Cardinal Brislin Condemns Rise of “mafias” in South Africa, Blames Corruption on Growing State of Lawlessness

Aboard the papal plane, 23 January, 2026 / 7:11 PM

The President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) has observed a “general state of lawlessness” in South Africa, warning that the emergence of different “mafias” is fostering an environment conducive for corruption.

In his remarks for the opening session of the Plenary Assembly of SACBC on Tuesday, January 20, Stephen Cardinal Brislin maintained the Church’s position on lawlessness, noting that the Church never opposes laws that are designed to protect society.

“In South Africa, the general state of lawlessness is growing to such an extent that scant regard is given to observing the most basic of laws,” Cardinal Brislin said during the event held at St John Vianney Seminary in the Catholic Archdiocese of Pretoria.

The Local Ordinary of Johannesburg Catholic Archdiocese said that as a result of lawlessness, “We face unconscionable corruption in our country, corruption that is responsible for the perpetuation of poverty, homelessness, unemployment and unnecessary deaths.”

“The greed and selfishness of some politicians, civil servants, business people and, indeed, some so-called churchmen have, and are continuing, to seriously damage the very fabric of society, the country’s infrastructure and prospects for development,” he said.

Among other cases of lawlessness, the Cardinal highlighted the existence of various “mafias” in the country, such as the “construction mafia” or the “illegal mining mafia”, who he said are ruthless in their quest for money for themselves, to the extent that the lives of others mean little to them.

The Local Ordinary of Johannesburg Archdiocese, following his transfer from the Catholic Archdiocese of Cape Town in October 2024, emphasized that corruption must be denounced and condemned to address lawlessness partly.

He, however, expressed his doubt about the possibility of combating corruption without fostering and promoting a law-abiding society.

“If the state of general lawlessness continues, even in such things that are considered ‘minor’ infringements, the culture of lawlessness becomes the breeding ground for corruption and for organized crime to exist and to grow,” he warned.

He added, “Through our own structures, and with other faith leaders, we need to promote a law-abiding society and a culture of lawfulness. This is ultimately a matter of justice, since laws exist to protect individuals and to protect society.”

 “Our countries will never develop as long as there is a perceived impunity to breaking the law,” said the president of the conference that brings together the three nations of Eswatini, South Africa, and Botswana.

 On the contrary, the Catholic Church leader who was among the 21 Cardinals that the late Pope Francis named on 9 July 2023 and created Cardinals during the 30 September 2023 Consistory said that “Lawfulness can create social cohesion which is necessary for any advancement of society and for progress.”

Turning his attention to the January 20 to 27 Plenary organized under the theme ‘Synodality and Mission’, Cardinal Brislin urged the Bishops to be conscious of the Church's mission during the discussion sessions.

“As we continue with the business of this plenary, let us be conscious of the mission of the Church to be the place and occasion of encounter with Christ,” the Cardinal, who started his Episcopal Ministry in January 2007 as Bishop of South Africa’s Kroonstad Catholic Diocese, said.

Cardinal Brislin encouraged the People of God across the three nations of SACBC to emulate St. John the Baptist, who witnessed the Spirit descend from heaven and rest upon Jesus, as they confront what he described as “the formidable challenges of the future.”

“May we always be able to recognize the Spirit at work around us,” he said, further encouraging them in the words of St. Paul, “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day…”