Southern Cross January 2026 Cover

This month we mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Southern African Hierarchy by Pope Pius XII, a watershed point in our local Church’s history.

On our cover, we feature at least one bishop to represent every current SACBC diocese. Other than our three cardinals and Archbishops Denis Hurley and Frank Nubuasah, none are repeated from the 2022 cover, which marked the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

Of course, we still couldn’t feature every bishop who has served in the past 75 years. If one of your favourites missed inclusion on either cover collage, we apologise. Maybe next anniversary!

Top row, from left: Bishops Frank de Gouveia (Oudtshoorn, 2010-18), Barry Wood OMI † (auxiliary in Durban, 2006-17), Joseph Kizito (Aliwal North, since 2020), Francis Xavier Esser OSFS † (Keetmanshoop 1949-55, Keimoes-Upington 1955-66), Graham Rose (Dundee, since 2008), Erwin Hecht † (Kimberley 1972-2009), Jeremiah Masela (Polokwane, since 2013), Anthony Rebello SVD † (Francistown 2021-24)

Second from top: Bishop Peter Kelleter CSSp† (Bethlehem, 1950-75), Archbishop Zolile Peter Mpambani SCJ (Kokstad 2013-20, Bloemfontein since 2020). Archbishop Lawrence Henry † (Cape Town 1990-2004; auxiliary 1987-1990), Bishops John McBride OFM † (Kokstad, 1947-78), Michael Wüstenberg (Aliwal North 2007-18), Johannes Brenninkmeijer OP † (Kroonstad, 1977-2003), Siphiwo Paul Vanqa SAC (Queenstown, since 2021)

Third row from top: Bishops Robert Mphiwe (Rustenburg, since 2021), Noel Rucastle (Oudtshoorn, since 2020), Aurelian Josef Bilgeri OSB † (Eshowe, 1947-73), Cardinal Wilfrid Napier OFM (Kokstad 1980-92; Durban 1992-2021), Cardinal Owen McCann † (Cape Town 1950-84), Archbishop Franklyn Nubuasah SVD (Francistown 1998-2017, Gaborone since 2017), Bishops Mandlenkhosi Zwane † (Manzini, 1976-80), Johannes Riegler MFSC † (Lydenburg [now Witbank], 1939-55).

Third row from bottom: Bishops  Joseph Grueter CMM † (Mthatha, 1941-71), Duncan Tsoke (Kimberley since 2021, auxiliary in Johannesburg 2016-21), Zithulele Mvemve † (Klerksdorp 1994-2013, auxiliary in Johannesburg 1986-94), Cardinal Stephen Brislin (Kroonstad 2006-09, Cape Town 2009-24, Johannesburg since 2024), Archbishop Denis Hurley OMI † (Durban 1947-92), Bishops Thulani Victor Mbuyisa CMM (Kokstad since 2022), Manfred Gottschalk SAC † (Oudtshoorn, 1969-82), Oswald Hirmer † (Mthatha 1997-2008)

Second row from bottom: Bishops Stanislaw Dziuba OSPPE (Umzimkulu, since 2009), Sylvester David OMI (auxiliary in Cape Town since 2019), Masilo John Selemela (auxiliary in Pretoria since 2022), Alphonse Streit CMM † (1950-70), Xolelo Thaddaeus Kumalo (Eshowe 2008-20, Witbank since 2020), Jan De Groef M.Afr (Bethlehem, since 2009), Adam Musialek SCJ (De Aar, since 2009), Archbishop Paul Mandla Khumalo (Witbank 2001-08, Pretoria 2008-09)

Bottom row: Archbishops Jabulani Nxumalo OMI (Bloemfontein 2005-20, auxiliary in Durban 2002-05), William Patrick Whelan OMI † (Johannesburg 1941-54, Bloemfontein 1954-66), Bishop Michael Coleman † (Port Elizabeth 1986-2011), Herbert Lenhof SAC † (Queenstown 1984-2007), Pius Mlungisi Dlungwane (Mariannhill 2006-22, auxiliary 2000-06), Archbishop John Garner † (Pretoria 1948-75), Bishops Peter Holiday (Kroonstad 2011-22), Hugh Slattery MSC † (Tzaneen 1984-2010)

* dates as of appointment

Below is the  2022 cover of The Southern Cross, which marked the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference

The Bishops On Our August 2022 Cover