SACBC Press Conference
28 January 2025, Khanya House, Pretoria
By Father Mathibela Sebothoma
Archbishop Stephen Cardinal Brislin, the newly elected president and spokesperson of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), announced at a press conference that the bishops have approved the establishment of a commission and office dedicated to the implementation of the Synod on Synodality in the region. Archbishop Dabula Mpako, the chief delegate of the Synod on Synodality, has been elected as the first chairperson of the commission. He will be assisted by Bishop Thulani Mbuyiswa of the Diocese of Kokstad and Dr. Sheila Pires, who was the secretary of the Synod’s Information Commission.
Additionally, the SACBC has resolved to shape the future vision of Catholic higher education in Botswana, Eswatini, and South Africa. Three representatives from Catholic institutions of higher learning—St. John Vianney Seminary, St. Augustine College, and St. Joseph’s Scholasticate—have been appointed to support this initiative.
Ecumenism and Inter-Religious Dialogue
The SACBC recognizes the importance of ongoing formation and education in ecumenism and inter-religious dialogue while acknowledging challenges such as identity preservation and historical tensions. The Conference recommends a continued focus on formation, dialogue, and practical implementation strategies moving forward.
Archbishop Mpako noted that the final document of the Synodal Assembly in Rome encourages bishops’ conferences worldwide to establish bodies that will provide personnel and resources to ensure the implementation of Synodal resolutions. He explained that the newly established commission will oversee, animate, encourage, and interpret documents from the Synod Secretariat in Rome to ensure the effective implementation of the Synod’s outcomes.
SACBC Leadership and Vision
Cardinal Brislin expressed his enthusiasm for working in a troika with the new SACBC vice presidents: Archbishop Zolile Peter Mpambani of Bloemfontein and Archbishop Siegfried Mandla Jwara of Durban. He emphasized teamwork for the growth of the Church and better service to the people. “We must think about the future and explore ways to make our departments more effective,” he said.
Archbishop Mpako stressed that the success of the Synod on Synodality depends on each diocese embracing the challenge and opportunity. He urged the clergy to be conscientized and motivated for implementation, recommending that each diocese establish a team to lead the process. “The SACBC cannot enforce the recommendations but will rely on local bishops and dioceses for success. Our role is to animate and, where necessary, provide workshops,” he added.
Social Issues and Catholic Media
Cardinal Brislin acknowledged that South African society remains segregated along racial and ethnic lines, urging the Church to foster a spirit of unity and care for one another. He emphasized that Catholics must actively participate in building the Church as a family.
He also praised the work of Catholic media, calling for greater collaboration while respecting diversity in identity and vision. “The Jubilee Year presents opportunities for us to work together and bring hope while constructively challenging each other,” he said.
Brislin also addressed his unexpected appointment as head of communications, noting that while it is unusual for a president to also handle communications, he accepted the responsibility. He underscored the importance of maintaining respect and dignity in online discussions: “Every baptized Catholic is a missionary. Social media is a powerful evangelization tool, but we must always be respectful and decent in our discussions.”
Youth and the Jubilee Year
Cardinal Brislin emphasized the importance of full youth participation in the Jubilee Year celebrations. Archbishop Mpako expressed his admiration for the Youth Commission of the Archdiocese of Pretoria, which independently developed a Jubilee Year youth program and organized a trip to Rome. “Already, 36 young people have booked their tickets and accommodation, and they have invited others from different dioceses to join,” he said. He urged all local churches to encourage youth participation and suggested that the SACBC explore ways to support this effort at the conference level.
Tribute to Fallen Soldiers
Cardinal Brislin extended condolences to the families of the 13 South African soldiers killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo. “Our hearts go out to their families, and we pray for God’s consolation and strength during this difficult time,” he said. He emphasized the Church’s admiration for peacekeepers and called for the proper equipping of soldiers to ensure their safety.
Implementation of the Synod on Synodality
Archbishop Mpako reiterated that the recommendations and proposals from the Synod must be implemented at the local church level. “The Vatican oversees and animates the global implementation, but each parish, small Christian community, and sodality must take up the challenge. Our priests, as catalysts, must lead and enable the faithful to engage fully in this mission.”
He also encouraged priests who can afford to participate in the Jubilee celebrations in Rome to do so, suggesting they learn from the youth’s self-organized participation.
Digital Missionaries and Social Justice
Cardinal Brislin highlighted the importance of digital missionaries, urging investment in programs that empower the youth to evangelize through social media. “We need to formalize and develop structured programs for digital missionaries,” he said.
Responding to criticism that the Catholic bishops do not adequately address socio-economic issues, Brislin acknowledged the concern but clarified that the SACBC does respond, though not always at the level critics expect. “We speak out on broader issues such as the right to clean water, basic services, and human dignity. For instance, Bishop Victor Phalana was actively involved in the rescue efforts of miners trapped underground in Stilfontein,” he said. The Church also continues to advocate for coal miners suffering from lung diseases and calls for proper compensation for affected workers.
Catholic Church’s Approach to Social Issues
Archbishop Mpako explained that not all SACBC press statements receive media attention. “We often act rather than just issue statements. For example, during the Hammanskraal water crisis, instead of merely calling for media coverage, we provided water to those in need.”
He stressed that while some expect the SACBC to comment on every social or political issue, the bishops prefer to speak out selectively and take action where necessary.
Future Plans and Education Concerns
Cardinal Brislin confirmed the SACBC’s support for a mini World Youth Day, acknowledging the financial burden of previous events such as the one in Durban.
Archbishop Mpako congratulated South African learners who passed the Grade 12 examinations but questioned the overall quality of education. “The results should not only look good on paper but also build personal character and integrity. We need our learners to develop independent thinking,” he said.
Archbishop Brislin and his team face a three-year challenge to bring transformation to the Catholic Church in Botswana, Eswatini, and South Africa. It is expected that within this period, the fruits of the Synod on Synodality will become evident.
SACBC
New Leadership
(Effective from 28 January 2025)
President
Cardinal Stephen Brislin
First Vice President Archbishops Zolile Mpambani SCI
Second Vice President Archbishop Sigfried Jwara OMI
SACBC Heads of Departments
Clergy – Chairperson Bishop Masilo Selemela
Vice-Chairperson Bishop Sylvester David OMI
Third Episcopal Member Bishop Noel Rucastle
Christian Formation – Chairperson Bishop Robert Mphiwe
Vice-Chairperson Bishop Vusumuzi Mazibuko OMI
Third Episcopal Member Bishop Sithembele Sipuka
Laity – Chairperson Bishop Vincent Zungu OFM
Vice-Chairperson Bishop Elias Zondi
Third Episcopal Member Bishop Siphiwo Vanqa SAC
Social Action – Chairperson Bishop Thulani Mbuyisa CMM
Vice-Chairperson Bishop José Ponce de León IMC
Third Episcopal Member Bishop Joseph Kizito
Ecumenism and
Inter-religious dialogue – Chairperson Bishop Graham Rose,
Vice-Chairperson Bishop Adam Musialek SCI
Third Episcopal Member Bishop Edward Risi OMI
Finance – Chairperson Bishop Sithembele Sipuka
Vice-Chairperson Bishop Duncan Tsoke
Third Episcopal Member Bishop Stanley Dziuba OSSPE
SACBC Liaison Bishops
ICEL – Bishop Sylvester David OMI (ICEL Rep)
OWNERS OF SCHOOLS – Bishop Neil Frank OMI
SACOP and ONGOING FORMATION OF PRIESTS – Bishop Robert Mphiwe
SPECIAL MINISTRIES – Archbishop Dabula Mpako
PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT – Bishop Noel Rucastle
CARITAS SA – Bishop Stanley Dziuba OSPPE
CARITAS ESWATINI – Bishop José Ponce de León IMC
CARITAS BOTSWANA – Archbishop Frank Nubuasah SVD
MIGRANTS, REFUGEES, AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING – Bishop Joseph Kizito
CATHCA – Archbishop Frank Nubuasah SVD
CPLO – Bishop João Rodrigues
REAP and RDSP – Bishop Sylvester David OMI
SYNOD COMMISSION Archbishop Dabula Mpako, Bishop Thulani Mbuyiswa, Sheila Pires
APOSTLESHIP OF THE SEA Bishop Elias Zondi
COMMUNICATION Cardinal Stephen Brislin
IMBISA Bishop Siphiwo Vanqa SAC
LCCL Bishop Vusumuzi Mazibuko OMI,
SECAM REPRESENTATIVES – Bishop Noel Rucastle, Bishops Joseph Kizito, Bishop Duncan Tshoke
MISSION COUNCIL – Bishop José Ponce de León IMC
FUTURE VISION – Bishop Neil Frank OMI
SOUTHERN CROSS – Cardinal Brislin
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