Religion in South Africa

The constitution of South Africa guarantees freedom of religion for everyone and is a reflection of the diversity of the population.

Native African Religions

In the traditional native African religions, the position a person has within his family, community, natural surroundings, with the spirits and with God is very important. The emphasis is on worshipping ancestors, who are in contact with a “higher being” or God and can ask for rain, health and fertility.
Native African religions play an important role in rural communities. Some Christians have also taken over traditions from the native religions

Traditional medicine often plays an important part in the native religions. A tradional healer can help, for example, to appease the ancestors, so that one stays healthy. There are two different tradional healers; the Sangoma (faith healer) and the Inyanga (herbal healer). The healers use medicinal herbs and several plants, but parts of birds and other animals are used as well.

Christianity

The Christian belief was introduced into South Africa by the Dutch who colonized Cape of Good Hope. From then, evangelists and missionaries of different affiliations arrived, who tried to convert the population. Nowadays in South Africa, there are blievers of it almost all Christian denominations, that have founded their own churches with their community.

Judaism

Not until 1863, the first synagogue was established in South Africa. Up to this time it was not permitted for Jews to practice their religion in public. There are approximately 120,000 Jews in South Africa, who is mainly orthodox.

Islam

The first mosque in South Africa was built in 1804, although the first Muslims arrived in South Africa already in the 17th century. Presently there are approximately 400,000 Muslims in South Africa.

Hinduism

Approximately 68 percent of South Africans of Indian origin are Hindu, which accounts for about 650.000 people.