4 The need for effective policing and administration of justice

5 AIDS has become the primary cause of death. Daily 1,200 victims are buried

6 Biblical Christianity continues to thrive and has grown in influence despite the post-Christian moral slide in society

a) There has been much enthusiasm, multiplied prayer networks and vigorous outreach in evangelism, missions and social concern

b) Pentecostal denominations have flourished among all communities growing from 400,000 in 1960 to 1.1 million in 1980, and then to 3.5 million in 2000

c) Charismatic networks have multiplied among all population groups and had a significant impact with a wide range of ministries and mission outreach

d) Mainline denominations have, in parts, been transformed by new vision, structures and outreach

e) The massive growth of African Independent/Indigenous Churches

7 Challenges for South African Christians

a) Adaptability in the face of rapid social change

b) A prophetic voice for the Church in a society that no longer holds to moral absolutes

c) Deep reconciliation

d) Revival in mainline denominations

8 The training of Christian leaders is a multi-faceted challenge

a) There are 49 theological, degree-awarding university faculties and seminaries and 50 or more residential Bible Colleges

b) Distance learning, or TEE, is a cost-effective alternative, but to many Africans who need it most, it is seen as a second-class option

c) The numerous African Independent Churches (AICs) are often pastored by those with little education

Peoples

African 76.7%.

Caucasian 10.9%;

Coloured (mixed race) 8.9%.

Asian 2.6%.

Other 0.9%.

Literacy 82%. Functional literacy is much lower at around 62%. National languages 11 – all the major ethnic languages. English and Afrikaans are the main languages in higher education. All languages 32. Languages with Scriptures 19Bi 1NT 1w.i.p.

Economy

The richest and most industrialized country in Africa (25% of Africa's GNP, 40% of its industrial output). Unemployment 25% (38% for youth and may be much higher). HDI 0.695; 101^st/174. Public debt 9% of GNP. Income/person $3,210 (10% of USA) – but big disparities between wealthy and poor.

Politics

The Union of South Africa was formed in 1910.

Religion

Religions	Population %	Adherents	Ann.Gr.
Christian	73.52	29,684,861	+1.2%
Traditional ethnic	15.00	6,056,487	+0.8%
non-Religious/other	8.08	3,262,428	+6.5%
Muslim	1.45	585,460	+2.8%
Hindu	1.25	504,707	+0.4%
Baha'i	0.50	201,883	+1.5%
Jewish	0.17	68,640	+1.5%
Buddhist/Chinese	0.03	12,113	+10.1%

Christians	Denom.	Affil.%	,000	Ann.Gr.
Protestant	185	21.06	8,502	-0.3%
Independent	4,589	37.99	15,339	+2.6%
Anglican	2	3.96	1,600	-4.8%
Catholic	1	8.35	3,372	+2.4%
Orthodox	4	0.12	48	+6.3%
Marginal	12	0.54	218	+1.0%
Unaffiliated		1.50	605	n.a.

Churches in South Africa

Missionaries from South Africa

2,622 in 126 agencies

Missionaries to South Africa

1,258 in 140 agencies from 40 countries

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Geography

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Area 1,218,363 sq.km. A republic with nine provinces at the southernmost point of Africa.

Population (2000) 40,376,579 +1.51%AGR

Capital Cape Town (legislative) 2.6 million. Pretoria (administrative) 1.7m; Bloemfontein (judicial) 325,000.

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