Catholics in South Africa Bring Faith Perspectives to Electoral Process

The 2026 local government election results in South Africa have showcased a significant Catholic presence, with individuals whose faith and professional lives intersect with the country's democratic process taking center stage. IEC Chief Electoral Officer Deacon Sy Mamabolo, African National Congress First Deputy Secretary-General Nomvula Mokonyane, and attorney Tlouyatiba Moeti Kanyane are among those who have highlighted the importance of faith in their work. They spoke to The Southern Cross at the National Results Operation Centre in Midrand, Gauteng.

Deacon Sy Mamabolo, ordained a permanent deacon in 2018, has overseen the successful administration of elections, representing the culmination of extensive preparations and cooperation between the IEC and its stakeholders. As Chief Electoral Officer, appointed in October 2017, Mamabolo previously served as Gauteng Provincial Electoral Officer and Deputy Chief Electoral Officer responsible for Electoral Operations. He expressed satisfaction with the work undertaken to ensure the elections proceeded successfully.

Mamabolo's role brings together his work at the IEC and his commitment to his Catholic faith, with his faith forming part of how he approaches overseeing the country's electoral processes. He reflected on the elections through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching, especially the principle of the common good. Mamabolo stated that he is happy with the process and the effort that has gone into ensuring the elections are conducted successfully.

Nomvula Mokonyane emphasized the responsibility of citizens to participate in the democratic process, highlighting her Catholic formation dating back to her upbringing in Kagiso on the West Rand. Her involvement in the anti-apartheid struggle brought her into contact with church activists, including the late Catholic religious sister Sr Bernard Ncube. Mokonyane referred to the pastoral letter issued by the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference ahead of the elections.

The pastoral letter encouraged South Africans to participate in the democratic process, regardless of political affiliation. Mokonyane stated that the bishops reminded them that every South African has a responsibility to come out and vote, irrespective of political affiliation. She emphasized that voting should be understood as more than a political exercise, but an expression of citizenship and a responsibility towards fellow South Africans.

Attorney Tlouyatiba Moeti Kanyane highlighted the legal dimension of the electoral process, representing the IEC in various electoral disputes and court proceedings. A product of Catholic education in Limpopo, Kanyane is also a parishioner of St Thomas More Catholic Church in Centurion, Gauteng. His work involves addressing disputes between political parties and other stakeholders concerning electoral procedures and the interpretation of electoral legislation.

For Kanyane, his Catholic faith provides an important moral foundation for his professional responsibilities. He stated that on a personal and professional level, he is guided by his Catholic faith and its principles. As the counting and verification of votes continued, the conversations offered a glimpse of how Catholic faith continues to find expression in South Africa's public life.

Key points

• Catholics play key roles in South Africa's electoral process
• Faith informs perspectives of Catholic officials on democratic process
• Catholic Social Teaching guides officials in their work