The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) has officially unveiled the logo for the 75th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Southern African Hierarchy, marking a significant milestone in the life and mission of the Catholic Church in South Africa, Eswatini, and Botswana.

Established on 11 January 1951 by Pope Pius XII, the Southern African Hierarchy has, for three-quarters of a century, guided the People of God through times of mission, struggle, liberation, reconciliation, and renewal. The anniversary logo is both a commemorative emblem and a profound theological statement, visually expressing the Church’s identity, journey, and hope for the future.

A LOGO RICH IN MEANING AND FAITH

Each element of the anniversary logo has been carefully chosen to reflect the Church’s lived faith and pastoral mission in Southern Africa.

The Crosier – Shepherding in Service

At the centre of the logo stands the crosier, symbol of the bishops’ pastoral authority, rooted in Christ the Good Shepherd (John 10:11). It recalls 75 years of episcopal ministry dedicated to teaching, sanctifying, and guiding the faithful—especially during moments of profound social and political transformation. The crosier underscores that authority in the Church is always service, echoing Pope Francis’ call to shepherds who walk with their people.

The Number 75 – Memory and Mission

The number 75 marks the anniversary milestone while evoking the biblical moment when Abram set out in faith at the age of 75 (Genesis 12:4). It signals that this jubilee is not only about remembering the past, but about responding anew to God’s call—journeying forward with trust, especially towards deeper synodality and sustainability.

The SACBC Coat of Arms – Apostolic Continuity

The SACBC Coat of Arms anchors the logo in the identity and apostolic mission of the Bishops’ Conference. Like a shield (cf. Ephesians 6:16), it represents the safeguarding of the faith and the faithful transmission of the Gospel from generation to generation in Southern Africa.

The People with Raised Arms – A Synodal Church

The figures with raised arms symbolise the People of God in their unity, diversity, and joy. They embody the vision of Lumen Gentium: a Church that listens, walks together, celebrates, and discerns in communion. Their diversity of colours recalls Pentecost, reflecting the richness of cultures united by the Holy Spirit in the region.

National Flags – An Incarnational Church

The flags of South Africa, Eswatini, and Botswana honour the three nations within the SACBC’s pastoral territory. They affirm the Church’s incarnational presence in each context and her long-standing commitment to human dignity, justice, peace, and solidarity, especially amid historical and contemporary challenges.

The Boat – The Barque of Peter

At the base of the logo is the boat, an ancient symbol of the Church as the Barque of Peter. It recalls the disciples’ journeying with Christ across uncertain waters (Mark 4:35–41), signifying mission, pilgrimage, and trust. The Church in Southern Africa continues to sail forward guided by Christ and sustained by the Holy Spirit.

The Colour Green – Sustainability and Hope

Green, a prominent colour in the logo, symbolises life, growth, and renewal, echoing the call of Laudato Si’. It highlights ecological responsibility as a moral and spiritual imperative, linking care for creation with care for the poor and future generations.

The Anniversary Theme

“Walking Together in Faith: Towards Synodality and Sustainability”
This banner text captures the heart of the anniversary. “Walking together” reflects the synodal journey inspired by the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35), while “sustainability” extends this journey to ecological discipleship and responsible stewardship of God’s creation.

An Overall Embrace – Communion in Diversity

The overall shape of the logo forms a communal arc, evoking the Body of Christ—a Church united yet diverse, historical yet forward-looking. It celebrates not merely an institutional anniversary, but a pilgrimage of grace shared by bishops, clergy, religious, and laity.

A VISUAL HOMILY FOR A JUBILEE JOURNEY

“This logo is not simply a commemorative symbol,” the SACBC notes, “but a visual homily—a proclamation of a Church grounded in apostolic shepherding, enriched by its people, committed to mission, and journeying together in faith towards synodality and sustainability.”

As the SACBC marks 75 years of the Southern African Hierarchy, the logo invites the faithful to give thanks for the past, to discern the present, and to walk forward together with hope into the future.