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Olehile Buffel

University of South Africa, Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology, Faculty Member

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I am a professor of Practical Theology at the University of South Africa. I previously worked at the University of Kwazulu-Natal and the Lutheran Theological Institute. I hold the following qualification: B.TH (Unisa), Hons BTH (Unisa), M.TH (Unisa) and PHD (University of Pretoria. I teach Pastoral Care and Preaching (Homiletics). My research interests are as follows inter alia:1. Pastoral care and counselling and Clinical Pastoral Education2. Preaching in context3. Pastoral care and the interface with psychology4. Black Theology of Liberation 5. The Bible, poverty and spirituality

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University of South Africa

james kenokeno Mashabela

Ndikho Mtshiselwa

University of South Africa

UNISA

Sello Rankhumise

University of Johannesburg, South Africa

University of KwaZulu-Natal

Gerhardt Gurirab

University of Cape Town

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Papers by Olehile Buffel

A Critical Appraisal of the Silence and Apathy of the Church Regarding Land Reform with Special Reference to the Lutheran Church as a Case Study: Towards Making the Church a Caring and Humanising Institution

Alternation, Dec 1, 2021

While the country is grappling with events and unusual practices that are shocking and bringing c... more While the country is grappling with events and unusual practices that are shocking and bringing churches into disrepute, following dramatic and 'miraculous' events in some of the Charismatic and Pentecostal church traditions, society must not turn a blind eye to challenges faced by so-called mainline churches. They are also engaged in actions and behaviours that are scandalous and bring the churches into disrepute. That is particularly the case with the disturbing silence of churches regarding the raging debates in South Africa, about land, land reform and expropriation of land without compensation. While the debates are ongoing, there is the big scandal of not only silence, but the disposal of church land that sabotages land reform and preempts expropriation of land without compensation. An example comes from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa (ELCSA), which, like other churches, is a significant landowner that has received many of its portions of land during the colonial period during which indigenous peoples were dispossessed, impoverished and dehumanised. By disposing of land without any consultation with groups of claimants, the church has missed an opportunity to be relevant and to be a catalyst in the creation of a more humane society in which the injustices of the past are redressed and the human rights and dignity of the landless, land-hungry and dispossessed are respected and not violated. The church has missed an opportunity to be true to its nature as a caring and compassionate institution that has the responsibility to create a more humane society.

The Bible of the poor in the context of poverty, COVID-19 and vaccine nationalism: Hermeneutics of liberation from the perspective of the poor

HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies, 2021

To the poor, the Bible is a particularly important book which is read and reflected upon in the c... more To the poor, the Bible is a particularly important book which is read and reflected upon in the context of their struggles and their lived experiences. To the critics of Black theology, it may look like ‘liberation theologies’ have nothing to do with the Bible and faith. On the contrary, the Bible is very central to the spiritual journey of the poor in the light of their struggles in the context of poverty and COVID-19. This is the case as the poor struggle against poverty, which is exacerbated by COVID-19 and as they are then pushed aside in the struggle to access vaccinations amidst vaccine nationalism. The poor draw inspiration from the Bible and its themes that focus on God, Jesus, the poor and oppressed, the sick, the marginalised and all people who are suffering. To the poor, God is a caring person who is the parent and advocate of the poor, the oppressed and all the people who are suffering. The poor rely on the hermeneutics of liberation as they make sense of their horrendous conditions and their lived experiences amidst poverty and COVID-19 and as they are denied access to resources that are monopolised by the rich and the powerful nations. Using a theological-liberative hermeneutics, the article argues that the Bible is central in the struggles and lived experiences of the poor in the context of poverty and COVID-19. Contribution: The article contributes to academic discourse that perpetuates misconceptions regarding liberation theologies. An erroneous impression is created that the Bible is not important to the poor in their spiritual journeys. The article contributes to discourse about the centrality of the Bible in the context of their pain and suffering. This is the context in which poverty is exacerbated by COVID-19 and vaccine nationalism as poor countries and communities struggle to access vaccines. © 2021 The Authors.

Death in abundance versus life in abundance in the context of COVID-19 and poverty: A practical theological reflection on pastoral accompaniment during the grieving process

Theologia Viatorum

Black theology versus black spirituality and black faith: The centrality of spirituality and faith in black theology of liberation in the South African context

HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies

Black theology, which is linked to black power in the context of the United States of America and... more Black theology, which is linked to black power in the context of the United States of America and black consciousness in the context of South Africa is often regarded as having nothing to do with spirituality, faith and salvation. It is often regarded by critics as radical, militant and political. In some circles its theological character is questioned. Advocates of liberation theology, past and present are accused of mixing religion with politics. The article traces the history of black theology, as part of liberation theology, which started in the 1960s in three contexts, namely Latin America, United States of America and South Africa. The article argues that spirituality, faith and salvation are central to black theology of liberation. The critical theological reflection that black theology of liberation is all about happens in the context of the spiritual journey of the poor believer and oppressed.Contribution: The contribution that this article makes is to serve as a corrective...

Deliver us from individualism and clericalism : liberating pastoral care from Western individualism and clericalism

Pastoral care cannot continue as if the Western realities are the only realities confronting the ... more Pastoral care cannot continue as if the Western realities are the only realities confronting the world today. It cannot afford to focus only on Western individualism and clericalism, as is often the temptation. Pastoral care has to be understood as broad and as inclusive as possible in order for it to be a communal praxis that is both relevant and contextual. For pastoral care to be liberated, there has to be a paradigm shift, in such a way that it adopts a systemic approach which is in line with the African world-view.

The Bible of the poor in the context of poverty, COVID-19 and vaccine nationalism: Hermeneutics of liberation from the perspective of the poor

HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies

A Critical Reflection on the Indigenous Church Leadership That Behaves Like Modern-Day Pharoahs: The Lutheran Church as a Case Study as We Search for Servant Leadership That is Liberating and Transformative

Missionalia

A Journey of the People of Bethany Marked by Dispossession, Struggle for Return of Land and Continued Impoverishment: A Case Study of Land Reform That Has Not Yet Reduced Poverty

Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae, Dec 18, 2015

This article investigates the history of the farm Bethany in the Free State (a province of South ... more This article investigates the history of the farm Bethany in the Free State (a province of South Africa), which was the first mission station of the Berlin Mission Society. It traces its history from the time when Adam Kok II allocated the farm to the Mission Society for the purpose of spreading the gospel to the indigenous people, and to its dispossession through the forced removals of 1939 and later in the 1960s. It argues that the history of the community is a journey from a community that was economically sustainable before the forced removal, to a journey of impoverishment caused by dispossession. After successful restitution of the farm in 1998, the community continues to be impoverished. The article argues for a restitution process that reduces and eliminates poverty and it challenges the Department of Land Affairs to partner with communities that have returned to their ancestral lands. In this partnership the weak and inadequate post-settlement support must be reviewed and improved in view of ensuring that livelihoods are enhanced and poverty reduced, if not eliminated. The article also challenges the Evangelical Lutheran Church, which still owns part of the farm through its Property Management Committee, to equally partner with the

Mission as liberation in socio-economic and political contexts: towards contextual and liberating theology of mission in the context of migration and human dislocation

Missionalia, Dec 1, 2014

The article argues that for mission to be contextual and liberating it has to take seriously the ... more The article argues that for mission to be contextual and liberating it has to take seriously the plight of those who for various socioeconomic and political factors have been forced to migrate from their countries of birth. Furthermore it critically analyses those factors that have led to the uprooting and the dislocation of Africans who are further impoverished, if not enslaved in the new countries where they are domiciled, particularly in the South African context. The paper argues that it is time, just like at Melbourne (1980) with regard to the poor, for those people who are dislocated to be "put in the very centre of missiological reflection". In addition they also have to be put in the centre of theological reflection, and in particular theological education. Only if the plight of foreigners (migrants) who have been dislocated is placed at the centre of theological education can the churches through their main functionaries who benefit directly from theological education play a liberating and humanising role in welcoming and humanising the foreigners who have been dislocated. Clergy, theologians and laity have significant roles to play in view of uprooting and dispelling the myths, stereotypes and resentment that often fuel xenophobia, in view making Africa hospitable to Africans.

Black Theology and the Black Experience in the Midst of Pain and Suffering Amidst Poverty

Scriptura

Despite promises of a 'better life for all' millions of mainly black South Africans are subjected... more Despite promises of a 'better life for all' millions of mainly black South Africans are subjected to pain and suffering as a result of poverty. This calls for black theological reflection in the light of their experience and the Gospel. This also calls for prophetic activism similar to that provided by some leaders during the struggle for liberation, who unfortunately either joined 'party politics' or the civil service or are now focusing only on preaching that is unrelated to the pain and suffering of the poor. The article argues for pastors, theologians and lay leaders with strong organic links with the masses and their organisations to engage in prophetic activism.

A journey of the people of Bethany marked by dispossession, struggle for return of land and continued impoverishment: A case study of land reform that has not yet reduced poverty

Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae (SHE)

This article investigates the history of the farm Bethany in the Free State (a province of South ... more This article investigates the history of the farm Bethany in the Free State (a province of South Africa), which was the first mission station of the Berlin Mission Society. It traces its history from the time when Adam Kok II allocated the farm to the Mission Society for the purpose of spreading the gospel to the indigenous people, and to its dispossession through the forced removals of 1939 and later in the 1960s. It argues that the history of the community is a journey from a community that was economically sustainable before the forced removal, to a journey of impoverishment caused by dispossession. After successful restitution of the farm in 1998, the community continues to be impoverished. The article argues for a restitution process that reduces and eliminates poverty and it challenges the Department of Land Affairs to partner with communities that have returned to their ancestral lands. In this partnership the weak and inadequate post-settlement support must be reviewed and improved in view of ensuring that livelihoods are enhanced and poverty reduced, if not eliminated. The article also challenges the Evangelical Lutheran Church, which still owns part of the farm through its Property Management Committee, to equally partner with the

Bringing the crucified down from the cross: Preferential option for the poor in the South African context of poverty

Missionalia, 2015

Self-supporting ministry from a Lutheran historical perspective: looking back to the time of Luther and looking ahead with Luther's example in mind

Pastoral care to people living with HIV / AIDS: A pastoral response that is contextual and liberating

Practical Theology in South Africa, May 9, 2015

The culturally gendered pastoral care model of women caring for refugee girls in a context of HIV/AIDS

Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae, Sep 1, 2014

Pastoral care in a context of poverty : a search for a pastoral care model that is contexual and liberating

Mission as liberation in socio-economic and political contexts: towards contextual and liberating theology of mission in the context of migration and human dislocation

Missionalia, 2014

The article argues that for mission to be contextual and liberating it has to take seriously the ... more The article argues that for mission to be contextual and liberating it has to take seriously the plight of those who for various socioeconomic and political factors have been forced to migrate from their countries of birth. Furthermore it critically analyses those factors that have led to the uprooting and the dislocation of Africans who are further impoverished, if not enslaved in the new countries where they are domiciled, particularly in the South African context. The paper argues that it is time, just like at Melbourne (1980) with regard to the poor, for those people who are dislocated to be "put in the very centre of missiological reflection". In addition they also have to be put in the centre of theological reflection, and in particular theological education. Only if the plight of foreigners (migrants) who have been dislocated is placed at the centre of theological education can the churches through their main functionaries who benefit directly from theological education play a liberating and humanising role in welcoming and humanising the foreigners who have been dislocated. Clergy, theologians and laity have significant roles to play in view of uprooting and dispelling the myths, stereotypes and resentment that often fuel xenophobia, in view making Africa hospitable to Africans.

Black Theology and the Black Masses: The Need of an Organic Relationship Between Black Theology and the Black Masses

Scriptura, 2012

The article argues that there is still need of black theology. Although apartheid is believed to ... more The article argues that there is still need of black theology. Although apartheid is believed to have died and blacks have political power, the socioeconomic and cultural realities and conditions that necessitated black theology are still prevalent. For as long as the black experiences involve pain and suffering there will be need to reflect theologically on what it means to be black in the South African context. This time around, as black theology is resuscitated, it should not merely be an academic-intellectual enterprise of the elites but it should seriously be in such a way that it has an organic relationship with the poor and oppressed. For black theology to be sustainable it has to be done in the context of theological reflection not from the Ivory towers such as academia but together with and alongside the poor and the oppressed, as well as their ecclesiastical and social movements

Preferential option for the poor in the current context of poverty in South Africa: doing liberation theology in the the footsteps

Maimela made an immense contribution to theological discourse in South Africa, with global implic... more Maimela made an immense contribution to theological discourse in South Africa, with global implications and in dialogue with the rest of the theological world. The article is particularly interested in the area of liberation theology, especially its preferential option for the poor to which Maimela made some monumental contributions. For his contribution Maimela deserves a special place in the history of the theological developments and modern trends in theology both in the world and in Africa. The article maintains that years after liberation and the dawn of democracy in South Africa, there is still need for liberation theology and its phrase "preferential option for the poor" given the prevalent poverty and associated socioeconomic and political conditions in South Africa. As theologians "do theology" in the South African context, they have to adopt this preferential option for the poor and oppressed. Only then can they contribute to transformation of society, an agenda to which Maimela is committed.

A Critical Appraisal of the Silence and Apathy of the Church Regarding Land Reform with Special Reference to the Lutheran Church as a Case Study: Towards Making the Church a Caring and Humanising Institution

Alternation, Dec 1, 2021

While the country is grappling with events and unusual practices that are shocking and bringing c... more While the country is grappling with events and unusual practices that are shocking and bringing churches into disrepute, following dramatic and 'miraculous' events in some of the Charismatic and Pentecostal church traditions, society must not turn a blind eye to challenges faced by so-called mainline churches. They are also engaged in actions and behaviours that are scandalous and bring the churches into disrepute. That is particularly the case with the disturbing silence of churches regarding the raging debates in South Africa, about land, land reform and expropriation of land without compensation. While the debates are ongoing, there is the big scandal of not only silence, but the disposal of church land that sabotages land reform and preempts expropriation of land without compensation. An example comes from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa (ELCSA), which, like other churches, is a significant landowner that has received many of its portions of land during the colonial period during which indigenous peoples were dispossessed, impoverished and dehumanised. By disposing of land without any consultation with groups of claimants, the church has missed an opportunity to be relevant and to be a catalyst in the creation of a more humane society in which the injustices of the past are redressed and the human rights and dignity of the landless, land-hungry and dispossessed are respected and not violated. The church has missed an opportunity to be true to its nature as a caring and compassionate institution that has the responsibility to create a more humane society.

The Bible of the poor in the context of poverty, COVID-19 and vaccine nationalism: Hermeneutics of liberation from the perspective of the poor

HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies, 2021

To the poor, the Bible is a particularly important book which is read and reflected upon in the c... more To the poor, the Bible is a particularly important book which is read and reflected upon in the context of their struggles and their lived experiences. To the critics of Black theology, it may look like ‘liberation theologies’ have nothing to do with the Bible and faith. On the contrary, the Bible is very central to the spiritual journey of the poor in the light of their struggles in the context of poverty and COVID-19. This is the case as the poor struggle against poverty, which is exacerbated by COVID-19 and as they are then pushed aside in the struggle to access vaccinations amidst vaccine nationalism. The poor draw inspiration from the Bible and its themes that focus on God, Jesus, the poor and oppressed, the sick, the marginalised and all people who are suffering. To the poor, God is a caring person who is the parent and advocate of the poor, the oppressed and all the people who are suffering. The poor rely on the hermeneutics of liberation as they make sense of their horrendous conditions and their lived experiences amidst poverty and COVID-19 and as they are denied access to resources that are monopolised by the rich and the powerful nations. Using a theological-liberative hermeneutics, the article argues that the Bible is central in the struggles and lived experiences of the poor in the context of poverty and COVID-19. Contribution: The article contributes to academic discourse that perpetuates misconceptions regarding liberation theologies. An erroneous impression is created that the Bible is not important to the poor in their spiritual journeys. The article contributes to discourse about the centrality of the Bible in the context of their pain and suffering. This is the context in which poverty is exacerbated by COVID-19 and vaccine nationalism as poor countries and communities struggle to access vaccines. © 2021 The Authors.

Death in abundance versus life in abundance in the context of COVID-19 and poverty: A practical theological reflection on pastoral accompaniment during the grieving process

Theologia Viatorum

Black theology versus black spirituality and black faith: The centrality of spirituality and faith in black theology of liberation in the South African context

HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies

Black theology, which is linked to black power in the context of the United States of America and... more Black theology, which is linked to black power in the context of the United States of America and black consciousness in the context of South Africa is often regarded as having nothing to do with spirituality, faith and salvation. It is often regarded by critics as radical, militant and political. In some circles its theological character is questioned. Advocates of liberation theology, past and present are accused of mixing religion with politics. The article traces the history of black theology, as part of liberation theology, which started in the 1960s in three contexts, namely Latin America, United States of America and South Africa. The article argues that spirituality, faith and salvation are central to black theology of liberation. The critical theological reflection that black theology of liberation is all about happens in the context of the spiritual journey of the poor believer and oppressed.Contribution: The contribution that this article makes is to serve as a corrective...

Deliver us from individualism and clericalism : liberating pastoral care from Western individualism and clericalism

Pastoral care cannot continue as if the Western realities are the only realities confronting the ... more Pastoral care cannot continue as if the Western realities are the only realities confronting the world today. It cannot afford to focus only on Western individualism and clericalism, as is often the temptation. Pastoral care has to be understood as broad and as inclusive as possible in order for it to be a communal praxis that is both relevant and contextual. For pastoral care to be liberated, there has to be a paradigm shift, in such a way that it adopts a systemic approach which is in line with the African world-view.

The Bible of the poor in the context of poverty, COVID-19 and vaccine nationalism: Hermeneutics of liberation from the perspective of the poor

HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies

A Critical Reflection on the Indigenous Church Leadership That Behaves Like Modern-Day Pharoahs: The Lutheran Church as a Case Study as We Search for Servant Leadership That is Liberating and Transformative

Missionalia

A Journey of the People of Bethany Marked by Dispossession, Struggle for Return of Land and Continued Impoverishment: A Case Study of Land Reform That Has Not Yet Reduced Poverty

Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae, Dec 18, 2015

This article investigates the history of the farm Bethany in the Free State (a province of South ... more This article investigates the history of the farm Bethany in the Free State (a province of South Africa), which was the first mission station of the Berlin Mission Society. It traces its history from the time when Adam Kok II allocated the farm to the Mission Society for the purpose of spreading the gospel to the indigenous people, and to its dispossession through the forced removals of 1939 and later in the 1960s. It argues that the history of the community is a journey from a community that was economically sustainable before the forced removal, to a journey of impoverishment caused by dispossession. After successful restitution of the farm in 1998, the community continues to be impoverished. The article argues for a restitution process that reduces and eliminates poverty and it challenges the Department of Land Affairs to partner with communities that have returned to their ancestral lands. In this partnership the weak and inadequate post-settlement support must be reviewed and improved in view of ensuring that livelihoods are enhanced and poverty reduced, if not eliminated. The article also challenges the Evangelical Lutheran Church, which still owns part of the farm through its Property Management Committee, to equally partner with the

Mission as liberation in socio-economic and political contexts: towards contextual and liberating theology of mission in the context of migration and human dislocation

Missionalia, Dec 1, 2014

The article argues that for mission to be contextual and liberating it has to take seriously the ... more The article argues that for mission to be contextual and liberating it has to take seriously the plight of those who for various socioeconomic and political factors have been forced to migrate from their countries of birth. Furthermore it critically analyses those factors that have led to the uprooting and the dislocation of Africans who are further impoverished, if not enslaved in the new countries where they are domiciled, particularly in the South African context. The paper argues that it is time, just like at Melbourne (1980) with regard to the poor, for those people who are dislocated to be "put in the very centre of missiological reflection". In addition they also have to be put in the centre of theological reflection, and in particular theological education. Only if the plight of foreigners (migrants) who have been dislocated is placed at the centre of theological education can the churches through their main functionaries who benefit directly from theological education play a liberating and humanising role in welcoming and humanising the foreigners who have been dislocated. Clergy, theologians and laity have significant roles to play in view of uprooting and dispelling the myths, stereotypes and resentment that often fuel xenophobia, in view making Africa hospitable to Africans.

Black Theology and the Black Experience in the Midst of Pain and Suffering Amidst Poverty

Scriptura

Despite promises of a 'better life for all' millions of mainly black South Africans are subjected... more Despite promises of a 'better life for all' millions of mainly black South Africans are subjected to pain and suffering as a result of poverty. This calls for black theological reflection in the light of their experience and the Gospel. This also calls for prophetic activism similar to that provided by some leaders during the struggle for liberation, who unfortunately either joined 'party politics' or the civil service or are now focusing only on preaching that is unrelated to the pain and suffering of the poor. The article argues for pastors, theologians and lay leaders with strong organic links with the masses and their organisations to engage in prophetic activism.

A journey of the people of Bethany marked by dispossession, struggle for return of land and continued impoverishment: A case study of land reform that has not yet reduced poverty

Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae (SHE)

This article investigates the history of the farm Bethany in the Free State (a province of South ... more This article investigates the history of the farm Bethany in the Free State (a province of South Africa), which was the first mission station of the Berlin Mission Society. It traces its history from the time when Adam Kok II allocated the farm to the Mission Society for the purpose of spreading the gospel to the indigenous people, and to its dispossession through the forced removals of 1939 and later in the 1960s. It argues that the history of the community is a journey from a community that was economically sustainable before the forced removal, to a journey of impoverishment caused by dispossession. After successful restitution of the farm in 1998, the community continues to be impoverished. The article argues for a restitution process that reduces and eliminates poverty and it challenges the Department of Land Affairs to partner with communities that have returned to their ancestral lands. In this partnership the weak and inadequate post-settlement support must be reviewed and improved in view of ensuring that livelihoods are enhanced and poverty reduced, if not eliminated. The article also challenges the Evangelical Lutheran Church, which still owns part of the farm through its Property Management Committee, to equally partner with the

Bringing the crucified down from the cross: Preferential option for the poor in the South African context of poverty

Missionalia, 2015

Self-supporting ministry from a Lutheran historical perspective: looking back to the time of Luther and looking ahead with Luther's example in mind

Pastoral care to people living with HIV / AIDS: A pastoral response that is contextual and liberating

Practical Theology in South Africa, May 9, 2015

The culturally gendered pastoral care model of women caring for refugee girls in a context of HIV/AIDS

Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae, Sep 1, 2014

Pastoral care in a context of poverty : a search for a pastoral care model that is contexual and liberating

Mission as liberation in socio-economic and political contexts: towards contextual and liberating theology of mission in the context of migration and human dislocation

Missionalia, 2014

The article argues that for mission to be contextual and liberating it has to take seriously the ... more The article argues that for mission to be contextual and liberating it has to take seriously the plight of those who for various socioeconomic and political factors have been forced to migrate from their countries of birth. Furthermore it critically analyses those factors that have led to the uprooting and the dislocation of Africans who are further impoverished, if not enslaved in the new countries where they are domiciled, particularly in the South African context. The paper argues that it is time, just like at Melbourne (1980) with regard to the poor, for those people who are dislocated to be "put in the very centre of missiological reflection". In addition they also have to be put in the centre of theological reflection, and in particular theological education. Only if the plight of foreigners (migrants) who have been dislocated is placed at the centre of theological education can the churches through their main functionaries who benefit directly from theological education play a liberating and humanising role in welcoming and humanising the foreigners who have been dislocated. Clergy, theologians and laity have significant roles to play in view of uprooting and dispelling the myths, stereotypes and resentment that often fuel xenophobia, in view making Africa hospitable to Africans.

Black Theology and the Black Masses: The Need of an Organic Relationship Between Black Theology and the Black Masses

Scriptura, 2012

The article argues that there is still need of black theology. Although apartheid is believed to ... more The article argues that there is still need of black theology. Although apartheid is believed to have died and blacks have political power, the socioeconomic and cultural realities and conditions that necessitated black theology are still prevalent. For as long as the black experiences involve pain and suffering there will be need to reflect theologically on what it means to be black in the South African context. This time around, as black theology is resuscitated, it should not merely be an academic-intellectual enterprise of the elites but it should seriously be in such a way that it has an organic relationship with the poor and oppressed. For black theology to be sustainable it has to be done in the context of theological reflection not from the Ivory towers such as academia but together with and alongside the poor and the oppressed, as well as their ecclesiastical and social movements

Preferential option for the poor in the current context of poverty in South Africa: doing liberation theology in the the footsteps

Maimela made an immense contribution to theological discourse in South Africa, with global implic... more Maimela made an immense contribution to theological discourse in South Africa, with global implications and in dialogue with the rest of the theological world. The article is particularly interested in the area of liberation theology, especially its preferential option for the poor to which Maimela made some monumental contributions. For his contribution Maimela deserves a special place in the history of the theological developments and modern trends in theology both in the world and in Africa. The article maintains that years after liberation and the dawn of democracy in South Africa, there is still need for liberation theology and its phrase "preferential option for the poor" given the prevalent poverty and associated socioeconomic and political conditions in South Africa. As theologians "do theology" in the South African context, they have to adopt this preferential option for the poor and oppressed. Only then can they contribute to transformation of society, an agenda to which Maimela is committed.