The Catholic Church in Southern Africa is witnessing a remarkable moment in its history, as Bishop Thulani Victor Mbuyisa, CMM, of the Diocese of Kokstad, assumes a significant role in the global Church. Recently appointed by Pope Leo XIV as a member of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, Bishop Mbuyisa’s new position was welcomed with national and ecclesial praise—including official messages from the President of South Africa and the African National Congress (ANC).

In a message issued from the Union Buildings, President Cyril Ramaphosa said, “This appointment is not only a profound honour for Bishop Mbuyisa and the Catholic Church in South Africa, but also a sign of confidence in African leadership within global religious institutions. We wish him every success as he continues to serve with humility and wisdom.”

The African National Congress (ANC) also applauded the news, stating, “The ANC welcomes the appointment of Bishop Thulani Mbuyisa to the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life. His dedication to community development, education, and justice has inspired many across the country. We are proud to see a son of our soil serve at such an esteemed level in the Church.”

The Vatican appointment came in the same week that Cardinal Stephen Brislin received the pallium—a woollen band symbolizing a metropolitan archbishop’s role as a shepherd in communion with the Pope. The pallium has not been imposed personally by the Pope in Rome since 2014, making this gesture by Pope Leo XIV especially significant.

“It’s a leadership of servant leadership,” said Fr. O’Connor. “Cardinal Brislin’s elevation alongside Bishop Thulani’s appointment deepens our connection with the universal Church,” he added.

Father Hugh O’Connor, Secretary General of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), described this moment as “a great surprise but also of great pleasure.”

In the June 29 televised interview, Fr O’Connor said, “Bishop Thulani brings to the Dicastery a unique combination of congregational leadership, diocesan experience, and synodal engagement. His appointment reflects the Vatican’s recognition of African perspectives in shaping the Church’s mission in the modern world.”

Just days earlier, Bishop Mbuyisa had participated in a landmark International Symposium for Global Justice and Africa’s G20 Priorities, hosted at the University of Cape Town from 23–24 June.

In an interview published by the SACBC Communications Office, Bishop Mbuyisa highlighted debt cancellation, food insecurity, youth unemployment, and the empowerment of religious sisters.

The Chairperson of the SACBC Department for Social Action emphasized the importance of turning discussions into action.

“There are so many symposiums that end up being talk shows… We must have timelines. We must know who will do what, when, and how,” he said.

He further called on faith communities—particularly the Catholic Church—to use underutilized land to establish community food gardens and sustainable nutrition programmes for schoolchildren.

“Let’s empower religious sisters to lead school feeding initiatives rather than relying on government tender systems that are failing us,” said the Liaison Bishop of the SACBC Justice and Peace Commission.

Speaking on his Vatican appointment in the same SACBC interview, Bishop Mbuyisa remarked with humility saying, “I’m yet to process it but thank you. It’s all about service—service to the universal Church and in particular to consecrated women and men. I hope I can make my own contribution in this field.”

He clarified that the role does not involve relocating to Rome. “To the people of Kokstad: I’m not going anywhere. It’s an advisory role. I will only travel to Rome occasionally for meetings,” he said.

Bishop Mbuyisa’s leadership, both locally and globally, is rooted in a long tradition of service. As former Superior General of the Missionaries of Mariannhill and an active participant in the Synod on Synodality, he brings global insight to his pastoral work in Kokstad. His appointment to the Dicastery now places him at the heart of global discernment around religious life.

In the Sunday, June 29 interview Fr O’Connor said as “The Church in Africa continues to grow. We have a large number of local vocations, and Bishop Thulani’s appointment is a recognition that Africa has something essential to contribute to the international conversation on the future of religious life.”

While vocations in Southern Africa face challenges, Fr. O’Connor remains hopeful. “The elevation of leaders like Bishop Thulani and Cardinal Brislin could inspire young people to see that the mission of Christ is still alive and urgently needed,” he said.

In a time of global instability marked by inequality, ecological degradation, and social unrest, the Southern African Church’s growing presence at the heart of the Vatican signals a shift towards inclusive, localised, and synodal approaches to ministry and global solidarity.

“Bishop Mbuyisa’s appointment is more than a personal honour—it is a symbol of what the Church in Southern Africa can offer to the world,” said Fr O’Connor.