Bishop Sithembele Sipuka

Roman Catholic Diocese of Mthatha in South Africa

PRESIDENT

Bishop Sithembele Sipuka is the Catholic Bishop of Mthatha and the immediate past president of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC). Born in Idutywa, Transkei, he grew up in Butterworth, completing his matriculation in 1979. After working at the Idutywa Post Office, he began his journey to priesthood, studying at St. Peter’s Seminary Hammanskraal and St. John Vianney Seminary, where he earned an Honours degree in Theology in 1988, the same year he was ordained.

From 1989 to 1992, Bishop Sipuka served as a curate in Qoqodala (Lady Frere) and Priest in charge in Zigudu (Cofimvaba). He then pursued a master’s degree in theology at Urbaniana University in Rome, completing it in 1994. Upon his return, he taught philosophy and theology at St. Peter’s and St. John Vianney Seminaries, concurrently earning a Doctorate in systematic theology from the University of South Africa in 2000.

His leadership acumen led to his appointment as Rector of St. John Vianney Seminary in 2000, a position he held until becoming the Bishop of Mthatha in 2008. Bishop Sipuka’s influence expanded through his roles as an SACBC administrative board member and representative at the Inter-regional Meeting of Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA). He further represented IMBISA at the Symposium of the Episcopal Conference of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) in 2010, serving two terms as SECAM vice president. In Mthatha, he chairs the Mthatha Church leaders, fostering a unified response to social and political issues. In his downtime, Bishop Sipuka enjoys listening to music.

Lulama Ntuta

Anglican Church of Southern Africa

1st VICE PRESIDENT

Lulama Ntuta, a resident of Johannesburg and a member of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, brings a wealth of experience in both the healthcare and faith-based sectors. Holding a qualification in Healthcare Management, she has cultivated a seven-year career in the Healthcare industry, currently serving as a Corporate Client Relationship Manager.

Within her local Parish, St. Philips Thokoza, Ms. Ntuta serves as a dedicated lay minister. Her commitment extends to the broader Anglican Communion, where she is an active member of the Anglican Youth Network Executive and co-chairs the Mark 3 – Humanitarian Service Committee. Demonstrating her ecumenical engagement, Ms. Ntuta was appointed as the 1st Vice President of the South African Council of Churches in November 2024.

Her past leadership roles include serving as the president of the Anglican Youth of Southern Africa Province, a Church Warden, a church council member, and a church administrator within her local church. She has also contributed to the Diocese of the Highveld as a Lay Canon under Bishop Charles May and as a member of the Board of Ministry committee.

Driven by a deep passion for youth development, gender advocacy, and climate justice, Ms. Ntuta actively seeks opportunities for service in these areas. As a Green Anglican and a member of the Climate YES global movement, she is committed to learning and contributing to environmental sustainability efforts.

Above all, Ms. Ntuta is devoted to God and His church, considering it a privilege to serve Him in all facets of her life.

Rev. Dr. Nioma Venter

Dutch Reformed Church

2nd VICE PRESIDENT

Rev Dr Nioma Venter is the Second Vice President of the South African Council of Churches (SACC), contributing significant expertise in social work and theological practice. As a minister and General Secretary of the Dutch Reformed Church, Dr Venter has established herself as a distinguished ecumenical leader, having held numerous pivotal leadership positions across denominational boundaries.

Dr Venter’s academic credentials include a master’s degree in social work and a PhD in theology, which form a comprehensive interdisciplinary foundation for her ministry. Her scholarly and professional endeavours effectively bridge theological principles with evidence-based social intervention methodologies.

While completing her post-graduate studies, Dr Venter developed an innovative model for collective impact. Her work made substantial contributions to integrating ecclesiastical and social welfare approaches. Her framework emphasises strategic collaboration between faith communities and welfare institutions to address complex societal challenges. This groundbreaking work has been documented in multiple peer-reviewed academic publications.

Dr Venter’s vision for the SACC centres on fostering unity within the church’s diverse landscape, ensuring its continued relevance and enabling it to present a cohesive voice in civil society. She is committed to developing approaches that provide clarity and direction in navigating complex social environments while embodying Kingdom of God principles. Dr Venter maintains that the Church must actively engage with contemporary issues, recognising that fragmentation diminishes its potential for meaningful societal impact.

Rev. Mzwandile Molo

Methodist Church of Southern Africa

General Secretary

Rev. Molo’s early ministry in Mabopane, during South Africa’s transition to democracy, profoundly shaped his understanding of cultural diversity, reconciliation, and community building. From 1995 to 2015, he served in Soshanguve, a diverse community where he spearheaded initiatives addressing critical challenges like HIV/AIDS, poverty, and violence, while fostering unity. He also contributed to the development and training of ministers as a Superintendent within the Methodist Church.

His tenure from 2006 to 2018 at Bethesda Methodist Mission in Johannesburg focused on addressing poverty, enhancing education, and advocating for social justice in a socio-economically varied community. Rev. Molo also actively participated in national church councils, promoting dialogues on justice, reconciliation, and the church’s broader societal role.

In 2014, Rev. Molo joined the South African Council of Churches (SACC) National Executive Committee, later becoming Director of Church and Community Liaison. In this role, he coordinated church advocacy for social justice, equality, and national healing. After serving as Acting General Secretary since 2022, Rev. Molo was formally appointed General Secretary of the SACC in October 2024. He continues to champion the Gospel’s vision of love, hope, and dignity for all, emphasizing the church’s mission in building a just, inclusive, and reconciled society. Rev. Molo’s unwavering commitment to faith-driven activism, community empowerment, and social justice has left an indelible mark on South Africa’s religious and social landscape.

The Executive Committee is responsible for managing the Council’s finances in accordance with sound financial principles and interpreting and applying Council policy in the period between National Conferences. It is also responsible for appointing a General Secretary and, if necessary a Deputy General Secretary. The Executive Committee oversees the development and implementation of programmes, assists with raising funds and appoints sub-committees and delegates powers and duties to them. It is also responsible for the management of Council staff and, more generally, to build the image of the Council and foster good community relations. The Executive Committee meets at least four times in a calendar year.

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