Kaitlyn Romney

GCU 114

Religion in South Africa

The main religion in South Africa is Christianity and Islam. It was once said that

Muslims came about when Prophet Muhammad was still alive. Christianity first came

about when the first settlers founded South Africa This came about 1,300 years ago and

has been growing ever since. Christianity is the most widespread with Protestantism

Christianity as the primary belief system in South Africa with 36% of the total

population. Christianity as a whole makes up about 80% of the populations today.

However, it is less dominant in the black community who identify themselves with the

Zion Christian faith. Since its introduction in 1652 by the settlers, the system has gained

popularity and has majority following. (A, 2008) Islam, though a minor religion, was

introduced by the Dutch settlers Cape Malay slaves and constitutes 1.5% of the total

population in the country.

South Africa is called a rainbow nation because of its different religions and

cultures. Most of their traditions are oral traditions, which mean that they are passed

down from generation-to-generation by myths or tales. There have spiritual leaders that

are kinds of priests or pastors in most traditional African religions that are essential in

their religion. Most believe in one God, Jesus Christ, and go off of his teachings that are

22,00 years old. Since South Africa is allowed to practice religion whenever practicing

whether it be in a house of a church is easier than we may think.

With Christianity, the most sacred places for them are in their churches and

mosques. Most of these places are in their country and there are hundreds of places for
them to worship. They have places like the Dutch Reformed Churches and the Auwal

Mosque, which was the first one, established in South Africa. Most people are drawn to

Cape Town, which is the capital in South Africa, and they are brought to St George's

Cathedral, which exists to give glory to God and to be a sign of Gods Kingdom in the

city and nation. ( Sawe, 2007) With many different places for people to worship this

makes it easier for South African people to have access to more religious affairs.

South Africa government has a Constitution of South Africa, which was

established in 1997 that helps protect religious freedom. In this Constitution is has the

Bill of Rights which helps individuals be able to practice whatever religion or belief they

desire. Another thing that is established is South African Charter of Religious Rights and

Freedoms which helps define religious freedoms. This allows individuals to practice their

religion, change their religion, and get education about their religion at any time. With all

of these things in mind religion is widespread and can be practiced at any time.

South Africa has many religions in their country and its interesting to see all of

the different ways that they are and can be incorporated. The role of religion plays a big

part in South Africa and most people turn to religion because its one thing that they can

rely on. While there are many religions that are prominent in the country still 15% of

people belong to no group or are atheists, which is higher than I thought it would be.

With them having religious protections then its easier for them to show and practice it in

everyday life.
 Works Cited

A. (2017, February 08). African Traditional Religion. Retrieved October 17, 2017,

from http://www.sahistory.org.za/article/african-traditional-religion

B. Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 - Chapter 2: Bill of Rights.

(n.d.). Retrieved October 17, 2017, from

https://www.gov.za/documents/constitution/chapter-2-bill-rights#1

C. Sawe, B. E. (2016, August 16). Major Religions In South Africa. Retrieved

October 17, 2017, from http://www.worldatlas.com/articles/major-religions-in-

south-africa.htm