Apartheid, Religious Pluralism, and the Evolution of the Right to Religious Freedom in S outh A frica

The apartheid history of S outh A frica contains racial and religious discrimination, both running parallel to and supporting each other. S outh A frica's exodus from a society of forced religious homogeneity to one of celebrating religious pluralism adds valuable and unique patterns of thought to the promotion of religious pluralism and religious freedom. A brief history is presented of religion within the context of racial discrimination and eventual democracy in S outh A frica. The current plural religious demography of S outh A frica is presented to create a sense of the extent of diversity in the country and the extent of religious pluralism that should be considered for today. This demographical position necessitates an investigation into the current legal position on dealing with such a religiously plural state as well as the challenges it presents. This is also necessary in order to present the evolution of religious pluralism in an oppressive state to the right to religious freedom in democratic S outh A frica. This evolution can also serve as an example internationally to countries struggling with the issue of religious pluralism. The article is also of importance to sensitise S outh A frica to existing and escalating challenges against religious pluralism within the country.