The thesis has to do with seriti in its tripartite manifestation that the researcher calls category A, B and C. Category A deals with oratory, wisdom, hospitality, kindness and generosity in the Northern Sotho's everyday interaction with other people. It also deals with ritual as part of strengthening the character of an individual. Category B deals with a human being in his/her interactions with ancestors who in turn end up conferring seriti upon him/her. Category C is the type of seriti that is almost antithetical to category A seriti. This type of seriti could be enhanced with the sole purpose of harming others or seeking unfair advantage over other people. Of the three types of seriti, the researcher argues that category C seriti is waning. In the case of category B, there is a rejection of traditional healers (who perform rituals which are required by ancestors), as well as other elements like protecting oneself with strong medicine which has to do with category C. This therefore means that category B is not rejected in totality. The chapter that deals with women and seriti takes into account the development of seriti from the past and present. Both the traditional concept of a woman and the modern one are accepted by all respondents. The idea of a woman working like a slave to please everyone is not gaining popularity. The traditional concept of a man is that he is a polygamist and a lover of many concubines. He produces many children who make up for the loss through warfare. A traditional man works in a group context and loves to possess many cattle. These traits are rejected by modern people who in turn think that a man with seriti works for his family, he is loved and respected, he loves his wife and believes in equality. The thesis proves that certain characteristics of category B and C are waning while category A seriti is getting popular. The fact that this is the case is encouraging for the development of an African Philosophy and Religion. / Religious Studies and Arabic / D. Litt. et Phil (Religious Studies)

Pentecostalism is well known for its active involvement in evangelism. But it is true to say as well that questions have been asked about the social upliftment dimension of the Pentecostal mission. This study will focus on the Assemblies of God church. The main reason for this is that, of all the Pentecostal churches in South Africa, the Assemblies of God has probably had the biggest impact in the rural black communities. To undertake the study I will do the following: • Outline the problem that necessitated commencement of this study, formulate hypotheses and identify methods of research in this first chapter. • Attempt, in chapter two, to outline the historical background of the Pentecostal mission in general and the AOG in particular, describing its theology and evangelism and their impact on the socio-political situation in South Africa. • Conduct in-depth Case Studies, in chapter three, of a range of individuals who are converts of the AOG mission. • The fourth chapter will ask whether the Redemption and lift hypothesis throws any light on the study. • The last chapter will consider how other theological models consider the issue of mission. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2003.

The thesis has to do with seriti in its tripartite manifestation that the researcher calls category A, B and C. Category A deals with oratory, wisdom, hospitality, kindness and generosity in the Northern Sotho's everyday interaction with other people. It also deals with ritual as part of strengthening the character of an individual. Category B deals with a human being in his/her interactions with ancestors who in turn end up conferring seriti upon him/her. Category C is the type of seriti that is almost antithetical to category A seriti. This type of seriti could be enhanced with the sole purpose of harming others or seeking unfair advantage over other people. Of the three types of seriti, the researcher argues that category C seriti is waning. In the case of category B, there is a rejection of traditional healers (who perform rituals which are required by ancestors), as well as other elements like protecting oneself with strong medicine which has to do with category C. This therefore means that category B is not rejected in totality. The chapter that deals with women and seriti takes into account the development of seriti from the past and present. Both the traditional concept of a woman and the modern one are accepted by all respondents. The idea of a woman working like a slave to please everyone is not gaining popularity. The traditional concept of a man is that he is a polygamist and a lover of many concubines. He produces many children who make up for the loss through warfare. A traditional man works in a group context and loves to possess many cattle. These traits are rejected by modern people who in turn think that a man with seriti works for his family, he is loved and respected, he loves his wife and believes in equality. The thesis proves that certain characteristics of category B and C are waning while category A seriti is getting popular. The fact that this is the case is encouraging for the development of an African Philosophy and Religion. / Religious Studies and Arabic / D. Litt. et Phil (Religious Studies)

Please read the abstract in the section 03back of this document / Dissertation (MA (Biblical and Religious Studies))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Biblical and Religious Studies / unrestricted