The Catholic Church, together with ecumenical and humanitarian groups, continues to intensify efforts to address statelessness, migration challenges, and rising xenophobia in Southern Africa, following a strategic multi-religious meeting held in Johannesburg.<\/p>\n
In an interview with the Southern African Catholic Bishops\u2019 Conference (SACBC) Communication Office, the Liaison Bishop for the SACBC Migrants, Refugees and Human Trafficking Office emphasized the urgent need for dialogue with government authorities, stating that engagement with the Department of Home Affairs can no longer be delayed.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur meeting with the Minister of Home Affairs is overdue,\u201d said Bishop Joseph Mary Kizito. \u201cWe need to sit down together, identify the challenges, and find practical solutions for people who are struggling to regularise their status,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Documentation Delays and Systemic Challenges<\/p>\n
In the Friday, March 27, interview, Bishop Kizito highlighted the backlog in processing documentation for migrants, asylum seekers, and foreign clergy.<\/p>\n
Bishop Kizito explained that many individuals wish to comply with immigration laws but face administrative delays that prevent them from regularising their status.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople do not want to live illegally,\u201d he said. \u201cThey want to follow the law, but the system is often slow and difficult to navigate.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added that delays in renewing permits have affected not only lay migrants but also religious workers serving in parishes and dioceses across the region.<\/p>\n
Barriers to Education for Stateless Learners<\/p>\n
Another pressing issue discussed during the meeting was the situation of undocumented students who complete their schooling but are unable to access the official certification required for further education.<\/p>\n
Bishop Kizito noted that such students may pass their final examinations but cannot obtain the necessary documentation to enrol in universities or vocational colleges.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is very painful for young people,\u201d Bishop Kizito said. \u201cThey work hard, they succeed in school, but their future is blocked because they lack the proper documents.\u201d<\/p>\n
He described the situation as a serious social and moral challenge that requires urgent attention from policymakers.<\/p>\n
A Strategic Gathering to Address Statelessness<\/p>\n
The meeting, convened on 25 March 2026 at the Mother Assunta Training Centre in Johannesburg, brought together leaders from various religious traditions, civil society organizations, and humanitarian agencies to develop concrete responses to statelessness and migration-related challenges.<\/p>\n
Organised by the SACBC Migrants, Refugees and Human Trafficking Office in partnership with ecumenical and humanitarian groups, the gathering focused on strengthening collaboration among faith communities in addressing xenophobia, prejudice, and the exclusion of undocumented persons.<\/p>\n
According to Bishop Kizito, participants examined research findings, legal developments, and the lived experiences of migrants and refugees, while also sharing successful local initiatives aimed at providing support to vulnerable communities.<\/p>\n