https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/44 Mon, 21 Sep 2026 06:28:15 GMT 2026-09-21T06:28:15Z https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/32993 An African philosophical perspective on the concept and practice of lobola: continuity or disconnect with ubuntu? Fothane, Ditupa This study explores the connection between the cultural practice of lobola and the African philosophy of Ubuntu. It sets out to excavate meanings, understandings and interpretations of the concept and practice of lobola as it was practised during pre-colonial times and how it is currently practised in the post-colonial Southern African context. Through an interpretive desktop design, and a critical engagement with literature, the study explored the manifestation of Ubuntu in the concept and practice of lobola, in its ‘original form’ and in its current form. The findings of this study indicate that there is a disconnect between the practice of lobola as it is currently practised and the African philosophy of Ubuntu. The study found that the practice of lobola hinders access to marriage due to the exorbitant amount of money required; Nyakišišo ye e hlahloba kamano magareng ga mokgwa wa setšo wa lobola le filosofi ya Seafrika ya Ubuntu. E ikemišeditše go sekaseka ditlhalošo, dikwešišo le ditlhalošollo tše di amanago le kgopolo le mokgwa wa lobola bjalo ka ge e be di dirišwa mehleng ya pele ga bokoloniale, le ka fao e dirišwago ka gona mo maemong a Afrika Borwa bja ka Borwa ka morago ga bokoloniale. Nyakišišo ye e dirišitše mokgwa wa nyakišišo wa tlhathollo wa deskthopo (interpretive desktop research design) gomme ya sekaseka dingwalo tša maleba ka tshekatsheko ye e tseneletšego. Ka mokgwa wo, nyakišišo e nyakišišitše tekanyo yeo filosofi ya Ubuntu e bonagatšwago ka yona ka gare ga kgopolo le mokgwa wa lobola, bobedi ka sebopego sa yona sa mathomo le ka sebopego sa yona sa lehono. Diphihlelelo tša nyakišišo ye di bontšha gore go na le go se sepelelane magareng ga mokgwa wa lehono wa lobola le filosofi ya Seafrika ya Ubuntu. Nyakišišo e hweditše gore mokgwa wa lehono wa lobola o arogetšwe le metheo ya motheo le dikelo tša Ubuntu. Go feta moo, e hweditše gore mokgwa wa lobola ke lepheko go batho bao ba nyakago go tsena lenyalong ka lebaka la ditefelo tša tšhelete tše di godimo kudu tše di amanago le tefo ya lobola.; Lolu cwaningo luhlola kabanzi ubudlelwano obuphakathi kwesiko lokulobola kanye nefilosofi yase-Afrika yoBuntu. Luhlose ukumba luphinde luhlaziye izincazelo, ukuqondwa kanye nokuhunyushwa komqondo nomkhuba wokulobola njengoba kwakwenziwa ngaphambi kwesikhathi sobukoloni, kanye nendlela okwenziwa ngayo njengamanje esimweni saseNingizimu ne-Afrika ngemva kobukoloni. Lolu cwaningo lusebenzise indlela yokucwaninga ehunyushayo esekelwe ekuhlaziyweni kwemibhalo (interpretive desktop design), kanye nokuhlaziywa okubucayi kwemithombo yolwazi efanele. Ngale ndlela, ucwaningo luhlolisise indlela ifilosofi yoBuntu ebonakala ngayo emcabangweni nasemkhubeni wokulobola, kokubili esimweni sawo sokuqala kanye nasendleleni owenziwa ngayo esikhathini samanje. Imiphumela yalolu cwaningo ikhombisa ukuthi kunokungahambisani phakathi komkhuba wokulobola njengoba wenziwa namuhla kanye nefilosofi yase-Afrika yoBuntu. Ucwaningo luthole ukuthi indlela yokulobola yanamuhla isiphambukile ezimisweni nasezimisweni eziyisisekelo zoBuntu. Luphinde lwathola ukuthi umkhuba wokulobola uvimbela abantu abaningi ekungeneni emshadweni ngenxa yemali eningi kakhulu edingekayo ukuze kukhokhwe ilobolo. Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/32993 2026-03-12T00:00:00Z https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/32979 Islam and ubungoma : case studies of Muslim sangomas in South Africa Langa, Vincent Thulani This thesis explores the intersection of traditional African spirituality and Islam in South Africa through the lens of Muslim sangomas. The study focuses on Ubungoma, a form of divination and healing deeply rooted in the traditional beliefs of South Africa's indigenous peoples. Even though Ubungoma is generally not associated with Islam, it has also been adopted by many Muslims in South Africa, who struggle to reconcile their Islamic faith with their traditional African upbringing. The thesis employs case studies to examine the experiences of Muslim sangomas who face challenges in integrating Ubungoma into their Islamic beliefs and practices. Through interviews and ethnographic observation, the thesis explores how these individuals negotiate the tensions between their Islamic identity and the traditional African beliefs associated with Ubungoma. The study examines the relationship between Islam and culture, specifically in the social and cultural context in which these individuals practice Ubungoma and how their Muslim identity influences their practice. The thesis will thus offer further insights into the complex interplay between religion, culture, and identity in post-apartheid South Africa. Thu, 18 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMT https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/32979 2018-10-18T00:00:00Z https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/32966 Women’s leadership and empowerment in a black Pentecostal church in South Africa Jacobs, Phumeza Cordelia Nonnie This practical theological study explores women’s leadership and empowerment within African Pentecostal churches, specifically investigating Black Pentecostalism’s stance on gender equity, women’s empowerment, and the challenges posed by resistance to change. It also addresses the persistent marginalisation of women and the barriers to their ordination as pastors. Rooted in a reflective theory of practice, this research examines Christian praxis about human experience, aiming to articulate women’s lived experiences and analyse the causes and implications of their non-ordination within South African Pentecostal churches. It also examines the evolving relationship between African Pentecostalism and gender, focusing on how contemporary Pentecostal movements engage with women’s empowerment while raising awareness and promoting social justice activism to eliminate systemic prejudice and amplify women’s voices. It employs a qualitative methodology, utilising a descriptive narrative case study approach with 24 senior pastors from the Assemblies of God Back to God (BTG) denomination across various provinces in South Africa. Though BTG serves as a case study, the research situates itself within the broader discourse on gender dynamics in African Pentecostalism. The study critically explores how Pentecostal theological frameworks, ecclesial structures, and socio-cultural contexts influence women’s roles in leadership and agency. Thematic analysis is facilitated. Atlas.Ti software was applied to identify patterns in leadership perspectives, institutional practices, and theological justifications regarding women’s ordination. Findings reveal significant tensions between progressive theological visions advocating gender inclusion and entrenched patriarchal interpretations that limit women’s ministerial agency. While some Pentecostal leaders acknowledge the need for change, structural inefficiencies, rigid biblical hermeneutics, and prevailing cultural norms continue to obstruct meaningful transformation. The study suggests that meaningful change may require considerable time and effort, especially due to inefficiencies and leadership styles within African Pentecostal churches. By positioning gender as a critical lens for examining power dynamics in Pentecostal ecclesiology, this research contributes to the scholarly discourse on religion and social justice. It underscores the urgent need for sustained theological reflection and institutional reform to challenge systemic inequalities and foster inclusive leadership within African Pentecostal churches. Abstract and text in English Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/32966 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/32934 The value of accreditation for theological institutions and qualifications among Pentecostal-type ministries in South Africa, kgatle, mookgo solomon In some Christian traditions, a pastor is required to qualify at an accredited institution of higher learning such as a university or a seminary. However, in Pentecostal-type ministries, some pastors start churches without an accredited qualification arguing they do not need a qualification to become pastors but only a calling for ministry. Consequently, these pastors end up being exploited by non-accredited institutions offering them non-accredited qualifications. Some pastors start their non-accredited bible colleges whose qualifications cannot respond to the skills needs of the economy. Other challenges include the exploitation of pastors by degree sellers, the negative impact on accredited institutions, and the illegality of using titles such as doctor or professor without proper qualifications. The research question is what are the significance and values of accreditation of theological institutions and qualifications among Pentecostal-type ministries? To answer this question, this article evaluates the framework of accreditation of theological institutions in South Africa. tor. The aim is to demonstrate the importance of studying in an accredited institution and obtaining an accredited theological qualification among Pentecostal-type ministries. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/32934 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z