Die interafhanklikheid en spanning tussen die bevordering van versoening en die bekamping van armoede

Abstract

The interdependence and tension between the promotion of reconciliation and the combating of poverty
Promoting reconciliation and combating poverty in society have been identified by the Dutch Reformed Church as two important aspects of its ministry in the contemporary Southern African context. Previous approaches to these problems, such as communism, Western development, political liberation, and even separate development (as apartheid was sometimes called) have not been sufficient in Africa. The Belhar Confession also addresses these issues. It deals with three aspects, namely church unity, reconciliation and justice. The mutual bonds between these aspects are important. Promoting reconciliation and combating poverty are interdependent, but can also be in tension with each other. In order to find an approach that would establish synergy between them, a problem definition is proposed that could encompass both. Both can be seen as the result of the dysfunctional interactions between complex systems, especially modern Western culture, traditional African culture and the ecology. A systems theoretical approach, in which processes and products can be designed or constructed that would enhance beneficial interactions, is proposed.