Religion Education in South Africa: Teaching and Learning About Religion, Religions, and Religious Diversity

Abstract

South Africa is in the process of introducing a new curriculum for religion education with aims which are clearly educational rather than religious. This is taking place within the context of a Constitution which safeguards human rights and forbids discrimination on religious grounds, thus ruling out any form of ‘privileged’ religious education. The article traces the history of religious education in South Africa and the processes involved in arriving at the new curriculum proposals. It also charts the opposition to these proposals by a number of Christian groups, most of which wish to see the privileged position of Christianity maintained. It insists, however, that the new proposals are the best way forward for religion education in South Africa's schools.