South Africa is at the southernmost point of the African continent. It is the richest and most industrialized country in Africa, with some of the largest deposits of gold, platinum and chrome. There is a vast gap between rich and poor, with high unemployment (almost 30%) and one-third of the population living below $2 US per day. South Africans have fought many sensitive issues including the injustices of apartheid, corruption, high crime and AIDS. The final laws regarding apartheid and injustice to the non-white majority were repealed in 1994. Nelson Mandela’s government worked hard to initiate healing after this, but his successors have not been as successful.
There is freedom of religion, but the emphasis on pluralism and diversity to ethnic religions, humanism and interfaith movements have been at the expense of the Christian majority. Pray for continued healing, a reduction in poverty, inequality and crime, while ministering in the name of Christ to those who need it most.
