Arab, Lebanese in South Africa
Photo Source:
DFID - UK - Flickr
Creative Commons
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| People Name: | Arab, Lebanese |
| Country: | South Africa |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 5,800 |
| World Population: | 6,274,600 |
| Primary Language: | Arabic, Levantine |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 32.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.50 % |
| Scripture: | Portions |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Arab, Levant |
| Affinity Bloc: | Arab World |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
Some Lebanese consider themselves Arabs while others associate themselves with the ancient Phoenicians. Both groups have made their mark on world history through trade and power. Others consider the Lebanese to be Levantine Arabs, referring to those who originated in Cyprus, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine or Syria. Some also include Arabs from Egypt, Iraq and Turkey. Like their ancient ancestors, today's Lebanese Arabs live all over the world. One can find them in most parts of the world including South Africa.
Lebanese Arabs came to South Africa in the late 1800s and early 1900s when it was still a British colony. They were classified as "Asian" in this land of Apartheid. Most of them had very little money and they took on low-paying jobs. A small number tried to own property, which was illegal for anyone who wasn't classified as White. In the early 20th century, a Lebanese took the issue to court, which reclassified the Lebanese as White.
Today the Lebanese are most likely to be found in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
What Are Their Lives Like?
An increasing number of Lebanese are settling in South Africa to make a good living, especially since Lebanon's economy has been in serious trouble since 2019. Many of these Lebanese are small businessmen.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Like in Lebanon, about two-thirds of the Lebanese population is Muslim and one-third is part of a traditional church. They are usually more focused on their traditions than on the person of Jesus Christ and following him.
What Are Their Needs?
Whether they are Muslim or traditional Christian, the Lebanese Arabs in South Africa need to put their hope and trust in Jesus Christ. They need the infilling of the Holy Spirit and the willingness to obey Christ so they can experience abundant life.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Holy Spirit to revive the Lebanese church, leading them to make disciples of Christ who make more disciples.
Pray for their fellowships to be Christ centered rather than tradition centered.
Pray there will soon come a day when the Lebanese people will send loving workers to unreached people groups in the Middle East and Europe.
Pray for spiritual hunger and a discernment that will keep them away from spiritual counterfeits.