Veteran Catholic community leader, public health advocate and social justice campaigner Cecilia Moloantoa has been named the recipient of the 2026 St Catherine of Siena Award, a prestigious honour presented annually by the Sisters for Justice (SFJ) to women whose lives reflect the faith, courage, compassion and commitment to justice exemplified by St Catherine of Siena.
The award will be presented at a ceremony in Johannesburg on 8 August 2026, one day before South Africa commemorates National Women’s Day.
The St Catherine of Siena Award recognises women whose Christian witness has made a significant contribution to society through service, leadership and the promotion of justice and human dignity. Named after the fourteenth-century Dominican saint and Doctor of the Church, the award honours women who have lived their faith in practical and enduring ways.
For more than three decades, Moloantoa has devoted herself to improving the lives of vulnerable communities through Church ministry, public health and community development. Her work has combined practical assistance with a strong commitment to the dignity of every person.
Among her best-known initiatives is the Sr. Kizito Tseleng Home Farming Project, established in memory of her late younger sister, Sr. Kizito Tseleng. The project promotes household food security by helping families establish and maintain vegetable gardens while providing training in sustainable farming methods. Over the years, it has assisted numerous households to become more self-reliant while addressing food insecurity in their communities.
Moloantoa also made a significant contribution to the Catholic Church in Southern Africa through her work with the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC). During the 1990s and into the early 2000s, she served for twelve years as Director of the SACBC Department of Health, where she worked closely with bishops, dioceses, religious congregations, Catholic hospitals, clinics and community organisations. Her responsibilities included coordinating the Church’s response to major public health issues, particularly during the emergence of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Her expertise earned recognition beyond South Africa. She also served as a consultant on health matters in Africa to both the Vatican and the World Council of Churches. In August 2001, she featured in national news when, in that capacity, she commented publicly during the national debate surrounding HIV/AIDS and President Thabo Mbeki’s approach to the epidemic. Her involvement reflected the respect she had earned as one of the Church’s experienced voices on public health in Africa.
Responding to news of the award, Moloantoa said she was both surprised and grateful.
“I am deeply humbled by this recognition. I have never worked for awards or public recognition, but simply tried to respond to God’s call by serving His people wherever I could. This honour belongs not only to me, but also to the many volunteers, Church leaders, colleagues, community members and families who have shared this journey with me over the years. I accept it with sincere gratitude.”
She added that the award was also a tribute to the many people who continue to serve others without expecting recognition.
“There are many people doing remarkable work quietly every day. I hope this recognition encourages others to continue serving their communities with compassion and to remember that even simple acts of kindness can change lives.”
The Sisters for Justice said Moloantoa was selected because of her longstanding commitment to social justice, community empowerment and service within the Church. Her work, they said, reflects the values for which the St Catherine of Siena Award was established.
The presentation of the award on 8 August, the day before National Women’s Day, will bring together members of the Church, community leaders, family and friends to celebrate Moloantoa’s decades of service in healthcare, social development and community empowerment.
For further information about the award ceremony, please contact Judy Stockill on 083 267 7070.
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