Southern Africa Jesuits

Southern Africa Jesuits Jesuit Province of Southern Africa / Província da Companhia de Jesus da África Austral. Fr. He was a Frenchman on his way to Siam as an astronomer-teacher.

Jesuits in Southern Africa work as university and school chaplains, priests, lecturers in philosophy and theology, spiritual and retreat directors, teachers in seminaries and with refugees and those most marginalised in our Society. Members of the Society of Jesus have been serving the Catholic Church in South Africa continuously since 1875 when they were invited to Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape

. For one hundred years we have worked in various parts of South Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe in education, missions and parishes, and trained others who were on their way to jobs north of the Limpopo River. Guy Tachard SJ, was the first Jesuit to set foot in South Africa when he landed at Cape Town in 1685. Although the Dutch authorities did not allow Catholics to disembark, because the governor of the Cape Colony wanted astronomical readings taken, he was allowed ashore. In 2021 the Jesuits of South Africa, Zambia-Malawi and Zimbabwe-Mozambique united to form the Jesuit Province of Southern Africa.

FR. GENERAL APPOINTS FR. JOHN KOBINA GHANSAH AS REGIONAL ASSISTANT FOR AFRICA AND MADAGASCARThe Superior General of the ...
09/06/2026

FR. GENERAL APPOINTS FR. JOHN KOBINA GHANSAH AS REGIONAL ASSISTANT FOR AFRICA AND MADAGASCAR

The Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Fr. Arturo Sosa, has appointed FR. John Kobina Ghansah SJ, the current Provincial of the North-West Africa Province (ANW), as the new Regional Assistant for Africa and Madagascar and General Counsellor to the Superior General.

Fr. Ghansah will assume his new responsibilities on January 6, 2027, succeeding Fr. Fratern Masawe (AOR). Since Fr. Masawe departed from active service in the role, the position has been held on an interim basis by Fr. Chukwuyenum A. Afiawari of the North-West Africa Province.

The Regional Assistant for Africa and Madagascar is a key member of the leadership team that supports the Superior General in governing the worldwide Society of Jesus. The Regional Assistant serves as a bridge between the General Curia in Rome and the Jesuit Provinces and Regions across Africa and Madagascar, helping the Superior General remain informed about the life, mission, challenges, and opportunities of the Society on the continent.

As a General Counsellor, the Regional Assistant also participates in advising the Superior General on matters affecting the universal Society.

Throughout his Jesuit life, Fr. Ghansah has served in various ministries, including parish pastoral work and the formation of young Jesuits. His extensive experience includes serving as Socius to the Novice Master, Novice Master, Provincial Assistant for Formation, and Rector of Hekima University College in Nairobi, Kenya. Since June 29, 2023, he has been serving as Provincial of the North-West Africa Province.

In his announcement, Fr. Sosa paid tribute to Fr. Masawe for his dedicated service to the governance of the Society since 2012. Over the past fifteen years, Fr. Masawe has served as Regional Assistant for Africa and Madagascar and General Counsellor, and since the 36th General Congregation, as Assistant ad providentiam.

Although Fr. Masawe will step down as Regional Assistant, he will continue serving the universal Society as General Counsellor and Assistant ad providentiam.

Fr. Sosa also expressed gratitude to Fr. Afiawari, Director of the Communications Service of the General Curia, for generously undertaking the interim responsibilities of Regional Assistant for Africa and Madagascar. His temporary service in the role will conclude when Fr. Ghansah officially assumes office on January 6, 2027.

08/06/2026

JESUITS IN FORMATION VISIT LOYOLA JESUIT SECONDARY SCHOOL IN KASUNGU

Participants attending the Jesuits in Formation (JIF) meeting in Malawi took time away from their conference schedule to visit Loyola Jesuit Secondary School in Kasungu, Malawi, one of the flagship educational institutions of the Society of Jesus in the Southern Africa Province (SAP).

The visit formed part of the five-day JIF gathering held at Blue Waters Hotel in Salima under the theme, “Our Jesuit Identity and Legacy: Formation.”

Speaking during the visit, several Jesuits in formation expressed appreciation for the opportunity to experience one of the Province's growing educational ministries. They noted that seeing the school's commitment to academic excellence, character formation, and service to society helped them better understand the broader mission of the Society of Jesus in the region.

The visit also served as a reminder of the important role that education continues to play in the Jesuit apostolate. Inspired by the vision of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Jesuit schools seek to form men and women for and with others, preparing students to become leaders who promote justice, reconciliation, and the common good.

The excursion to Loyola Jesuit Secondary School complemented the broader objectives of the JIF meeting, which seeks to strengthen Jesuit identity, foster fraternity among those in formation, and encourage reflection on the legacy and mission of the Society of Jesus in Southern Africa

FR. ARTURO SOSA APPOINTS FR. MARTIN NYADEWO SJ AS NEW RECTOR OF ST. GEORGE’S COLLEGEThe Superior General of the Society ...
03/06/2026

FR. ARTURO SOSA APPOINTS FR. MARTIN NYADEWO SJ AS NEW RECTOR OF ST. GEORGE’S COLLEGE

The Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Fr. Arturo Sosa SJ, has appointed Fr. Martin Nyadewo SJ as the new Rector of St. George’s College in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The appointment was announced by the Provincial Superior of the Jesuits in the Southern Africa Province (SAP), Fr. Leonard Chiti SJ, during a gathering of young Jesuits from across the Province currently taking place in Malawi. The five-day meeting has brought together Jesuits in formation from the six countries out of the nine countries that make up the Southern Africa Province.

In Jesuit tradition, a Rector is the major superior of a Jesuit community or institution. He is entrusted with the spiritual, apostolic, and administrative leadership of the community, ensuring that its mission is carried out in fidelity to the values and charism of the Society of Jesus. At St. George’s College, the Rector plays a key role in safeguarding the Jesuit identity of the institution while supporting its educational mission.

Fr. Nyadewo succeeds Fr. Joseph Arimoso SJ, who has served as Rector since January 2014. Over the past 13 years, Fr. Arimoso has dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the growth and development of St. George’s College, guiding the institution with commitment, vision, and unwavering dedication.

“Fr. Joe has given everything to the school,” said Fr. Chiti. “His years of service have been marked by exceptional commitment and dedication in shaping the school along the right path. We are deeply grateful for his leadership and generous service.”

Fr. Martin Nyadewo SJ brings to his new role a wealth of experience in education, pastoral ministry, and leadership. Born on 1 May 1986, he entered the Society of Jesus at Xavier House Novitiate in Lusaka, Zambia, on 7 July 2006 and professed his first vows on 5 July 2008.

During his novitiate formation, Fr. Nyadewo undertook an apostolic internship at Chikuni Radio in Monze, Zambia, where he made significant contributions to the professional growth and development of the Jesuit-run radio station.

From 2008 to 2012, he pursued a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Philosophy at Arrupe Jesuit University. Following his philosophical studies, he worked with the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) in Johannesburg, South Africa, from June to December 2012 before beginning his regency assignment at St. George’s College, Harare, from January 2013 to July 2014.

He later studied theology at Hekima University College in Nairobi, Kenya, from 2014 to 2017. After completing his theological formation, he served as chaplain at St. Ignatius College, Chishawasha, Zimbabwe, from 2017 to 2018.

Fr. Nyadewo was ordained to the priesthood on 11 August 2018 at St. George’s College. Following his ordination, he was appointed Parish Priest of St. Peter’s Parish in Mbare, Harare, where he served from 2018 to 2021. He subsequently served as Parish Priest of Our Lady of the Wayside Parish in Mt. Pleasant, Harare, from 2021 to 2023. During this period, he also served as the Vocations Promoter for Zimbabwe, accompanying and guiding young men discerning a call to religious life.

In August 2023, Fr. Nyadewo began studies for a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Fordham University in New York, United States, completing the programme in May 2025. Upon his return to Zimbabwe, he was missioned back to St. George’s College in June 2025, where he currently serves as Chaplain.

His appointment as Rector marks a homecoming to an institution that has shaped much of his Jesuit ministry and formation. Having previously served at St. George’s as a regent and now as chaplain, Fr. Nyadewo assumes leadership with a deep understanding of the school’s mission, traditions, and aspirations.

The Southern Africa Province has expressed confidence that Fr. Nyadewo’s blend of pastoral experience, educational engagement, and managerial training will help guide St. George’s College into a new chapter of excellence, faith formation, and service.

As the St. George’s community prepares to welcome its new Rector, Jesuits and friends of the Province have also taken the opportunity to thank Fr. Joseph Arimoso SJ for his remarkable years of service and leadership, which have left an enduring legacy in one of the region’s most distinguished Jesuit educational institutions.

YOUNG JESUITS GATHER IN MALAWI FOR FORMATION MEETINGMore than 100 Jesuits from across the Southern Africa Province (SAP)...
03/06/2026

YOUNG JESUITS GATHER IN MALAWI FOR FORMATION MEETING

More than 100 Jesuits from across the Southern Africa Province (SAP) are gathered at Blue Waters Hotel on the edge of Lake Malawi in Salima for a five-day Jesuits in Formation (JIF) meeting taking place from 1st to 5th June 2026.

The annual gathering brings together Jesuits at various stages of formation for prayer, reflection, fraternity, and discussions on matters central to their vocation and mission in the Society of Jesus.

This year's meeting is being held under the theme, “Our Jesuit Identity and Legacy: Formation.” The theme invites participants to deepen their understanding of the rich spiritual heritage of the Society of Jesus while reflecting on how Jesuit formation continues to shape men committed to serving faith and promoting justice in today's world.

The Provincial Superior of the Southern Africa Province, Fr. Leonard Chiti SJ, is attending the meeting alongside his Delegate for Formation, Fr. Emmanuel Nshimbi SJ. Their presence underscores the Provincial's commitment to accompanying young Jesuits as they journey through the various stages of formation.

The gathering offers a valuable opportunity for Jesuits in formation to strengthen bonds of fraternity, share experiences from diverse apostolic contexts, and engage in meaningful conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing the Society of Jesus in the region and beyond.

Throughout the week, participants will take part in presentations, discussions, spiritual reflections, and community-building activities centered on Jesuit identity, Jesuit Education, liturgy, communication in the era of artificial intelligence and social media, community life, and the ongoing process of formation that prepares Jesuits for mission.

The Southern Africa Province comprises Jesuits and Jesuit works in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, and Botswana. Jesuits are yet to establish works and presence in Lesotho, Eswatini, and Namibia. The annual Jesuits in Formation meeting remains one of the Province's key formation events, fostering unity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to the Jesuit way of proceeding.

As the meeting continues, participants are expected to reflect deeply on the meaning of their vocation and the responsibility of carrying forward the legacy of the Society of Jesus in a rapidly changing world.

29/05/2026

Today, Pope Leo XIV released his highly anticipated first encyclical, "Magnifica Humanitas" (Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence). In an extraordinary Vatican launch alongside top theologians and tech pioneers, the Church has planted a firm flag on the digital frontier.

The core message is an urgent wake-up call: the challenge we face today is not technological, but deeply anthropological. In a world increasingly automated, Pope Leo XIV reminds us that "human beings can never be reduced to a statistic, a profile, or an algorithm." What is human is always a mystery and a divine call. The encyclical tackles the erosion of public truth, the exploitation of human relationships by artificial companions, the future of human labor, and the severe ethical risks of autonomous warfare.

Read the encyclical letter: https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/it/events/event.dir.html/content/vaticanevents/it/2026/5/25/enciclica-magnifica-humanitas.html

29/05/2026

Published in 1891, during the height of the Industrial Revolution and in the fourteenth year of Pope Leo XIII’s pontificate, the document raised profound concerns about the condition of workers and the protection of their human dignity in an era of rapid industrial transformation. One hundred and ...

JESUITS IN SOUTHERN AFRICA PROVINCE MOURN THE PASSING OF MR. REMEDIO FERNÁNDEZThe Jesuits of the Southern Africa Provinc...
27/05/2026

JESUITS IN SOUTHERN AFRICA PROVINCE MOURN THE PASSING OF MR. REMEDIO FERNÁNDEZ

The Jesuits of the Southern Africa Province (SAP) have joined Fr. Isaac Fernandez, SJ, their Province Finance Director, in mourning the passing of his father, Mr. Remedio Fernandez, who died on Friday, 22 May 2026, in Harare, Zimbabwe, at the age of 76 years.

Mr. Fernandez was a well-known and deeply respected figure within the Jesuit education apostolate, having served at St. George’s College in Harare, one of the province’s prominent Jesuit schools, for an extraordinary 46 years. He began his service at the college in 1975 and faithfully dedicated his professional life to the institution until his retirement in 2021. His long-standing commitment made him a cherished member of the St. George’s community and a familiar presence to generations of students, staff, and Jesuits.

His funeral Mass was held on Monday, 25 May, coinciding with Africa Freedom Day, at St. George’s Chapel. The Eucharist was presided over by his son, Fr. Isaac Fernandez, SJ, surrounded by Jesuits, family, friends, and members of the wider school community who gathered to honor a man remembered for his humility, dedication, and warmth.

The Southern Africa Province expressed deep gratitude for Mr. Fernandez’s decades of service and offered heartfelt condolences to Fr. Isaac and the Fernandez family during this time of loss.

HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC CHURCH IN JOHANNESBURG MOURNS SHOCKING ACT OF VANDALISMHoly Trinity Catholic Church in Braamfontei...
16/05/2026

HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC CHURCH IN JOHANNESBURG MOURNS SHOCKING ACT OF VANDALISM

Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa, has expressed deep sadness and disturbance after a serious act of vandalism and sacrilege took place ahead of the midday Eucharistic celebration on 14th May 2026.

According to the parish priest, Fr. Russell Pollitt, SJ, a man entered the church appearing to attend Mass but suddenly launched into a violent outburst. He jumped onto the altar of the Blessed Sacrament, smashed sacred statues, damaged the marble altar, and shouted profanities inside the church.

Parishioners preparing for Mass witnessed the attack and were left terrified and traumatized.

Fr. Pollitt described the incident as “heartbreaking,” noting that Holy Trinity has long been a sanctuary for those seeking peace, prayer, and comfort. He emphasized that the historic church, serving the community since 1936, holds deep religious and heritage significance and has always welcomed people from all walks of life, including the vulnerable and distressed.

He stressed that the damaged items were not mere decorations but sacred symbols of the faith, heritage, and devotion of the Catholic community.

Holy Trinity Catholic Church confirmed it is cooperating fully with authorities investigating the incident and expressed gratitude to the South African Police Service and local security company BadBoyz for their swift response.

The parish also expressed solidarity with parishioners and community members affected by the shocking event, affirming that the faith community remains united despite the attack.

ARCHBISHOP TELESPHORE GEORGE MPUNDU DIESThe Catholic Church in Zambia is mourning the passing of Archbishop Emeritus Tel...
16/05/2026

ARCHBISHOP TELESPHORE GEORGE MPUNDU DIES

The Catholic Church in Zambia is mourning the passing of Archbishop Emeritus Telesphore George Mpundu, who died on Friday, May 15, 2026.

Born in 1947 in the Archdiocese of Kasama, Archbishop Mpundu was ordained a priest in 1972 and later appointed Bishop of Mbala (now Mpika Diocese) in 1987. After 19 years of service as Bishop of Mbala (now Mpika Diocese), he became Coadjutor Archbishop of Lusaka in 2004 and succeeded as Archbishop in 2006, leading the Archdiocese until his retirement in 2018.

He was known for his strong voice on governance and social justice and served several terms as President of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Announcing his death, the Archbishop of Lusaka, Dr. Alick Banda, described him as a courageous and wise shepherd who stood firmly for truth and justice.

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