By Fr. Johnston Z. Mlambo
Representatives of the episcopal conferences that make up the Inter-regional Meeting of the Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA) are gathered at Padre Pio Retreat Centre in Pretoria, South Africa, for a conference running under the theme, “Bridging the gap: a regional conference on communication and disability in the IMBISA region,” from 27 April to 1 May 2026.\
The conference was officially opened with Holy Mass celebrated by Bishop Antonio Constantino, the Bishop responsible for Communications in the IMBISA region. Bishop John Thlomola and other priests present concelebrated the Mass.
In his welcome remarks, Bishop Constantino reminded participants that the purpose of the conference was to build bridges and bring hope to persons living with disabilities. He expressed hope that the gathering would deepen the spirit of communion within the Church.
Following the opening session, Dr. Paulo Massango delivered a presentation on Persons with Disabilities and Cultural Perceptions in Southern Africa. In his address, he highlighted that persons with disabilities in the region continue to face deeply rooted stigma shaped by cultural beliefs.
“In many communities, disability is associated with traditional beliefs such as divine punishment, curses, or witchcraft,” he said, noting that such perceptions often lead to isolation and exclusion.
While acknowledging progress in legislation, Dr. Massango emphasised that “barriers in education, accessibility and community acceptance persist,” making inclusion a continuing challenge.
He also drew attention to what he described as a “culture of silence,” where families hide children with disabilities.
“Often, children with disabilities are hidden by their families due to feelings of guilt or shame, depriving them of access to education and healthcare,” he said.
Highlighting the intersection between disability and poverty, he added, “Disability in the region is intrinsically linked to extreme poverty, and women and girls with disabilities experience double discrimination.”
Dr. Massango further explained that the understanding of disability in the region is often influenced by traditional beliefs, religious fatalism, and the medical model, warning that these perspectives can limit meaningful inclusion.
He also raised concern about the plight of persons with albinism.
“In certain areas, persons with albinism face extreme risks of violence due to mistaken beliefs that their body parts possess magical properties,” he said.
On communication, he stressed the importance of dignity and sensitivity in language.
“A sensitive and active listening approach is recommended… opting for words and expressions used by the person we are addressing,” he said, encouraging the use of person-centred language.
He also underscored the importance of inclusive communication systems within Church institutions.
“Where an accessibility policy exists, it must be communicated regularly… through both digital and print channels,” he noted.
Concluding his presentation, Dr. Massango emphasised the central role of culture in shaping realities.
“Cultural perceptions continue to play a decisive role in shaping the lives of persons with disabilities in Southern Africa,” he said, calling for a shift towards inclusion, dignity, and equal participation.
Speaking to SOCCOM at the end of the first day, Bishop Antonio Constantino expressed satisfaction with the proceedings.
“What we realised is that there is a need for a paradigm shift—not to act simply in charity where we focus on working for or helping them, but rather to include them, that is, to work with them in our pastoral work. This is important because they too have a role to play in evangelisation in the Church,” he said.
He, however, cautioned that change will take time.
“This is a process; it will take time for the change to be realised, but it is good that we have started,” he added.
Fr. Antonio Pelagio from the IMBISA Secretariat said the workshop arose from the need to address a significant gap, where persons living with disabilities are often left behind in the life of the Church.
He explained that the conference seeks to create space for persons with disabilities within communities “so that they are not excluded.”
Fr. Pelagio further noted that during the Synod on Synodality, Pope Francis emphasised the themes of inclusion, communion, and participation.
“The disabled community suffers a great deal of exclusion and barriers in the life of the Church, both in terms of physical and spiritual accessibility, and in terms of communication,” he said.
“In the social sphere, the Church could also make its voice heard, so that inclusion is more fully experienced and persons with disabilities find space to share their gifts and contribute their talents to society,” he added.
Reflecting on the day’s proceedings, Fr. Pelagio described the experience as encouraging.
“Assessing today’s events, I would say it was an excellent experience. It was clear that everyone was enthusiastic and committed to raising awareness about inclusion and working towards greater involvement of persons with disabilities in the work of the Church,” he said.
One participant, Cláudia Muguande – from the Episcopal Conference of Mozambique – described the first day as both enriching and inspiring.
“The first day of the conference was very enriching and inspiring. It provided a broad overview of the relationship between communication and disability,” she said.
She highlighted the sharing of experiences from the Episcopal Conference of Lesotho as one of the key moments of the day, noting that it demonstrated “a real commitment to inclusion and the valuing of the dignity of all people.”
Muguande also praised Dr. Massango’s intervention for bringing a scientific perspective that deepened understanding of the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, particularly in communication.
“The group work sessions allowed for deeper reflection and encouraged participants to propose practical solutions to real challenges,” she said, adding that the day left participants with “an encouraging and motivating perspective for the remaining days of the conference.”
In the afternoon, participants also received a presentation from Fr. Mark James OP, who explored the Biblical understanding of disability and the causes of exclusion, further enriching discussions on how the Church can respond more effectively and inclusively.
