Berkley Center

Conflict, violence, and repression are all undeniable and significant aspects of South Africa’s political history. Apartheid legally divided the nation, repressing the majority of the population and retaining power for the white minority. Today, nearly 15 years after the end of the apartheid government, power, wealth, land, and resources are not yet evenly distributed, with the white population still gripping the reigns of South Africa’s economic strength. Fortunately, amongst the many social and political ills that still plague the nation, religion is not one of them.

A mostly Catholic and Protestant nation, religious freedom and diversity is openly accepted and expressed in today’s South Africa. A wander around Cape Town’s city center may easily take you past St. George’s Roman Catholic Cathedral, the South African Jewish Museum, countless Muslim restaurants, and numerous Protestant churches. Parallel to South Africa's national and racial diversity, their is also a wide spread of faiths, which span even further to include traditional African religions, Buddhism, and Hinduism.

Religion is an important aspect in the typical South African’s life, as approximately only a half of a percent of the population does not identify with a specific faith. Although very few parochial schools exist, it is not unusual to spot school children donning rosaries or other religious symbols. Holy days are reserved and respected, altering business hours on Saturdays and Sundays to allow for service attendance. A Rastafarian show is even broadcast weekly on a national television channel. Furthermore, unlike the racially divided South Africa, religion does not determine one's socioeconomic status. Religion is respected as a personal characteristic, but also a means to live by and something be proud of.

It is also important to remember the important roles that religion has played in South Africa's political history. While protests and assemblies were banned under stifling apartheid laws, the suppressed populations turned to religion. Large funerals and other faith gatherings were used as a way to meet and secretly address political issues. Similarly, when residents were evicted from their homes and neighborhoods under the Group Areas Act, religious communities were often the common factor that helped people to resettle and adjust. Religion, no matter which specific one, was a base of strength and power for those that suffered under the apartheid regime.

As a study abroad student, religion did not overtly affect my life on a day to day basis. Some weekends I opted to attend Mass, while on others I choose to sleep in. However, on the occasions that I did go to Sunday service, I was always impressed at the diversity of the congregation. Black, white, young, old, singles, and families were all present. The priest was welcoming and enthusiastic, asking for all visitors to say a word and extending his best wishes to tourists. A student in a foreign nation, it takes time to adjust and feel comfortable in new surroundings. However, at Mass I always felt at home, familiar with the rituals and accepted by the people. Overall, South Africa is a nation that has made immense progress, but still has a long way to go in terms of equality and racial peace. Yet, when it comes to religious freedom and acceptance, they are right on track.