Religion

 Despite the socialist roots of the ruling ANC, South Africa is traditionally a deeply religious country with high rates of participation in religious life among all groups. The population is overwhelmingly Christian, with very few Jewish, Muslim and Hindu minorities.

 

Among Christian denominations, the Dutch Calvinist Reformed Church is

by far the largest, as most whites and some black Afrikaners belong to it.

Other major denominations include Roman Catholic, Methodist, Lutheran,

Presbyterian and Anglican, the latter led by Bishop Desmond Tutu,

winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.

 

The apostolic and pentacostal churches also have a large number of black

members. The black African indigenous religion focused on ancestor

veneration and guidance, belief in various lesser spirits, spiritual modes of

healing, and seasonal agricultural rites.

 

The consumption of cereal beer and the ritual slaughter of cattle accompanied

the numerous occasions of celebration of family and community rituals.

The most important ceremonies included life-cycle rites such as births, initiation,

marriage, and funerals.