Morality in Africa: Yesterday and today The reasons for the contemporary crisis

Abstract

We are experiencing the results of moral decline in South Africa and on the continent at large daily. Academics are also worried by this “moral vacuum”. It seems as if something important has disappeared and nothing good has replaced it. This article will, by way of introduction, mention some of the moral virtues of traditional Africa. They reveal a stark contrast with contemporary “morality”. The main emphasis will be on the possible reasons for the present moral decline, because knowledge about the causes may assist us in our search for solutions. By quoting extensively from African authors on the topic the article provides an in-depth look at the following reasons for the moral crisis: (1) some general characteristics of traditional morality, (2) inherent weaknesses in traditional morality and (3) different external influences. The article concludes with a few ideas of how the challenge of the moral crisis can be met from a Christian perspective.