What we learnt:
While the large majority of our sample indicated that they were religious, 30% do not consider themselves to be religious, while 13% of our group indicated they were looking for ancestral guidance. We also found that some interviewees view religion as an important coping mechanism during difficult times.
“I’m very much trying to find my own way in African spiritualism, even though I grew up in a family that’s very Christian. But I try as much as possible to understand and communicate with my ancestors and what came before me in terms of my bloodline. So I’m no longer in a situation where I am referring to anyone else’s point of view, but I’m trying to tap into myself and what that information and that wisdom comes with.” Hlengiwe (28, Black, female)
“I am a religious person. I attend the Church of Christ Assemblies. The church brings peace to me whenever I’m stressed. If I go to church, I’ll get back home happy.” – (29, Black, female)
“For me, it’s more about manifesting as well. I mean, if you want something to happen, you have to live it, breathe it and, you know, like 100%, 200% believe in it. More than everything, I just believe in manifesting. I’m not saying, “Sit down and light candles” but at every moment say, “I want this to happen to me” or “I want to do this” or not even “I want this” but “I am going to do this. I am going to be this person.” And then I just work towards being that person. And according to manifesting, prayer is a way of manifesting. So, as much as I want to say manifesting more than anything, I definitely believe in a higher power. And I believe in God and I believe in amadlozi [a Zulu term for ancestors] ” – (Black, male)
What does the research/experts say:
Research in the US indicates that Gen Z is the least religious generation yet. Attendance at religious institutions is at an all-time low because young people are shying away from the traditional way religion is practised. Marcelo Leite, 24, a youth pastor at Countryside Christian Nondenominational Church in Clearwater, Florida, said “The previous generation, in my opinion, was more atheistic and agnostic, versus now in this generation. I’m seeing a lot more openness to spirituality and to different things being possible.” They have spent so much of their lives on the internet that they are open to new ideas and thoughts. They are becoming much more open-minded to finding a version of spirituality that works for them. This includes meditation, reading, sacred texts, tarot cards, astrology, crystals, journaling, using calming essential oils and manifesting.
Once shunned, African spirituality is also on the rise because many Africans are embracing their ancestors’ practice of religion. “It’s a GenZ spiritual reawakening, but they are not dumping either legacy [of] Christian upbringing or Africanist spiritualist beliefs. They’re mixing both and rejecting neither. They’re saying it’s good to be Baptist and still believe African departed ancestors talk to us the living,” explained Tendai Muchatuta, a Black pastor and leader of the All Nations Church in Johannesburg.
According to a recent Gallup report: “A growing body of medical and psychological research demonstrates that people with a stronger spiritual or faith commitment often have better health and wellbeing outcomes than those without such a devotion.”
A Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) SA study states, “It is also clear from the data that although South Africa remains a very religious country, this importance has been on the wane. Fewer people, including Christians, consider God to be very important.”
What can businesses and policymakers do about this?
A multitude of business opportunities exist to develop products and services tailored to the spiritual young person. Sis Gugu Ndabezitha is among a growing group of content creators discussing African spirituality.
New religions and spiritual practices pose a challenge for employers. Many employees refrain from discussions on religion and spirituality in the workplace. However, there will be instances where they need to be addressed. Large retail company Woolworths was in the spotlight in 2020 for allegedly suspending an employee for wearing isiphandla – a traditional Zulu wristband made of goat skin. Paid leave for religious holidays is another instance where an employer will be required to make a decision. Respecting both the cultural and spiritual practices of your workforce is necessary.
Policymakers need to enact regulations that protect cultural and religious freedoms of all its citizens. They should seek to dissuade intolerance and understand the religious constituents of their nation. France, for example, angered many of its Muslim citizens over the years through prohibitions on various items of traditional Muslim women’s attire – hijab, abayas and full-body “burkini” swimsuits.
By Flux Trends
The data and quotes mentioned above refer to a project that we are in the midst of, in conjunction with Student Village called “The 30/30/30 Project” whereby we collected insights from 30 South Africans, under the age of 30, 30 years into our new democracy.
WHERE TO FROM HERE?
Use these and many more insights from the 30/30/30 Project Report to BUILD your team, by booking a Bridgebuilder™ Workshop.
Close the generation gap and dive into the future of work and how to manage it.
Contact Bethea Clayton at connected@fluxtrends.co.za or +27764539405, if you are interested in exploring any of these options with your team or clients.
Image credit: Hans Vivek
