School of Religion and Theology
University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

THEOLOGY AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

The vision of the programme is the increased capacity of
church leadership in Africa to reflect on and be engaged in
social transformation for the benefit of the poor and marginalised.

Our Vision

The remarkable and fundamental political changes in South Africa in the past decades have seen a great change in the task and role of the Church in the community and wider society. Whereas under apartheid the Church was called upon to resist injustice and oppression, today we are called upon to play a role in the reconstruction and development of our society.

There are similar challenges in other countries in Africa, where the impact of neo-colonialism, globalisation and Structural Adjustment Policies have left many people unemployed, poor and lacking basic health and educational facilities.

On top of this, there are certain crucial issues that are challenging the Church throughout the African Continent. These include HIV and AIDS, globalisation, unemployment, public health crises, ecological degradation, land redistribution and gender justice.

We believe that the Church has a crucial role to play in this situation. That role includes a critique of the dominant models of development along with a commitment to people-centred, sustainable livelihoods. Furthermore, the Church has resources, people and a faith commitment that can be harnessed for the development of people and their communities.

While the challenge and commitment is clear, it is also true that we as people of faith are not always properly equipped for the task. Traditional theological training does not include a focus on development, and the dynamics of building partnerships with government, NGOs and the private sector are often foreign to the way the Church works.

The Programme in Theology and Development at the University of KwaZulu-Natal is seeking to meet some of these needs. It was established in 1995.  Prof Steve de Gruchy, was appointed in 2000. Dr Beverley Haddad joined the staff of the Programme in 2004. Prof de Gruchy is currently the Head of the School, and Dr Haddad is the Director of the Programme.