Preferential option for the poor in the current context of poverty in South Africa : doing liberation theology in the footsteps

Abstract

Maimela made an immense contribution to theological discourse in South Africa, with global implications and in dialogue with the rest of the theological world. The article is particularly interested in the area of liberation theology, especially its preferential option for the poor to which Maimela made some monumental contributions. For his contribution Maimela deserves a special place in the history of the theological developments and modern trends in theology both in the world and in Africa. The article maintains that years after liberation and the dawn of democracy in South Africa, there is still need for liberation theology and its phrase “preferential option for the poor” given the prevalent poverty and associated socio-economic and political conditions in South Africa. As theologians “do theology” in the South African context, they have to adopt this preferential option for the poor and oppressed. Only then can they contribute to transformation of society, an agenda to which Maimela is committed.