As he prepares to leave the Diocese of Mthatha, Archbishop-Elect of Cape Town and Administrator of Mthatha Sithembele Anton Sipuka has shared a pastoral reflection of thanksgiving, hope, and faith.

After 18 years of service, the Archbishop-Elect shares on being “Christ’s instrument”, giving thanks for the priests, religious, laity, youth, sodalities, educators, pastoral workers, chancery staff, and communities who shaped his ministry and journey. He celebrates the growth of a synodal Church, the strengthening of Small Christian Communities, social and development initiatives, education and evangelisation, diocesan unity, and the building of structures for a self-supporting local Church.

He also speaks honestly about the work still ahead:

• Reviving vocations and youth participation
• Implementing the Pastoral Plan and synodality
• Strengthening professionalism and accountability
• Continuing development of the Pastoral Centre in Maclear
• Growing collaboration, ownership, and mission focus

As the Diocese enters a time of transition, he reminds the faithful that the Church depends not on individuals, but on Christ Himself, and calls all to become agents and apostles of hope, carrying the fruits of the Jubilee Year into daily life.

 “For you I have been a bishop, but with you I have been a Christian.” Cape Town Archbishop-Elect Sithembele Anton Sipuka