The Swiss Missionaries' educational endeavour as a means for social transformation in South Africa (1873-1975)
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Authors
Masumbe, Benneth Mhlakaza Chabalala
Issue Date
2000-06
Type
Language
en
Keywords
Social transformation , Formal education , Informal (home) Education , Traditional customs , Christian norms and values , Mission stations , Outstations , Christian marriages , Relapses , Christians , Heathens , Lobola , Mission statutes , Interdenominational conferences , Conversion , Rivalry , Differentiated education , Plakkerswet (Squatter act.) , Social Darwinism , Circumcision , Initiation schools for boys (ngoma) and for girls (vukhomba) , Social alienation , Imperialism , Capitalism , Subsistence economy , Third Year course , Preparatory schools. , Penal Reform League of South Africa
Alternative Title
Abstract
This research traces the developments in Europe that led to a rush for foreign missions i
different parts of the world, with specific reference to South Africa. It describes the operations
of the Swiss missionaries in South Africa from 1873 to 1975. This study also evaluates the motives
for the evangelization of the African masses, and contradictions th existed in the relations that
missionaries had with proselytes during the period under review. The sterling contributions of
black evangelists in this period are demonstrated. It cannot be denied that the Swiss missionaries
did a lot of good to the indigenous populac of South Africa-the importance of their services at
Lemana Training Institution (1906) and Elim Hospital (1899) are indelibly inscribed in our
historiography. They should also applauded for their response to the plight of the Shangaans, who
had for reasons unkno
to the researcher been by-passed by other missions during the "scramble for mission fields". But
the missionaries also had their shortcomings, for instance their failure to ind the state to remove
capital punishment from the statute books. They may nonetheless stil continue to be used by the
present government of South Africa to assist in carrying the social transformation process forward.
Description
Citation
Masumbe, Benneth Mhlakaza Chabalala (2000) The Swiss Missionaries' educational endeavour as a means for social transformation in South Africa (1873-1975), University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/18157>