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Religion education vs religious instruction

Religion Education vs. Religious Education in South Africa

Religion

In South Africa, where faith communities weave a vibrant tapestry, the line between religion education (RE) and religious education (religious instruction) gets blurry. The South African Secular Society (SASS) believes that only one belongs in public schools. Religion Education: A Kaleidoscope of Faiths Imagine a classroom buzzing with curiosity about Hindu Diwali celebrations, Buddhist meditation

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IKS & science

How Science Honours and Clarifies Indigenous Knowledge

Opinion Pieces, Public Interest Articles

An opinion piece by Declan Ahern South Africa’s Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) represent a vast library of human experience. This is not a dusty archive of forgotten facts, but a living tapestry of wisdom, woven from generations of observation, survival, and cultural meaning. It holds profound insights into botany, metallurgy, ecology, and the human condition.

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More Than a Feeling: The Secular Architecture of Mandela’s Constitution

Humanism, Opinion Pieces, Public Interest Articles

An opinion piece by Declan Ahern. On July 18th, we don’t just remember a man; we celebrate an idea. We’ve consumed the brand of Nelson Mandela for decades: the warm smile, the forgiving spirit, the easy story of the Rainbow Nation. It’s a powerful, marketable narrative that feels good. A national comfort food. But comfort

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toolkit for evaluating traditions

A Rational Toolkit for Evaluating Traditions

Opinion Pieces, Public Interest Articles

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

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Ubuntu and secular humanism

Secular Humanism and Ubuntu: Two Sides, Same Coin?

Humanism, Opinion Pieces, Philosophy

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

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nonreligious youth South Africa

The Unique Challenges of Non-Religious Youth in South Africa

Opinion Pieces

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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religious privilege in South Africa

The Challenges of Religious Privilege in South Africa

Opinion Pieces

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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separate state from religion

The Importance of Religion-State Separation in South Africa

Opinion Pieces

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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South African Religion

South Africa’s Religious Landscape

Opinion Pieces, Religion

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

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