Beyond spirituality to broader social change : a qualitative analysis of the development role of the christian church in a rural community in Limpopo province

Abstract

In the contemporary era, non-state actors continue to play a crucial role in the development of and bringing change to society and people’s lives as they are major stakeholders in the social development process. While the Christian Church has a religious role, as part of a civil society, it is expected to collaborate in efforts to make a significant contribution to political and socioeconomic development, and bring about positive change. The Christian Church has a long pedigree in development, playing major roles in the health and education sectors during the colonial era as well as after independence in Africa. This dissertation analyzes the role of the Christian Church in our society, and in particular, whether it has played any socio-economic role in its immediate community, such as uplifting and changing lives in ways that lead to sustainable development. By problematising the development role of the Christian Church in society, the study adopts a case study approach, and views the church as a major stakeholder in the society where it operates. The approach adopted for the analysis of the church and its role is, therefore, grounded on stakeholders’ accounts, including those of the community and church members, who are major role players; and on the need to understand the perspectives of these stakeholders. It uses the case of the Charismatic Christian Church operating in Ga-Maphalle in the Limpopo Province, to understand how it has engaged with the development challenges of the society, particularly the programs that it has implemented and to look at what guides these programs and also its encounters with the Covid-19 pandemic together with the challenges associated with restrictions to church activities. The analysis revealed that through various activities, the church was heavily involved in the affairs of the community. Its activities went beyond religious duty to offer charity, and more importantly, to empower particular groups through social and economic outreach. Church members embarked on an outreach program to address social issues, while the church assisted community members to start livelihood projects through the provision of a non-restrictive micro-finance system. The study revealed that the church played a prominent role in ensuring food security during the Covid-19 crisis, when livelihoods were under threat. Despite its active role, the church did not have the capacity to solve key developmental issues, which needed collaborative efforts. However, the church and other stakeholders operated in silos, and thus, failed to make a iv significant impact. The study concludes that, the church could have achieved more in the society of Ga-Maphalle, through collaboration with other stakeholders, and by using its position and proximity to society, to mobilize these stakeholders towards bringing the needed development. Unfortunately, this window of opportunity was not utilized, and the society missed the opportunity to see development, which was essential. The thesis, therefore, emphasizes the significance of cooperation between different stakeholders, and argues that the church can easily achieve this because of its position in the society.