BLACK THEOLOGY OF SOUTH AFRICA AND THE LIBERATION PARADIGM

Historically, Black Theology of South Africa, in dialogue with Black Theology of North America, emerged in answer to the problem of apartheid. It was thus situational, regional, liberational and relevant. The apparent dormancy of Black Theology in post-independent South Africa raises questions concerning the liberation agenda in South Africa itself, the rest of Africa and the whole world. The main question is: Has the liberation task been completed? This article explores liberation as an ongoing historical process. Furthermore, the liberation paradigm is seen as multifaceted. In this perspective, liberation is in dialogue with reconciliation, restitution and empowerment of the marginalised. Black Theology then, in dialogue with post-independent Africa, not only has to jealously guard against its hard won liberation from apartheid, but also, needs to be creative and proactive in identifying new needs and in mapping out possible solutions.