Rukundwa, L.S. (Lazare Sebitereko)Van Aarde, A.G. (Andries G.)2007-11-022007-11-022007-09Rukundwa, LS & Van Aarde, AG 2007, 'The formation of postcolonial theory', HTS Theological Studies/Teologiese Studies, vol. 63, no. 3, pp. 1171-1194. [http://www.journals.co.za/ej/ejour_hervorm.html]0259-9422http://hdl.handle.net/2263/3851The purpose of this article is to outline certain options and struggles, which gave rise to postcolonial theory. The author deals with various experiences of anti-slavery and anti-colonial movements in Western and tricontinental countries, comprising the development of postcolonial theory. It is argued that postcolonial theory provides a means of defiance by which any exploitative and discriminative practices, regardless of time and space, can be challenged. The article consists of a section in which terminology is clarified, secondly a discussion of the elements that functioned as justification of the formation of postcolonial theory, namely a humanitarian, economic, political, and religious justification. The role of feminism and anti-colonialism is discussed in the third instance, followed by a reflection on the concept "hybrid identities".168582 bytesapplication/pdfenReformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of PretoriaPostcolonial theoryPostcolonialismSlaveryExploitationArticle