Poverty in South Africa Now “a scandal”, Must be Addressed: Country's Newest Cardinal Calls for Collaborative Approach

“We cannot work in silos. We have to work together for the common good. That means churches, ecumenically, interfaith groups, and the government must work with other political parties because the problem is simply so great that no single group can resolve it alone,” he said.

In the January 27 interview, Cardinal Brislin also spoke about broader challenges facing South Africa, including social divisions along racial lines.

“We remain a very divided country in many respects. This is not surprising after so many years of apartheid and colonialism,” said the 68-year-old South African Cardinal who is also the president of SACBC.

He, however, acknowledged progress, particularly among younger generations, saying, “When we see young people going to school together, socializing, and laughing, there are signs of hope.”

Cardinal Brislin called on parishes to play a role in breaking down social barriers. He said, “We must strive within our parishes to bring people into the family of the Church—a family that transcends cultural and language differences.”

More in Africa

Nigerian Catholic Bishop Decries Surge in Immorality, Says Level of Corruption Warrants God’s Anger, Destruction

Read the article

He acknowledged with appreciation that in some parishes, “progress is evident through family days and special celebrations that foster social interaction.”

Highlighting the role of the laity in the digital era and how the group can be relevant in the evangelization mission, Cardinal Brislin urged responsible engagement with social media.

“Social media opens up many opportunities for laypeople to share their faith. However, it must be used positively. If we start denigrating others or dismissing those with different viewpoints, we are not evangelizing,” he said.

Cardinal Brislin cautioned against the risk of social media replacing personal interactions, saying, “We must not become an anonymous Church where people only communicate online. Personal presence and encounters remain important.”

As he prepares to inaugurate the Jubilee Year in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg on Saturday, February 1, the Cardinal spoke about the hope he seeks to bring in the Metropolitan See.

“We must see people as people, not as belonging to a particular racial, ethnic, or language group. If we can help people see the humanity of others, we are on the road to a better society,” he said.

He emphasized that hope is not mere optimism but rooted in faith. “Our hope lies in Jesus Christ. His Spirit moves the world. We must be cooperators with God's Holy Spirit, working for societal change to make the world more equitable, just, and accepting of human dignity,” he said.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.