In a farewell message before leaving the Diocese for his new station on Monday, March 2, Bishop Sipuka said that after his installation as Archbishop of Cape Town on March 14, the Diocese of Mthatha will enter a transitional period.
“Brothers and sisters, as I close this last pastoral letter as your bishop, I am filled with gratitude, gratitude for the privilege of these eighteen years, for the brotherhood and collaboration in this part of the vineyard of the Lord,” he said.
He added, “Forgive me for my failures, my impatience, my blind spots, and my mistakes. I ask your continued prayers as I take up new responsibilities in Cape Town, and I promise mine for you.”
“I look forward to seeing many of you on the 14th of March for the installation in Cape Town,” he said, and implored, “May the Lord who called us together continue to walk with you. May the Holy Spirit who has guided us continue to lead you.”
Bishop Sipuka implored further, “May Christ, the Good Shepherd, raise up for you a pastor after His own heart, and may you have collaborative communion with Him for the further growth of the Diocese of Mthatha.”
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.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Plenary of members of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) in Pretoria on January 20, Bishop Sipuka reflected on his new role, describing it as both a personal and ecclesial pilgrimage.
The Archbishop-elect admitted that he had had a positive impression of the Archdiocese. He said that earlier 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.
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.