Pula! the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa and the water crisis in Botswana.

Abstract

This thesis provides a theological reflection on the water crisis situation in Botswana. In order to do this, the study adopts the threefold method of liberation theology being; socio-analytical mediation, hermeneutical mediation and practical mediation. Firstly, in the socio-analytical mediation we address the social context of the water crisis in Botswana. Secondly, the hermeneutical mediation focuses on the faith perspective of the study. Drawing from the social teaching of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA), this mediation will provide a theological response to the water crisis and the scarcity of rainfall in Botswana. Lastly, through the practical mediation, we move towards formulating the strategies of response on the basis of the experiences of the water crisis discovered through the social analysis and an understanding of the position of God in the situation. Resulting from this process, we will propose the development of the contextual theology of pula. The study conducts an overview of the water crisis both on the global scale and in Botswana. In this area we explore themes ranging from water privatization, safe water and sanitation, urbanization, population growth, damming of rivers to drought. Also, we analysed the impact of water crisis on individuals where we covered themes including; limited accessibility to potable water, delayed social and sustainable development and increase in water tariffs. For a theological response, five key ethical themes were identified during examination of the UCCSA tradition. The five key themes are: human dignity and respect; justice and equality; sound use of earth resources; unity and inclusion; and the value of life. This thesis propose two kinds of actions being; Firstly, the development of the theology of Pula where we considered themes including; the Oikos and Pula, Water as a Gift from God, Water ethic focusing on Pula among others. Secondly, the thesis proposes practical steps that include among others; the establishment of Environmental Office, Rain Water harvesting as well as recycling and Reusing of water.