BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MANZINI- The Roman Catholic Church in Eswatini is preparing to host the Golden Jubilee Imbisa Plenary, a landmark gathering of the region’s top Catholic leaders that promises to inspire fresh collaboration and deliver lasting benefits for the nation. This was revealed during a media briefing held in Manzini on August 27, 2025.
From September 24 to 29, 2025, Eswatini Roman Catholic Church will welcome four cardinals, 70 bishops, and 50 priests for the Inter-Regional Meeting of Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA). The plenary will culminate In a special celebration of Mass on Sunday, September 29, at the Mavuso Trade Centre, where all Emaswati Catholics are invited to worship together.
Speaking during the press briefing, Father Ncamiso Vilakati said the event will not only strengthen the church’s own programmes in education, health, and social development, but also build new bridges of cooperation with SADC institutions.
“This gathering will benefit not only Roman Catholic members but the whole nation and the Southern African region,” said Father Vilakati. “The church has always taken interest in the social and cultural issues affecting our people, and this plenary is a chance to seek solutions together.”
Archbishop Liborius Nashenda, who will be among the senior church leaders attending, added that the IMBISA meeting will generate new ideas to foster stronger collaboration with SADC bodies, enabling the church to better serve communities.
The Catholic Church In Eswatini already operates 47 primary schools, 12 high schools, one tertiary institution (Good Shepherd College of Nursing in Siteki), six health clinics, and Good Shepherd Hospital in Siteki, underscoring its long-standing commitment to uplifting society.
With faith leaders gathering to mark IMBISA’s 50th anniversary, the plenary is set to reaffirm the church’s mission: offering education, healthcare, and hope not only for Catholics, but for all Emaswati and the region at large.
(Courtesy Pic)
