The Society of Jesus (Jesuits) may soon re-establish its presence in Botswana following an official invitation from Archbishop Franklyn Atese Nubuasah SVD, Bishop of the Diocese of Gaborone. The invitation was extended during a meeting with the Provincial of the Jesuits of the Southern Africa Province (SAP), Fr. Leonard Chiti SJ, held at Christ the King Cathedral (CKC) in Gaborone.
Archbishop Nubuasah described the encounter as particularly significant, noting the importance of dialogue with the leadership of the newly amalgamated Southern Africa Province of the Society of Jesus. “Botswana remains one of the few countries where the Jesuits are not yet present, and it would be remarkable if you were to discern the possibility of extending your mission to the local Church,” he said.
Fr. Chiti expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and the spirit of collaboration shown by the local Church. “Botswana holds a special place in Jesuit history,” he said. “We are happy to reconnect with the roots of our mission here and to explore how the Jesuits can once again contribute meaningfully to the spiritual and social landscape of this country.”
The Jesuits were among the earliest missionaries to evangelize Botswana in the 19th century. Although their first mission ended prematurely due to the deaths of several missionaries, the faith they planted continued to flourish, laying a foundation for the Catholic Church in the region. Their legacy remains embedded in the history of places such as Patayamatebele in the North East District, an early missionary site named for the route taken by Ndebele groups fleeing into present-day Zimbabwe after their defeat in 1837.
Fr. Chiti’s visit to Botswana was both pastoral and exploratory, aimed at assessing the needs of the local Church and discerning how the Jesuits could effectively serve today’s context.
As part of his visit, he met with the Vicar General of the Diocese of Gaborone, Fr. Andrew G. Makgetla CP, at Christ the King Cathedral (CKC. He noted with encouragement that Ignatian spirituality has been kept alive in Botswana through two active groups: the Christian Life Community (CLC), established in 1979, and the Companions in Christ, who celebrated their 10th anniversary in 2025.
In 2028, Botswana will mark 100 years of Catholic faith, first brought by the Jesuits. Fr. Chiti expressed hope that the Society of Jesus will participate in these centenary celebrations, particularly given their historic role in sowing the seeds of faith across the country.
With Archbishop Nubuasah’s invitation, the Jesuits of the Southern Africa Province aim to renew their historic ties with the people of Botswana, offering pastoral care, education, and social engagement in continuity with their broader mission across the region.
Source: (Southern Africa Jesuits Meta Page)
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