Addressing systemic racism in South Africa: A missio-public theological perspective

Abstract

Thirty years after the end of apartheid, South Africa continues to grapple with the deep-seated challenge of systemic racism. Despite significant strides towards equality, racial disparities persist in various sectors, impacting access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities. This enduring legacy of apartheid underscores the urgent need for effective interventions that transcend policy reform and tackle the social and cultural foundations of racial bias. This article argues that when integrated with missional engagement, public theology offers a transformative framework for addressing racism in South Africa. As a discipline concerned with the interplay between faith and societal issues, public theology invites the church to participate actively in social justice, promoting reconciliation and inclusivity within diverse communities. By embracing its prophetic role, the church can contribute to dismantling racial prejudice through dialogue, advocacy and grassroots actions that resonate with faith communities and the broader public. The missional approach within public theology emphasises the church’s calling to serve society, not merely as a religious entity but as a beacon of hope and justice. Through intentional acts of service, solidarity and community empowerment, mission-focussed public theology can expose and confront systemic inequalities. This approach seeks to raise awareness and encourage ethical practices, shaping a national ethos that values and upholds human dignity. Ultimately, this study posits that a missio-public theology approach can foster a cohesive strategy for addressing the persistent issue of racism, paving the way for a more equitable and reconciled South African society.

Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The article contributes to theology’s role in addressing South Africa’s challenges by presenting a practical framework for tackling systemic racism through public theology and missiology. It highlights the church’s transformative, prophetic and reconciliatory role, enriching scholarly discourse on theology’s engagement with societal issues. This perspective fosters interdisciplinary approaches to addressing social justice in South Africa and beyond.