In his opening address to members of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) gathered at Khanya House for the January 2025 Plenary Session, Bishop Sithembele Anton Sipuka paid tribute to the recently retired Bishops and addressed pastoral challenges faced in Southern Africa.

The outgoing president of the SACBC began by thanking Cardinal Stephen Brislin for his “dedicated service” in the Archdiocese of Cape Town and assured him of the Bishops support as the Cardinal begins his ministry as the Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Johannesburg “the largest diocese by Catholic population.”

“At the end of this Plenary, we will install the newly appointed Archbishop of Johannesburg and celebrate with the Archdiocese for having a new Pastor in Cardinal Brislin,” said Bishop Sipuka on Tuesday, January 22.

The retirement of Cardinal Brislin’s predecessor, Archbishop Buti Joseph Tlhagale OMI, who served for more than two decades, “marks the end of an era and the dawn of a new one under your leadership,” said Bishop Sipuka. He continued, “We wish you well in leading the Archdiocese of Johannesburg in this new phase.”

In his opening address, Bishop Sipuka honored five bishops who have reached retirement age and highlighted their significant contributions to the SACBC and their dioceses.

He recognized Archbishop Emeritus of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Durban Cardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier for his nearly 44 years of service, including two terms as SACBC President.

He commended Cardinal Napier’s commitment to justice and truth, which according to Bishop Sipuka “inspires our ongoing work on justice issues and promoting reconciliation in conflict-affected regions through the Justice and Peace Department, the interventions and statements of the SACBC and the Denis Hurly Peace Institute.”

Bishop Sipuka lauded Archbishop Emeritus Tlhagale OMI straightforward leadership style and dedication to empowering local clergy and laity. He commended the Archbishop Emeritus for “establishing the bishops’ fund and appointing the first woman secretary General,” which earned the SACBC global admiration.

“Archbishop Tlhagale built the SACBC office for migrants and refugees, establishing its offices across the SACBC dioceses and effectively highlighting the plight of migrants and refugees with admirable articulation and commitment in the Conference area,” said Bishop Sipuka.  

He added, “His commitment to this ministry led to his invitation to join the United Nations Multi-Religious Council, which addresses the causes of conflict and displacement worldwide and supports peacebuilding, inclusiveness, and reconciliation.”

The SACBC outgoing President also commended Bishop Jan De Groef for his leadership in ecumenical dialogue and interfaith relations, as well as his consistent follow-through on initiatives. He praised Bishop De Groef for championing comprehensive ecumenism, which seeks unity in faith, not just charity.

He lauded Bishop Edward Risi OMI for his contributions to liturgical development and the SACBC Pastoral Plan. Bishop Sipuka emphasized the need to revisit and implement the Pastoral Plan more comprehensively, integrating it with the Church’s synodal initiatives.

Bishop Sipuka also honored Archbishop Frank Nubuasah as a dedicated “Apostle of the Batswana” for over 40 years of service. He highlighted Archbishop Nubuasah’s compassionate leadership in HIV/AIDS ministry.

The Local Ordinary of Mthatha Diocese emphasized the importance of building on the strong foundation laid by the retiring leaders. He urged the Conference to continue addressing challenges, including integrating faith and culture, fostering ecumenical dialogue, and revisiting the Pastoral Plan to strengthen evangelization efforts.