The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) has appointed Fr Tobias Nhlanhla Mchunu as its new Secretary General, following a decision taken during the Conference’s August 2026 Plenary Session.

A priest of the Diocese of Mariannhill, Fr Mchunu succeeds Fr Hugh O’Connor, whose contract as Secretary General concludes on 28 February 2027.

Born and raised in Esimozomeni, a rural village near Richmond in KwaZulu-Natal, Fr Mchunu was ordained to the priesthood on 23 December 2000. He undertook his priestly and theological formation at St Francis Xavier Seminary, St Peter’s Seminary and St John Vianney Seminary, and pursued further studies at the University of South Africa and the Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome.

Throughout his ministry in the Diocese of Mariannhill, he has served in several parishes, including St Francis Xavier, St Joseph’s Cathedral, St Wendelin’s, KwaMalusi Omuhle and Reichnau Mission. He has also served as rector of St Francis College.

Fr Mchunu has held a range of diocesan responsibilities, including serving as a consultor, member of the Diocesan Finance Committee and Liturgical Commission, deputy secretary of the diocesan clergy body and member of the diocesan vocations team. He has also served on the boards of the Home and Family Life Foundation and St Mary’s Hospital.

He spent four years as a Fidei Donum priest in the Diocese of Dundee, where he ministered in parishes in Newcastle and Ezakheni, while also serving as Vocation Director and Dean of the Newcastle Deanery.

His experience in priestly formation and administration includes service at St John Vianney Seminary as a formator, lecturer and financial administrator.

Welcoming the appointment, SACBC President Cardinal Stephen Brislin said Fr Mchunu brings “many and varied experiences” that will enrich Khanya House, particularly through his pastoral experience and administrative skills.

Fr Mchunu will assume the role following the conclusion of Fr O’Connor’s term in February 2027.