Religion is deeply embedded in South African society. According to the 2022 census by Statistics South Africa, approximately 80% of South Africans identify as Christian, 15% as non-religious, and the remaining 5% adhere to Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, or other faiths.
Yet, in a nation where so many claim to follow doctrines that champion personal responsibility and the dignity of work, we find a striking contradiction: widespread dependency on social grants and consistent support for political parties that promise to expand these programmes.
This paradox challenges us to question whether South Africans are truly living by the principles they profess. If our faiths teach us the importance of self-reliance and work, why do our societal choices reflect a dependence on handouts? Addressing this requires more than economic reform; it demands a shift in consciousness – one that aligns with a deeper understanding of our values and responsibilities as individuals and as a society.
Scriptural Foundations of Work
Christian teachings on the value of work are clear. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10, Paul writes, “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” Similarly, Proverbs 14:23 reminds us, “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” These scriptures highlight the dignity and necessity of labour, a principle deeply embedded in Christian doctrine.
Other faiths and cultural traditions echo this message. African indigenous beliefs emphasise that every person is born with gifts meant to be nurtured and used for personal and communal benefit. Dependency, in this context, represents a failure to fulfil one’s purpose. Similarly, Islam, Hinduism, and Judaism all stress self-reliance, hard work, and the ethical use of resources.
Given these shared principles, one would expect South Africans to reject policies that entrench dependency in favour of those that promote empowerment and self-sufficiency. However, the reality tells a different story.
The Social Grant Conundrum
As of 2023, about 40% of individuals and 50% of households in South Africa relied on social grants, according to government data. While these grants provide vital support to many, they also raise important questions about sustainability and societal values. Are they a compassionate response to poverty, or do they encourage dependency and erode the dignity of work?
Advocates of social grants argue they are essential in a country with high unemployment and deep inequality. However, critics point out that these programmes often disincentivise work and entrepreneurship, perpetuating cycles of dependency. From a faith perspective, this reliance undermines core teachings about individual responsibility and community contribution.
Faith and Political Choices
The contradiction between religious teachings and societal actions is perhaps most evident in voting patterns. Many South Africans, particularly believers, continue to support parties that prioritise welfare over empowerment. This is puzzling when one considers the values these faiths espouse.
Part of this may be attributed to the immediate relief social grants offer in a context of widespread poverty. When survival is at stake, promises of expanded welfare understandably resonate more than abstract commitments to job creation or economic reform. Yet, this pragmatic approach highlights a deeper issue: a disconnect between professed values and lived realities.
If South Africans were truly guided by their faith principles, they might prioritise policies that empower individuals to work and thrive, even if it means forgoing short-term relief.
A New Consciousness
In a recent opinion piece, Rethinking SA’s History Curriculum: An Open Letter to Minister Siviwe Gwarube, I argued that South Africa is in desperate need of a new consciousness – one that transcends the limitations of the current political system and takes a broader, more reflective view of our collective future. The coming together of civil society and religious denominations to guide the country’s direction is undoubtedly part of this new consciousness.
We cannot rely solely on the political system to forge this shift. Politicians, by their nature, are often driven by short-term goals and electoral cycles, rather than the long-term interests of the nation. Other role players – religious leaders, community organisations, and civil society at large – must step up to fill the gap. Together, they can foster the reflection, dialogue, and action needed to align our policies and practices with our values.
The Role of Civil Society
Historically, organisations like the South African Institute of Race Relations (IRR) have facilitated such critical conversations. Founded in 1929, the IRR was established by a diverse group of individuals, including religious leaders, to promote racial harmony and social justice. During apartheid, it provided a platform for moral and political reflection, helping society confront its deepest challenges.
Today, there is an opportunity to revive this legacy. Faith-based organisations and civil society groups could collaborate to create forums where religious and community leaders come together to discuss the moral implications of current policies. By reflecting on the alignment between our values and societal choices, these platforms could inspire South Africans to demand policies that prioritise empowerment over dependency.
Such initiatives could include workshops, public discussions, and educational campaigns that encourage citizens to think critically about their role in shaping the nation’s future. By working together, religious and civil society groups can help foster a culture of self-reliance, dignity, and shared responsibility.
Aligning Policy with Principles
Economic empowerment is at the heart of most religious teachings, yet it remains under-represented in South Africa’s political discourse. Policies that reduce barriers to entrepreneurship, improve access to education and skills development, and foster innovation align more closely with the values of self-sufficiency and dignity.
By shifting the focus from welfare to work, South Africa can better honour the principles that underpin its religious and cultural heritage. This requires not only policy changes but also a collective commitment to living out the values we claim to hold.
Reflecting on Our Future
South Africa stands at a critical juncture. To move forward, we must confront the uncomfortable truths about the gap between our professed beliefs and our actions. Social grants should be a safety net for the vulnerable, not a permanent solution for the majority.
The path to a brighter future lies in fostering a culture of empowerment and self-reliance. This will require a new consciousness – one that transcends the limitations of the political system and draws on the collective wisdom of our faiths and traditions.
Organisations like the IRR, alongside other civil society and faith-based groups, have the potential to play a transformative role in this journey. By bringing diverse voices to the table, they can help South Africans reflect on their values and take collective action to build a society rooted in dignity, independence, and opportunity.
The question remains: are we ready to embrace this new consciousness and align our actions with our values, or will we continue to accept the paradox of faith and dependency? The answer lies in how we engage with our faith, our communities, and our shared future.
[Image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/adavey/2261217481/in/photostream/]
The views of the writer are not necessarily the views of the Daily Friend or the IRR.
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