Archbishop-Elect Reflects on a Pilgrim Church as He Prepares to Lead South Africa’s Cape Town Archdiocese

Johannesburg, 23 January, 2026 / 7:36 PM

Two weeks after his appointment as the new Archbishop of South Africa’s of Cape Town Archdiocese, Bishop Sithembele Anton Sipuka is getting all set to take the helm of one of South Africa’s most prominent Archdioceses. 

Speaking on the sidelines of the Plenary of members of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) in Pretoria, Bishop Sipuka shared his reflections on his new role, describing it as both a personal and ecclesial pilgrimage.

Early impressions of Cape Town have been positive, he said. Meetings with consultors, the finance committee, and chancery staff revealed a well-functioning Archdiocese, with committed Priests and faithful actively engaged in Church life.

“There was a sense that people were happy to have a new Archbishop,” the Archbishop-elect said on Tuesday, January 20, reflecting on the stability and pastoral continuity that a new appointment brings. 

While he acknowledged that he has only met a small section of the Archdiocese so far, Bishop Sipuka emphasized his desire to listen deeply as he begins parish visits and meets various groups. 

“The first impression is good,” he said, adding that understanding Cape Town fully will require time, presence, and attentiveness.

Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Sipuka the Local Ordinary of Cape Town in South Africa on January 9, transferring him from the Catholic Diocese of Mthatha, where he has been serving as Bishop since his Episcopal Consecration in May 2008.

Cape Town became vacant on 28 October 2024 following the transfer of Cardinal Brislin, who had been at the helm of the South African Metropolitan See since 2009, to the country’s Catholic Archdiocese of Johannesburg.

In his January 20 reflection, he said leaving the Diocese of Mthatha, where he has served since 2008, carries a mix of emotions. 

“Humanly speaking, I wouldn’t mind staying in Mthatha for the rest of my life,” he admitted, adding, “I know it well, and it has become home.”

Yet Bishop Sipuka finds peace in the Church’s understanding of itself as a pilgrim people.

“Bishops are not consecrated for one place alone but for the wider needs of the Church,” he explained. 

His main concern is that Mthatha should not remain without a shepherd for too long. 

“I pray for a quick appointment of a new bishop,” the Archbishop-elect said.

Bishop Sipuka also carries national and international responsibilities, serving as President of the Southern African Council of Churches (SACC) and as a member of the Vatican Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. 

As he prepares to move to a larger Archdiocese, he recognizes the importance of personal well-being.

“One has to be aware of one’s limitations. Sustainable leadership requires balance, and I will need to discern carefully which responsibilities to continue, reduce, or relinquish,” he said.

Marking the 75th Jubilee of the Catholic hierarchy in Southern Africa, Bishop Sipuka has a clear message for young people.

“They are the now of the Church,” he said, lamenting the limited presence of youths in parish life. Yet his tone remained hopeful. 

He added, “I am not going to give up on them. I am asking them to come forward so that we can talk and find a way forward together.”

Once installed, the 65-year-old Archbishop-elect is expected to serve as the Local Ordinary of the 30,892 square kilometer Archdiocese that has been under the Apostolic Administratorship of Stephen Cardinal Brislin.

The Metropolitan See has an estimated population of 276,415 Catholics representing 5.6 percent of the total population, according to 2023 statistics.

Kati Dijane contributed to the writing of this story