Abstract
In this thesis, I investigate the possible existence of a civil religion in South Africa
through the lens of political philosophers Niccolo Machiavelli and Jean Jacques
Rousseau. I began by examining the civil religion ideas of both Machiavelli and
Rousseau in order to appropriately set out the theoretical framework for the thesis.
Machiavelli had a profound impact on the civil religion ideas of Rousseau, even
though the former did not use the term to describe his state-led religion. Machiavelli
called for the paganisation of Christianity through his unique yet controversial idea of
virtú, a strong military force, and freedom as a result of class tension in a republican
state in order to extract its political advantages. Rousseau dismissed paganism and
based his civil religion on one in which political society was based on the civil
principles of patriotism, good citizenship, a good lawgiver, separation of powers and
an elective aristocracy, all directed by a shared understanding of the common good
and the general will. I analyse the existence of the Mandela-mythology phenomenon
by focusing on importance events and performative displays in Mandela’s life during
the three phases of the mythology, including the Rivonia Trial, Mandela’s
imprisonment on Robben Island, his release from prison, his presidential
inauguration and the Rugby World Cup in 1995, as well as the proliferation of
statues, roads and movies amongst others in his honour. I further investigate
whether or not the Mandela-mythology phenomenon discussed in chapter three
constitutes a civil religion a lá Machiavelli and Rousseau. I conclude that we are
indeed witnessing the existence of a national civil religion in South Africa along
Machiavellian and Rousseauian lines, which is embodied by a set of beliefs, rituals
and symbols which is used by the ANC government for political gain.
D.Litt. et Phil. (Political Studies)