Priest suspended after standing as MKP candidate

A Roman Catholic priest, Jabulani Ndaba, has been suspended from active priestly ministry in South Africa after registering to contest a local government election as an uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) candidate. Ndaba, who is contesting Ward 35 in the uMhlathuze Municipality, was suspended following his registration with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) on September 19, 2026.

Cardinal Wilfred Napier, the Apostolic Administrator of Eshowe, informed church elders and management of Ndaba's suspension, stating that the decision was in accordance with Canon Law and followed appropriate canonical procedure. Ndaba has requested not to comment on the matter, citing potential consequences for himself. He was advised by his lawyer not to speak about his decision to contest the seat for MKP to the media.

The suspension of Ndaba is not the first instance of a Catholic priest being disciplined for engaging in politics; another priest, Fr. Hyacinth Alia, was similarly suspended in 2022 by the Catholic Diocese of Gboko in Benue State, Nigeria. Church leaders, including one head of a seminary in South Africa, have expressed concern over priests taking on political roles, stating that it could divide the community and prevent them from being neutral figures.

However, they also emphasized the importance of priests encouraging people to exercise their voting rights and striving for justice. MKP spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu defended Ndaba's decision, stating that he should have notified the church of his political involvement, as he was employed by the church. He questioned the church's actions, asking why they suspended him without proper engagement.