The President of the Episcopal Conference of Mozambique (CEM) has expressed profound sorrow at the passing of Mr Johan Viljoen, a longtime humanitarian worker and former Director of the Denis Hurley Peace Institute, describing him as “a true brother and friend” whose life was dedicated to the poor, the displaced, and the voiceless.

In a message of condolence addressed to the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference on 8 May, Archbishop Inácio Saúre IMC recalled his first encounter with Mr Viljoen during a 2019 solidarity visit by the SACBC delegation to the Diocese of Pemba amid the humanitarian crisis in northern Mozambique.

“It was with deep sorrow and consternation that I learned of the unexpected passing of Mr Johan Viljoen,” the message read, noting that from that moment Mr Viljoen became “not only a tireless collaborator of the Archdiocese of Nampula’s Caritas, but also a true brother and friend to this Archdiocese and to me personally.”

The Mozambican bishops also acknowledged the significant contribution Viljoen made to the Church in Mozambique through his close collaboration with local Caritas structures and humanitarian initiatives serving communities affected by violence, displacement, and poverty.

“Although we were aware of his recent health challenges, his departure leaves a void that only faith in the Resurrection can comfort,” the message continued. On behalf of the Episcopal Conference of Mozambique, the Caritas of Nampula, and “especially on behalf of the poor whom he served so faithfully,” the bishops extended condolences to the SACBC, the Denis Hurley Peace Institute, and Mr Viljoen’s family.

The message concluded with a prayer that “God grant him the crown reserved for those who, with much love and humility, dedicated their lives to the marginalized and the voiceless.”

Born in Nairobi on 11 March 1961 and raised in Pretoria, Mr Viljoen studied law at the University of Pretoria before serving in the South African Air Force. After theological studies and ministry as an Anglican priest, he was received into the Catholic Church in 1991 while working with refugees through the SACBC Migrants and Refugees Office.

Over the decades that followed, he dedicated his life to humanitarian service across Southern Africa, working extensively with refugees and vulnerable communities in Mozambique, Angola, and South Africa through the SACBC Refugee Bureau and the Jesuit Refugee Service.

Mr Viljoen also played a central role in the Church’s response to the HIV/AIDS crisis as Deputy Director and Senior Programme Manager of the SACBC AIDS Office. Under his leadership, Catholic healthcare facilities across the region expanded treatment and care programmes that assisted thousands of people living with HIV and AIDS.

In 2017, he was appointed Director of the Denis Hurley Peace Institute, where he became a respected Catholic voice for peacebuilding and conflict analysis in Africa, particularly concerning conflicts in Mozambique, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The requiem Mass for Johan Viljoen will be celebrated on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the SACBC headquarters, Khanya House, in Pretoria, in accordance with his final wishes. The Mass will be livestreamed on the SACBC Facebook page, allowing faithful and friends from across the region to join in prayer for the repose of his soul.