Spirit of unity in a divided nation: A Pentecostal theological analysis of South Africa’s government of national unity

Abstract

Background: The Republic of South Africa entered its second government of national unity (GNU) 31 years after its 1994 independence, amid a polarised political landscape. Drawing on the ‘Unity’ from the GNU, this interdisciplinary research investigates how Pentecostal theology of unity can reimagine national cohesion in South Africa.
Objectives: This article situates Pentecostal theology of unity as both a religious and socio-political force that can foster cohesion and moral vision. Drawing on scriptural, theological and socio-political studies, this article interrogates the tensions between theological and political unity. It further examines the theological resources that inform Pentecostal understanding of unity, such as prophetic witness.
Methods: The study adopted a qualitative methodology to explore the interdisciplinary dialogue of unity between theology and politics, as well as qualitative content analysis of theological texts and public statements, to assess how spirit-led unity relates to governance ethics and their relevance to post-political collaboration.
Results: The findings reveal that the Pentecostal theology of unity provides a critique of power-driven political and moral vision that is inclusive of all South Africans.
Conclusion: The study presented Pentecostal theology of unity as a tool to foster cohesion in the current GNU in South Africa. It provides a theological framework for understanding the need of Pentecostalism in politics, especially the GNU.
Contribution: By placing Pentecostal theology of unity as a socio-political force, this article extends Pentecostal theology into a domain of political evaluation, enriching theology and governance in South Africa. This study revealed that Pentecostal theology of unity through the gifts of the Holy Spirit is parallel to the goals and principles of the GNU.