Introduction

This chapter provides an overview of the contributions in this volume on the place and role of religion in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Southern Africa. The chapter summarises the experiences of different communities, nations and states in the region. Building on a diverse range of methodologies and disciplinary approaches, the book reflects on how religion, politics and health have interfaced in Southern African contexts, when faced with the sudden public health emergency caused by the pandemic. This chapter further enunciates findings of chapter contributors in this volume, where religious actors have played a key role on the frontline throughout the pandemic, sometimes posing roadblocks to public health messaging, but more often deploying their resources to help provide effective and timely responses. Drawing on case studies from African indigenous knowledge systems, Islam, Rastafari and various forms of Christianity, this chapter provides important reflections on the role of religion in crisis response. By and large, the volume mirrors an Afrocentric thinking and experiences where Southern Africa is the focus. It is in this context that the chapter adopts “the theory of the hut on fire” to explain the diverse responses (presented by different contributors in the volume) towards the pandemic.