As the Diocese of Kokstad prepares to honour Cardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier OFM in a fivefold celebration, the former and current Bishops of the diocese have reflected on his contribution to the Church, describing a ministry marked by courage, simplicity and an enduring commitment to God’s people.

Archbishop Zolile Peter Mpambani SCJ of Bloemfontein, who previously served as Bishop of Kokstad, and the present Bishop of Kokstad, Bishop Thulani Victor Mbuyisa CMM, spoke to the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Communication Office ahead of the celebration on 8 November 2026.

The occasion brings together five significant milestones in the Cardinal’s life: his 85th birthday, 65 years since his first profession in the Franciscan Order, 56 years of priesthood, 45 years since his episcopal ordination and 25 years as a Cardinal.

Bishop Mbuyisa, who prepared and organised the celebration, said the gathering was above all an opportunity to give thanks to God for Cardinal Napier’s life, vocation and ministry, as well as to acknowledge the years he has dedicated to the Church.

A son of Kokstad and a pioneer in the local Church

Born in Matatiele on 8 March 1941, Cardinal Napier became the first indigenous Bishop of Kokstad when he was appointed to lead the diocese in 1981. He was ordained bishop in the same year, serving there until 1992, when he was appointed Archbishop of Durban. He led the Archdiocese of Durban until his retirement in 2021.

For Archbishop Mpambani, who succeeded him in Kokstad, Cardinal Napier’s legacy is inseparable from the history of the diocese and the Napier family’s contribution to its life.

He recalled the family’s strong involvement in the local Church, particularly its commitment to marriage and family life through the Couples for Christ movement. He described the family as supportive of the diocese and its pastoral mission.

Bishop Mbuyisa, who first encountered Cardinal Napier in 1992 as a young postulant attending his installation as Archbishop of Durban, later worked with him in the archdiocesan ecclesiastical tribunal.

A voice of courage and a Church leader of experience

Beyond his local ministry, Cardinal Napier has played an important role in the life of the Church in Southern Africa. He served two terms as President of the SACBC, from 1987 to 1994 and again from 1999 to 2006, and was involved in efforts to promote peace during one of South Africa’s most difficult periods of political transition.

Cardinal Napier’s contribution to the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference was also remembered by Archbishop Mpambani, who described him as a valuable source of institutional memory.  Archbishop Mpambani, who joined the Bishops’ Conference in 2013, remembered Cardinal Napier as something of its institutional memory.

He was struck by the Cardinal’s ability to recall events, decisions and developments from years earlier, often without consulting documents, and to contribute meaningfully to discussions from the depth of his experience, and by how the Cardinal also shared his experiences of participating in conclaves and meetings with the Pope, helping fellow bishops understand the workings of the universal Church.

Simplicity despite the titles

For Bishop Mbuyisa, one of the most important lessons from Cardinal Napier’s life is his courage in confronting injustice and speaking on behalf of people who cannot defend themselves.

He also recalled the Cardinal’s simplicity and accessibility, even when holding some of the highest responsibilities in the Church.

Despite his many titles and responsibilities, Cardinal Napier remained approachable, welcoming people without unnecessary formalities. Bishop Mbuyisa recalled how, during his time working in the tribunal, he could simply approach the Cardinal’s office and, if he was available, meet him without having to go through elaborate arrangements.

For the Bishop, this humility was particularly striking in someone who had served as Archbishop, Cardinal and President of the Bishops’ Conference.

A ministry that continues

Although retired as Archbishop of Durban, Cardinal Napier continues to serve the Church as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Eshowe. Archbishop Mpambani expressed admiration for his willingness to accept this responsibility and carry it out with diligence, despite his age.

In his message to the Cardinal, Archbishop Mpambani congratulated him for a life of service as a man of God, a man of the Church and a man of the people. He particularly thanked him for his courage, simplicity and example of Franciscan spirituality, following in the footsteps of St Francis of Assisi.

The November celebration also takes place in the year the Catholic Church in Southern Africa marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Hierarchy, adding historical significance to the recognition of a bishop whose ministry has spanned more than four decades.