The executive team of the Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life – Southern Africa (LCCL-SA) held its annual meeting at the Padre Pio Retreat Centre in Pretoria from November 12–14, 2026. The SACBC Liaison Bishop for Consecrated Life, Bishop Vusimuzi Mazibuko, OMI (Apostolic Vicariate of Ingwavuma), assisted with all proceedings and encouraged the current executive team, led by President Sr. Zelna Oosthuizen, RGS: “I was impressed by your dedication, amazing energy, and teamwork. Your commitment to building connections across this vast region—comprising South Africa, Eswatini, and Botswana with 29 dioceses—and building bridges with the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference, thereby removing the old ways of working in silos and minimizing tensions, is deeply appreciated.”
Between the two Annual General Meetings (AGMs) held in March each year, this gathering is the only opportunity for the five consecrated women and five consecrated men on the executive team to meet in person, as ordinary bimonthly meetings are held online. Representing 2,200 religious across more than 80 congregations, the executive team members animate the following portfolios: Catholic Health Care Association (CATHCA), Catholic Board of Education (CBE), Mission Council, Counter-Human Trafficking, Ecumenism and Inter-religious Dialogue, Finance, Initial and Lifelong Formation, Justice and Peace, Integrity of Creation, National Joint Witness (SACBC-LCCL), Communication, Youth, Safeguarding, and Vocation.
The Vocation Guide project, launched at the March 2026 AGM, brings together all dioceses of the SACBC and all religious within the Bishops’ Conference in a concerted effort to renew the vocation culture among Catholic communities. Some of the 4,000 printed copies of the Vocation Guide are still available, while monthly online training for vocation directors (both diocesan priests and religious) began last September. Renewed attention to youth and their vocations is already bringing a concrete revival of vocations across different regions of the Conference.
The executive team evaluated key events of 2026 and set the direction for the upcoming year, 2027. Highlights include:
- Renewed commitment to the Laudato Si’ movement;
- Growing awareness of the Talitha Kum movement (including in Botswana) through its Youth Ambassadors;
- Increasing membership in CATHCA, aided by an ongoing census;
- Slow but steady growth of the Communication team (e.g., the Pentecost Project and Digital Missionaries online formation);
- Encouraging progress toward the Second LCCL Youth Synod, to be held at Inkamana Abbey from January 7–10, 2027;
- Deep commitment to a culture of Safeguarding within religious life and ministry; and
- Gradually increasing involvement in the Regional Conference (RCSSMA) and the Continental Confederation (COMSAM/COSMAM).
Following the 2026 “Vocation Year,” a “Formation Year” will follow to sustain the daily response to God’s call, serving as the focus of the 2027 AGM: the lifelong formation of all consecrated people. Building on a highly appreciated formation program for new missionaries, there are high expectations for expanded formation opportunities over the next three years. This will be made possible through consistent support from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and a joint commitment from both women and men religious to this vital ministry at every stage of consecrated life. A comprehensive calendar of formation events for 2027 was also discussed.
At the close of the fruitful meeting, executive team members expressed their reflections in the following terms: joyful witness, dedication, growing together, encouragement, “each adventure makes us stronger,” and deep gratitude.
Special thanksgiving was offered to the outgoing President, Sr. Zelna Oosthuizen, RGS, who was recently appointed Africa Region Superior (covering eight countries across various parts of the continent) and is concluding her term in Southern Africa. The leadership team continues to be ably supported by the Secretary General, Sr. Thao Phi, FMM, currently in her sixth year of service.
Connect with LCCL-SA:
- Website: https://www.lcclsa.co.za
- Facebook: Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life, LCCL
- WhatsApp Channel: LCCL Southern Africa News
- YouTube: Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life SA
- LCCL-SA Leadership is Grateful for the 2026 Vocation Year - November 14, 2026
- Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians celebrate 25 years of Africa Mission - November 9, 2026
- Good Shepherd Chapel of the Salesians blessed by Cardinal Brislin - October 30, 2026
