Vanguard of African culture: An analysis of the oral history of selected AICs in Tshwane (Pretoria)

 

 

Victor Molobi

Research Institute for Theology and Religion, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa

 

 

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ABSTRACT

AICs do not make the outright claim that they are defending African culture, but their behaviour does reflect their original African cultures in its adaptation to Christianity. These churches have been accused of syncretistic practices in the past and were seldom given the chance to prove their Christian abilities, especially alongside the mainline or mission churches. Across Southern Africa these churches are known for their colourful images and their presence everywhere in the rural and urban open spaces, under trees, on the hills and in school classrooms which they temporarily rent. What are the stories behind their faith praxis? We will investigate whether the AICs in townships are in the forefront of African culture or not. Some selected oral stories from AICs in the Tshwane (Pretoria) townships of Atteridgeville and Mamelodi will be used as samples to determine the validity of this claim. Inculturation and dual religious systems are concepts which will help clarify the issue.

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Works consulted

Anderson, A 1992. Bazalwane: African Pentecostals in South Africa. Pretoria: University of South Africa.         [ Links ]

Bate, S 1995. Inculturation and healing: coping-healing in South African Christianity. Pietermaritzburg: Cluster.         [ Links ]

Daneel, M L 1987. Quest for belonging. Gweru: Mambo.         [ Links ]

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ICT [Institute for Contextual Theology] 1985. We speak for ourselves. Braamfontein: ICT.         [ Links ]

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Maluleke, T S 1996. Recent development in the Christian theologies of Africa: towards the twenty first century. Journal of Constructive Theology. Vol. 2, December.         [ Links ]

Moila, M P 2002. Getting the message heard. Pretoria: CB Powell Bible Centre, University of South Africa.         [ Links ]

Molobi, V S 2004. African theology, black theology and the AICs: a vision for mission. Unpublished DTh thesis, University of South Africa, Pretoria.         [ Links ]

Molobi, V 2006. The AICs and theological training: with special reference to St John's Apostolic Faith Mission Church of Manku. Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae, XXXII(3), 33-52.         [ Links ]

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Interviews

Atteridgeville ministers Fraternal. Interview, 12 July 1994.         [ Links ]

Interview with Rev Khuzwayo of the Zion Apostolic New Jerusalem of South Africa, 24 February 1994.         [ Links ]

Interview with Bishop Mashitisho of the Ark of Noah, 10 November 1994. Mamelodi East.         [ Links ]

Interview with Bishop Mosoro of the Zion Apostolic City of South Africa, 14 June 1994. Atteridgeville.         [ Links ]

Interview with Archbishop Shilenga of the Bethesda Spiritual Church of God in South Africa, 8 September 1994.         [ Links ]

Interview with Archbishop Shisane of the Pentecostal Freedom Holy Spirit Apostolic Church, August 1994.         [ Links ]

Interview with Bishop Tshabalala of the New St Paul Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa, 20 October 1994. Saulsville.         [ Links ]