the context of poverty in the South African context, where the majority of those who are poor are black. The article serves as a corrective discourse that rebuts the perception that Black Theology is an American theology that has no place in Africa.