The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) has appointed Fr Tobias Nhlanhla Mcunu as its new Secretary General, following a decision taken during the Conference’s August 2026 Plenary Session.
A priest of the Diocese of Mariannhill, Fr Mcunu will succeed Fr Hugh O’Connor, whose term as Secretary General concludes on 28 February 2027.
Born and raised in Esimozomeni, a rural village near Richmond in KwaZulu-Natal, Fr Mcunu was ordained a priest on 23 December 2000. He received his priestly and theological formation at St Francis Xavier Seminary, St Peter’s Seminary and St John Vianney Seminary, before pursuing further studies at the University of South Africa and the Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome.
Over more than two decades of priestly ministry, Fr Mcunu has served in several parishes within the Diocese of Mariannhill, including St Francis Xavier, St Joseph’s Cathedral, St Wendelin’s, KwaMalusi Omuhle and Reichnau Mission. He also served as rector of St Francis College.
His diocesan responsibilities have included serving as a consultor, member of the Diocesan Finance Committee and Liturgical Commission, deputy secretary of the diocesan clergy body and member of the diocesan vocations team. He has also served on the boards of the Home and Family Life Foundation and St Mary’s Hospital.
Fr Mcunu further spent four years as a Fidei Donum priest in the Diocese of Dundee, ministering in parishes in Newcastle and Ezakheni while also serving as Vocation Director and Dean of the Newcastle Deanery.
His experience extends to priestly formation and administration. At St John Vianney Seminary, he served as a formator, lecturer and financial administrator.
Welcoming his appointment, SACBC President Cardinal Stephen Brislin said Fr Mcunu brings “many and varied experiences” that will contribute to the work of Khanya House, particularly his pastoral experience and administrative skills.
Fr Mcunu is expected to take up the position after Fr O’Connor completes his term at the end of February 2027.
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