DE GRUCHY AND HIS HOLISTIC MODEL OF THEOLOGY AND DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA AND BEYOND
Dublin Core
Title
DE GRUCHY AND HIS HOLISTIC MODEL OF THEOLOGY AND DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA AND BEYOND
Creator
GIFT MASENGWE
Description
This study reflects on Steve de Gruchy’s holistic model of theology and development (T&D),
emphasising his commitment to justice, human dignity and social transformation in the
context of post-apartheid South Africa. De Gruchy was a notable South African theologian
whose scholarship significantly influenced development theory, public theology and social
ethics. This article is presented in response to the commemoration of 50 years of scholarship at
the Research Institute of Theology and Religion at the University of South Africa, and the
question is: How does De Gruchy’s holistic model of T&D inform our understanding of socio-
ecological, political and economic challenges in South Africa, and what implications does it
have for development practices both locally and globally? This study employs an
interdisciplinary approach, integrating theological analysis with development theory, drawing
from De Gruchy’s works and contextual examples. It examines the historical injustices in
South Africa, critiques neoliberal economic paradigms and emphasises participatory
frameworks for social change. Findings reveal that De Gruchy advocates for T&D that
transcends economic metrics, highlighting ecological, social and spiritual dimensions. His
emphasis on integrated approaches, such as the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, illustrates
the necessity of empowering marginalised communities. The role of faith communities
as catalysts for social change underscores the potential for constructive engagement between
secular and religious sectors. This study is significant as it reiterates the relevance of De
Gruchy’s insights in addressing ongoing development challenges, advocating for a
reconceptualisation of T&D that intertwines theory and praxis, promoting collaborative
solutions in the African context and beyond
emphasising his commitment to justice, human dignity and social transformation in the
context of post-apartheid South Africa. De Gruchy was a notable South African theologian
whose scholarship significantly influenced development theory, public theology and social
ethics. This article is presented in response to the commemoration of 50 years of scholarship at
the Research Institute of Theology and Religion at the University of South Africa, and the
question is: How does De Gruchy’s holistic model of T&D inform our understanding of socio-
ecological, political and economic challenges in South Africa, and what implications does it
have for development practices both locally and globally? This study employs an
interdisciplinary approach, integrating theological analysis with development theory, drawing
from De Gruchy’s works and contextual examples. It examines the historical injustices in
South Africa, critiques neoliberal economic paradigms and emphasises participatory
frameworks for social change. Findings reveal that De Gruchy advocates for T&D that
transcends economic metrics, highlighting ecological, social and spiritual dimensions. His
emphasis on integrated approaches, such as the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, illustrates
the necessity of empowering marginalised communities. The role of faith communities
as catalysts for social change underscores the potential for constructive engagement between
secular and religious sectors. This study is significant as it reiterates the relevance of De
Gruchy’s insights in addressing ongoing development challenges, advocating for a
reconceptualisation of T&D that intertwines theory and praxis, promoting collaborative
solutions in the African context and beyond
Publisher
AOSIS
Date
2025
Files
Collection
Citation
GIFT MASENGWE, “DE GRUCHY AND HIS HOLISTIC MODEL OF THEOLOGY AND DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA AND BEYOND,” ZOU Institutional Repository, accessed July 6, 2025, https://ir.zou.ac.zw/items/show/420.
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