SACBC Migrants Refugees & Human Trafficking

10/09/2026

🌍 1st Seminar on Good Practices with Migrants and Refugees in Socio-Pastoral Ministry

From 9 to 12 September 2026, in Jundiaí, São Paulo, Brazil, the 1st Seminar on Good Practices with Migrants and Refugees in Socio-Pastoral Ministry is taking place, providing an important space for encounter, sharing, reflection, and learning about the mission alongside people on the move.

The seminar brings together missionaries, pastoral workers, collaborators, and partners committed to the welcoming, protection, promotion, and integration of migrants and refugees.

During the event, Sr. Neide Lamperti, mscs, Coordinator of the SACBC Migrants, Refugees and Human Trafficking Office (Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference), shared the experience and work carried out in South Africa in accompanying and advocating for the rights of undocumented migrants and stateless persons.

Her presentation highlighted the challenges faced by those who often remain “invisible” in society and before institutions, without documentation that enables them to fully exercise their rights. At the same time, it presented pathways of pastoral accompaniment, advocacy, awareness-raising, and networking to promote dignity, belonging, and access to fundamental rights.

🤝 Sharing good practices also means building bridges, strengthening our mission, and renewing our commitment to walking alongside migrants and refugees.

May this gathering help us to continue building a Church that welcomes, protects, promotes, and integrates, recognizing in every person on the move the presence of Christ who walks with us.

“I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” (Mt 25:35)

31/08/2026

Behind South Africa's Migration Crackdown, a Bishop Sees the Human Wreckage

By Ndiho Media Staff | Washington, DC.

20/08/2026

14/08/2026

📣 Pubblicato il Messaggio di per la Giornata Mondiale del Migrante e del Rifugiato 2026, che si celebrerà il 27 settembre, dal titolo: "Anche uno solo di questi bambini". ❤
Richiamando le parole del Vangelo (Mt 18,5), ci ricorda che chi accoglie anche un solo bambino migrante o rifugiato accoglie Gesù. Un invito a riconoscere in ogni bambino il volto di Cristo e a custodirne la dignità e la speranza. 🤝
Leggi qui: https://www.humandevelopment.va/it/news/2026/giornata-mondiale-del-migrante-e-del-rifugiato-2026.html

14/08/2026

The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) has appointed Fr Tobias Nhlanhla Mchunu as its new Secretary General, following a decision taken

08/08/2026

SACBC Visit to the Musina Temporary Repatriation Centre

A delegation from the SACBC Migrants, Refugees and Human Trafficking Office, composed of Bishop Joseph Mary Kizito, Head of the Department, together with Mr. Efraim Luhanga and Mr. Sello Mashaba, visited the Musina Temporary Repatriation Centre in Limpopo Province. The purpose of the visit was to learn more about the facilities and conditions, and to monitor the reception and protection services provided to migrants currently undergoing the repatriation process.

The delegation was accompanied by Sr. Francis Grogan, responsible for Migrant Pastoral Care, and representatives of Caritas. The visit provided an opportunity to listen to and better understand the reality and challenges faced by migrants during the repatriation process, particularly regarding their dignity, protection and access to humanitarian assistance.

The delegation also visited the Musina border and several shelters in the surrounding area, seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the situation of migrants and to strengthen the Church’s pastoral presence and response to people on the move.

This visit reaffirms the commitment of the Catholic Church in Southern Africa to accompanying, protecting and defending the dignity of migrants, refugees and other people in vulnerable situations, especially in contexts of repatriation and displacement.

04/08/2026

🤝 United in mission, strengthened by hope.

Today, representative the Talitha K*m South Africa Network came together to share the experiences and initiatives carried out by the Religious Life, Young Ambassadors across the different regions and dioceses of South Africa. It was a meaningful moment of listening, communion, and reflection, as well as an opportunity to evaluate our actions in response to the challenges of human mobility in the current context.

The meeting also provided an important space to reflect on the urgency of preventing human trafficking, reaffirming the Network's commitment to defending human dignity, protecting the most vulnerable, and promoting safer, more welcoming, and more compassionate communities.

Beyond reflecting on the journey so far, we renewed our commitment to accompany and strengthen the ongoing formation of Young Ambassadors and Consecrated Life, encouraging new initiatives for awareness, prevention, advocacy, and pastoral action. Together, we continue to keep the mission and spirituality of Talitha K*m alive, walking side by side so that every person may live in freedom, dignity, and hope.

💙 "Talitha K*m" – "Little girl, I say to you, arise!" (Mk 5:41)

*m *mSouthAfrica

01/08/2026

🌍 Diocese of Rustenburg

Strengthening the Church's Response to Human Mobility in Rustenburg

The Diocese of Rustenburg, today 1st August 2026, welcomed the SACBC Migrants, Refugees and Human Trafficking Office for a conference focused on Pastoral Care for Migrants and Refugees, Human Trafficking Prevention, and Documentation and Human Rights in the Context of Human Mobility.

Approximately 30 participants gathered for this important formation, reflecting on the Church's mission to accompany, protect, promote, and integrate migrants, refugees, and other people on the move.

The conference was enriched by the presence, encouragement, and blessing of the Bishop Robert Mogapi Mphiwe, whose support reaffirmed the Diocese's commitment to building welcoming and inclusive communities.

The sessions were facilitated by Sr. Neide Lamperti, Coordinator of the SACBC Office, together with Ms. Enency Mbatha, Mr Sello Mashaba, and Mr Godfrey Mvuma from the SACBC Human Trafficking Team. The conference also benefited from the expertise of Miss Sinethemba and Miss Komotso representatives from Lawyers for Human Rights, who provided valuable insights into legal documentation and the protection of human rights.

Together, we continue to strengthen the Church's response to the realities of migration, ensuring that every person is treated with dignity, justice, and compassion.

"I was a stranger and you welcomed me." (Matthew 25:35)

30/07/2026

Today, on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2026, the SACBC Migrants, Refugees and Human Trafficking Office was represented by Mrs. Enency Mbatha at a panel discussion hosted by Fula Africa, in collaboration with the Department of Social Development, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, and Rosebank International, under the global theme: "Trapped Behind the Scam."

Mrs. Mbatha delivered a presentation on "The Role of the Catholich Church in Combating Human Trafficking," highlighting the Church's mission to prevent human trafficking, protect and accompany survivors, promote awareness, advocate for justice, and strengthen collaboration with governments, civil society, and local communities. She emphasized that the Church has a vital responsibility to stand with the most vulnerable and to restore hope and dignity to those affected by exploitation.

The discussion also focused on the alarming rise of trafficking in persons for forced criminality, where victims are deceived with promises of employment and later forced to participate in cyber-enabled scams and online fraud operations. As organized crime continues to exploit young people through technology and false recruitment, the Church calls on everyone to remain vigilant, educate communities, report suspected trafficking, and work together to build a future where every person's dignity and freedom are protected.

Together, we can prevent trafficking, protect victims, and end exploitation.
*m

30/07/2026