A framework for thoughtful reflection on cultural practices Why Evaluate Traditions? Traditions connect us to our past and shape our communities, but not all practices deserve preservation simply because they’re old. As rational thinkers, we can honor our heritage while questioning practices that may cause harm or no longer serve their original purpose. 🔍 The Read more
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Introduction Ubuntu and secular humanism might arise from different cultural and philosophical traditions, but both emphasise our shared humanity, dignity, and moral responsibility. Ubuntu is an African worldview captured in the phrase “I am because we are,” while secular humanism is a non-religious ethical stance that values human welfare, reason, and compassion without reliance on
Secular Humanism and Ubuntu: Two Sides, Same Coin? Read More »
In a nation where faith traditions run deep and religious identity often shapes community belonging, South Africa’s non-religious young people face a distinct set of challenges that extend far beyond simple theological disagreements. From family tensions to social isolation, these youth navigate a complex landscape where their worldview can put them at odds with deeply
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South Africa’s complex religious landscape reflects the nation’s broader struggles with religious privilege, power, and historical injustice. Whilst the country’s Constitution guarantees religious freedom and equality, the reality of religious privilege continues to shape social, political, and economic dynamics in ways that echo—and sometimes perpetuate—the inequalities of the apartheid era. The Historical Context of Religious
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The South African Secular Society strongly advocates the separation of state from religion. South Africa stands as one of the most religiously diverse countries on the African continent. With a population comprising Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jews, adherents of African traditional religions, and an increasing number of people who identify as non-religious, the country represents a
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Award-winning author and activist Zukiswa Wanner, and investigative journalist, author and performer Marianne Thamm, are the joint winners of the South African Secular Society’s (SASS) Secularist of the Year Award 2024. Members of the SASS felt that both were such strong contenders that it was decided to award the title jointly for the first time
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SA Secualr Society member, Jessie-Lee Smith examines trends in religious and non-religious beliefs in South Africa. Historically, religion has been integral to South Africa’s identity, influencing its socio-political landscape. For example, during apartheid, the ruling National Party leaned heavily on Calvinist theology from the Dutch Reformed Church to justify racial segregation. This rhetoric was woven
South Africa’s Religious Landscape Read More »
In a world where religious beliefs have traditionally provided answers to life’s most profound questions, those of us who embrace a secular worldview often find ourselves navigating these existential conundrums without the comfort of divine explanations. Yet, far from leaving us adrift, this perspective offers a rich, nuanced approach to understanding our place in the
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Introduction Humanism is a philosophical and ethical approach that emphasises reason, compassion, and the value of human life. Humanists believe humans can create a just and fulfilling world through their efforts. The Humanist Manifesto articulates humanism’s core beliefs and values. Since its inception in 1933, it has undergone significant revisions, each reflecting the zeitgeist of
The Evolution of the Humanist Manifesto: A Journey Through Secular Thought Read More »
Andre Fourie writes the first of a series of articles about secular parenting. As the new Government of National Unity works to improve our basic education outcomes, our new administration should grab the opportunity to formalise the teaching of one of the most important and fundamental skills in the modern age: critical thinking. Quite simply,
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