Aloysius OSB Roest and Rafael Robina Ramírez 

Religious shrines in South Africa: a meeting place for pilgrims in the interfaith community

Religious devotion in South Africa presents a complex and diverse picture, reflecting the rich cultural mix that characterizes the country. This diversity is the result of centuries of history, including indigenous African beliefs, the influence of European colonizers and the migrations of diverse communities over time.

During the apartheid regime, religion played a central role in South African society. Some churches positioned themselves as bulwarks in the struggle against racial segregation, providing moral and practical support to the oppressed. The Anglican Church, under the leadership of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, was particularly vocal in its opposition to apartheid. On the other hand, other religious denominations supported the regime, justifying segregation with biblical interpretations.

According to the latest official South African census of 2022 (Stats SA), the country's religious landscape is distributed as follows: Christians constitute the majority with 78.8% of the population, where Catholics are approximately 7.1%. 

Traditional African religions, which have experienced a resurgence in recent decades, represent 2.4% of the population. Muslims make up 1.9%, Hindus 1.1%, and other religions 1.3%. It is notable that 14.5% of the population claims no religious affiliation, reflecting an overall trend toward secularization.

Religious tourism plays a significant role in the South African economy. According to the South African Department of Tourism (South African Tourism Annual Report 2022/2023), heritage and cultural tourism, which includes visits to religious sites, accounts for approximately 40% of all tourism visits to the country. 

This encompasses both international and domestic tourists, underlining the importance of religious sites not only as places of worship, but also as cultural and historical attractions.

Among the most visited religious sites, three iconic sites stand out: the Nizamiye Mosque in Midrand, which attracts around 100,000 visitors a year; St. George's Cathedral in Cape Town, which receives over 200,000 visitors annually; and the Ngome Marian Shrine, which welcomes some 50,000 pilgrims each year. 

These sites are not only centers of religious devotion, but also serve as cross-cultural meeting points, fostering dialogue and understanding between different communities.

St. George's Cathedral in Cape Town 

St. George's Cathedral, located in the heart of Cape Town, is a beacon of hope and a living testimony to the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. Known affectionately as the "People's Cathedral," this imposing Anglican structure, the oldest in the country, has become an important center of pilgrimage and a symbol of resistance and reconciliation.

Built in the 19th century, the cathedral acquired its nickname during the dark years of apartheid, when it became a bastion of resistance against the oppressive regime. Under the courageous leadership of Nobel Peace Prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the cathedral became a haven for activists and a beacon of hope for those fighting for freedom and equality.

Pilgrims from around the world flock to the cathedral to honor the memory of iconic leaders such as Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela, who found solace and strength in its hallowed precincts. A particularly poignant symbol inside the cathedral is the cross made from pieces of the barbed wire fence from Robben Island Prison, where Mandela was incarcerated for 18 years. This cross powerfully represents the transformation of suffering into hope and the victory of the human spirit over oppression.

Beyond its profound historical and political significance, St. George's Cathedral is admired for its impressive neo-Gothic architecture. Its majestic spires soar into the Cape Town sky, while its intricate stained glass windows bathe the interior in multicolored light, creating an atmosphere of reverence and contemplation.