Note:This article forms part of the special collection on 'Doing urban public theology in South Africa: Visions, approaches, themes and practices towards a new agenda' in HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies Volume 70, Issue 3, 2014. The collection is the result of the project 'Urban Public Theology', which was initiated by the Institute for Urban Ministry but later expanded to include several academic departments and institutes at This article offers an appraisal of the social ministry of Pentecostal churches through fellowship, healing and livelihood creation in the township communities of the city of Tshwane. In meeting this aim the discussion advances a thesis of these churches as agents of social support and survival of the downcast. In particular, the article attempts to show how these churches exert themselves towards establishing not only moral responsibility, but also a context where the weakest and the least privileged can learn how to survive. The squatter camp people are unique with the special challenges requiring distinctive consideration. Pentecostal churches believe that the lost people matter to God and are of importance to their congregations as well. The backyard Bible study ministries and mutual cooperation strategies are employed for mutual support. Making use of the existing empirical research data and available literature will show how Pentecostal churches in the townships support the laity and community in times of need.
The Organisation of African Independent Churches (OAICs), as a representative of the African Independent Churches (AICs) across the African continent and in the Diaspora, disclosed that poverty has its own culture, and this was also confirmed by their undertaking of the Millennium Development Goals. AICs are commonly classified under the disadvantaged groups in the communities they inhabit. As a consequence, it cuts across their spectra as well. Members of these churches are domestic workers, cheap labour, factory workers, and unemployed. Often they come together with men of cheap labour and coupled as husbands and wives, forgetting their families in the rural regions where they came from. Many children are kept in these dark situations and poverty affects them badly, because for most of them they hold tempos without any guarantees for long lasting usage. This article will investigate how the AICs are affected and survive in these sites and the use of the OAIC in salvaging it. A participatory methodology will be used.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article has implications on the disciplines of development studies, gender studies, political science and government�s policymakers on the efforts the AICs are making in alleviating poverty among children and youth in a holistic manner.
is a groundbreaking academic who seeks to give a voice to the marginalised. This article, which serves as a contribution to her Festschrift, explores her research on women in church and society as reflected in her publications over the last decade. Landman argues that although much has been done to advance equality for women in society, women in general still feel the effects of historical one word identities as espoused by colonial theology. In addition, she argues that women have experienced marginalisation in church, culture and society at large. This article explores her research methodology, gives an overview of her research findings and concludes with a note on healing.
Remittances have become an increasingly important factor in developing economies. Among others, compliance with onerous regulation requirements discourages the use of formal methods of remittances. The paper discusses results from a survey of the influence of regulation on the choice of migrants’ remittance channels in South Africa. It aims to highlight how regulation affects the choice between formal and informal channels of remitting funds. A questionnaire was administered to collect primary data from migrants seeking documentations from the Department of Home Affairs, those remitting funds at taxi ranks or bus terminals, and those remitting through commercial banks and money transfer operators. 275 responses were analysed using a Likert rating scale format of 1 (highest) to 5 (lowest). Regulatory requirements of documentary evidence are an important factor influencing the choice of the remittance channel used. Documentation requirement in the formal market causes migrants to be ineligible for the formal channels of remittances and is a factor that influences the choice of remittance channel. Restrictive visa requirements could easily push migrants to become illegal aliens which further deny them access to formal remittance channels. The paper adds to the academic literature on the determinants of remittance channels in Africa. Understanding the relevant issues could assist regulatory authorities to restructure the remittance market with a view to encouraging migrant workers to enter the formal financial system.
This article raises a question from the assertions that Mark’s memories of his martyrdom can provide an alternative theology for the African Independent Churches (AICs). Can there be a link with the Gospel of Mark from the African perspective? The AICs have been contending with matters of faith and culture, which bear a strong presence in their theology. Much has happened in attempting to answer the questions relating to their faith. This article tries to create an alternative narrative for the makeup of such theology. An interview with Bishop Markos has been a key factor in the founding of such a possibility. To Markos, St Mark, the Egyptian Coptic Church and the ancient Christian experience with their popes and bishops will inform such a theology. They were proud of their linear and orthodox connection to the times of Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry two thousand years ago. Egypt and Alexandria—as situated in Africa—have compelled me to test such an allegation. Markos is the author of several books, and he has travelled extensively on the African continent in an attempt to understand the AICs. He introduced and discussed the relationship between Pope Shenouda III and the AICs for the formation of the Organisation of African Independent Churches (OAIC). This essay is an exploration of oral tradition. The Africans’ claiming a connection with early Christianity through the Coptic Church has triggered a curiosity to perform more research.
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