Put Common Good at Centre of 2026 Municipal Elections, South Africa’s Catholic Bishops Urge Citizens

“We therefore appeal to all citizens, particularly the young people, to use the upcoming elections as an opportunity to renew our commitment to the common good,” Cardinal Brislin says, adding, “That is why we urge everyone to go out and vote. Nobody should remain at home.”

He cautions, however, that voting alone will not bring the change the country needs, emphasizing the responsibility of citizens to hold elected officials accountable after the elections.

“Real change requires deeper commitment. Casting our vote must go hand in hand with our willingness to work for the common good—both within political parties and in our everyday lives as citizens,” he says.

Drawing on the biblical invitation to choose life in Deuteronomy 30:19, Cardinal Brislin says responsible electoral participation entails choosing leaders committed to serving their communities honestly and diligently.

The Catholic Church leader who was among the 21 Cardinals that the late Pope Francis named on 9 July 2023 and created Cardinals during the 30 September 2023 Consistory also urges citizens to protect clinics, roads and other public infrastructure, reject vandalism and lawlessness, and support public officials who resist corruption and nepotism.

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Political Parties Urged to Put Communities First

Cardinal Brislin calls on political parties, particularly those participating in coalition governments, to cooperate for the common good rather than pursue narrow political interests.

He also urges that ward committees be protected from capture by political parties and partisan interests so that they can represent and serve their local communities effectively.

As South Africa prepares for the elections, the SACBC President calls for a peaceful, free and fair electoral process. He urges political parties, independent candidates, the media, civil society and state institutions to act responsibly.

“Every citizen must be able to vote without fear. The rule of law must be respected, and election results must be accepted in a spirit of peace and responsibility,” Cardinal Brislin, who previously served as Local Ordinary of South Africa’s Cape Town Catholic Archdiocese before his transfer to Johannesburg in October 2024 says.

He entrusts South Africa to God, praying for guidance for its political leaders, strength for its communities, and wisdom and courage among citizens.

Cardinal Brislin also prays for those working to ensure credible and transparent elections and for a society in which “justice, peace, and human dignity are respected by all.”