Religion and Political Violence in Apartheid South Africa

Abstract

This article analyzes the impact of religion in the South African polity. Special attention is paid to events from as far back as the 14th century, leading to the democratic settlement in 1994, and the integral role of key religious figures therein. It argues that, had it not been for their timely intervention, the violence that erupted could have escalated beyond control, perhaps scuttling the whole process. In analyzing religion and violence in apartheid South Africa, the article expresses the hope that churches and other civil society organs will reclaim their watchdog role in entrenching democracy even more deeply in a post-apartheid South African society.


(The Journal of Cultural Studies: 2001 3(1): 108-123)