Most Reverend Sithembele Sipuka, Archbishop of Cape Town
• Born in Dutywa, Eastern Cape, on 27 April 1960.
• Ordained a priest of the Diocese of Queenstown on 17 December 1988.
• Appointed Bishop of Mthatha on 8 February 2008 and ordained Bishop on 3 May 2008.
• It was announced on Friday 9 January 2026 that His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has appointed Most Reverend Sithembele Sipuka as Archbishop of Cape Town. He was installed as Archbishop of Cape Town on 14 March 2026.
Biography of Archbishop Sipuka from the SACBC website
The Coat-of-Arms of Archbishop Sipuka
My episcopal motto is “UNITED AND SENT.” This theme of unity and mission will be central to my episcopacy in the Archdiocese of Cape Town, and each element of the coat of arms illustrates this vision.
Table Mountain represents the Archdiocese of Cape Town and its iconic geographic identity. The mountain is a beacon of hope at the Cape of Good Hope, visible from far out at sea.
The wavy lines (waters) represent the Atlantic and Indian Oceans that meet at Cape Town. I see them as symbolising the convergence of peoples, cultures, and nations.
The Anchor. Together with Table Mountain, this represents Cape Town as the Cape of Good Hope. The anchor is the traditional maritime symbol of hope and stability, reminding us that our hope is anchored in Christ (Hebrews 6:19). It recalls Cape Town’s history as a safe harbour for ships.
The Interlocked Rings in Different Colours. This is the heart of the coat of arms and the visual expression of my motto. The three interlocked rings in red, blue, and green represent the diverse people of Cape Town,
different races, cultures, languages, and backgrounds, but united and interlocked as the ONE BODY OF CHRIST. These colours also evoke the Holy Trinity, distinct yet equal in essence and united in purpose and action. The standing position of the rings illustrates our active mission, united AND sent forth to evangelise.
The Dove of the Holy Spirit. The Dove symbolises that it is God’s Spirit who fosters and sustains our unity and mission. It also reflects the synodal vision of the Church, wherein the Spirit continually inspires our response to contemporary challenges and decisions to be made
The Aloe Plant. This plant symbolises the Eastern Cape, my birthplace in Dutywa, my upbringing in Gcuwa (Butterworth), and my 18 years of service as Bishop of Mthatha. Indigenous to the Eastern Cape, the aloe embodies resilience, healing, and deep roots in African soil. It signifies my commitment to bring the gifts, experiences, and wisdom of the Eastern Cape to enrich my ministry in Cape Town, merging my heritage with my new mission.
THE MOTTO: “UNITED AND SENT”
This scriptural motto is rooted in Jesus’ high priestly prayer for unity (John 17:20-23) and his missionary mandate (John 20:21: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you”). It encapsulates my vision for the Archdiocese: we are called to be UNITED across all our differences, racial, cultural, economic, linguistic, and social, as the one Body of Christ. This, however, is not a passive and navel-gazing unity. It is a dynamic unity that motivates us to reach out, ever mindful that we are SENT on a mission to evangelise and to serve. I pray that this coat of arms will inspire the faithful of Cape Town to embrace this vision of unity in diversity and a shared commitment to discipleship as we journey together in faith.