PRESS STATEMENT
27 January 2026
Conclusion of the January 2026 Plenary Session
The bishops of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) concluded their January Plenary Session themed ‘Synodality and Mission’, held from 21 to 27 January 2026, bringing together bishops from South Africa, Botswana, and Eswatini for prayer, discernment, and deliberation on matters concerning the life and mission of the Church in the region.
At the close of the Plenary, the Conference expressed its appreciation for several significant contributions and moments that shaped the session. These included the opening address of the President, the address of the Apostolic Nuncio, the Secretary General’s report, and the Day of Recollection.
The bishops also gave thanks for the 75th Anniversary celebration of the establishment of the Ecclesiastical Hierarchy in Southern Africa, held at the Church of the Beatitudes in Zwavelpoort, Pretoria East, together with the message from Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, and the cordial greetings of Pope Leo XIV. Tribute was paid to the late Bishop Edward Gabriel Risi, OMI, and the Conference acknowledged the presentation by Fr Jeremiah Browne on the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS).
The bishops wrote a letter of thanksgiving to Pope Leo XIV for the cordial greetings on the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Southern African Hierarchy. The bishops also wrote a letter to the Pro-Prefect for the Section for First Evangelization, Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle.
Appointments and Secretariat Matters
The bishops noted that the installation of the Cape Town Archbishop-Designate, Sithembele Anton Sipuka, has been confirmed for 14 March 2026. The time and venue will be communicated in due course.
The bishops elected Archbishop Dabula Anthony Mpako as the Liaison Bishop for Communication. In this regard, the SACBC Secretariat will serve as the official spokespersons of the Conference, namely:
- Fr Hugh O’Connor, Secretary General
- Fr Nhlanhla Mchunu, Associate Secretary General
The bishops welcomed Sr Inosensia Pati SSpS, as Associate Secretary to the Department for Christian Formation, Liturgy and Culture, and conveyed their sincere gratitude to Sr Dominica Mkhize, FSF, the immediate former Associate Secretary General, for her dedicated and faithful service to the Conference.
Following Sr Dominica Mkhize’s departure, Fr Nhlanhla Mchunu was formally appointed as Associate Secretary General. The Bishops also appointed Fr Dr Tjamela Dikotsi Mofokeng as Coordinating Secretary for the Department for Formation, Life and Apostolate of the Laity.
Key Resolutions and Outcomes
General Matters
- Bishops will submit numbers for participation in the 2027 Sabbatical Programme by the end of February 2026.
- The Conference resolved to secure mass wine production, and bishops will promote the official mass wine in their dioceses.
Formation, Life, and Ministry of Clergy
- Greater emphasis will be placed on psychological accompaniment for human formation.
- The amended constitutions of the SACBC Council of Priests (COP) were approved.
- Bishops will inform their presbyterates about the COP and submit diocesan representatives.
- The Permanent Diaconate will be promoted as a vocation, with renewed emphasis on its ministry of charity.
Catholic Institute of Education (CIE)
- The Conference acknowledged the serious challenge of financial sustainability and the risk for CIE.
- Support was expressed for the South African Council of Churches (SACC) in addressing weekend schooling challenges.
Future Vision for the Catholic Institute of Higher Education (CIHE)
- Priority will be given to reforming the Board of St John Vianney Seminary NPC.
- Bishops Neil Frank OMI and Masilo John Selemela will meet with the Dicastery for Evangelisation regarding the separation of academics from seminary formation.
- The CIHE Business Plan will be finalised and presented at the August Plenary.
- Bishop Selemela will oversee the implementation of decisions at the seminary.
Catholic Social Action
- The Department will be restructured and renamed the Department of Integral Human Development, with three streams: Caritas, Social Justice, and Health/Education.
- Further resolutions addressed governance, investments, staffing consultations, and an informed study of Operation Dudula.
Ecumenism and Inter-Religious Dialogue
- The Conference will reflect on participation in ecumenical services, particularly expectations regarding Holy Communion.
- Local ecumenical initiatives will be promoted and reported to the Secretariat.
Theological Advisory Commission
- A diocesan survey on Ubungoma was approved, to be conducted even if only relevant groups are targeted.
Diocesan Boundaries
- Support was given for the establishment of a new Archdiocese in the Eastern Cape.
- Further consultation was requested from the Eastern and Western Cape, and all Metropolitans will present proposals at the next Plenary.
Christian Formation
- Catechetical Month materials will be approved annually at the August Plenary.
- The Memorial of Blessed Benedict Daswa will be celebrated across the SACBC region when it falls on a Sunday.
Laity
- The Catholic Women’s League and the Charismatic Renewal Movement of Southern Africa were incorporated into the Department.
- Requirements for national approval of lay associations will be reviewed, with attention to financial accountability and the situation of ACTS.
Evangelisation and Synodality
- The Council for Evangelisation was affirmed as linked to the Commission on the Implementation of Synodality.
- Dioceses not yet having synodal teams were urged to establish them and submit details.
- Priests were encouraged to actively implement synodality at parish level.
Finance
- The Conference approved the Annual Financial Statements, the 2026 SACBC budget, and seminary budgets.
- Auditors were appointed, levies adjusted, and property competence levels revised.
The bishops concluded the Plenary by reaffirming their commitment to synodality, responsible stewardship, evangelisation, and integral human development, entrusting the fruits of their deliberations to the guidance of the Holy Spirit as they continue to serve the People of God in Southern Africa.
Stephen Cardinal Brislin
President – Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference
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