Motlatsi Meshack Phomane

Motlatsi Meshack Phomane (born 14 November 1975) is a South African Catholic prelate who was appointed bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bethlehem, South Africa on 14 April 2026. Before that, from 30 June 2012 until 14 April 2026, he served as a priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Umtata, South Africa. He was appointed bishop by Pope Leo XIV. His episcopal consecration took place on 4 July 2026.

Early life and education Motlatsi Meshack Phomane was born on 14 November 1975 at Tshenola, Matatiele, Diocese of Umtata, Eastern Cape, South Africa. He studied at the Saint Philip Neri Pre-Orientation Seminary in Port Elizabeth (today: Gqeberha). He then continued his studies at the Saint Kizito Preparatory Seminary in Verulam, in KwaZulu-Natal. He studied philosophy at the Saint Peter's Seminary in Garsfontein, in Gauteng. He then studied theology at the Saint John Vianney Major Seminary in Pretoria. He holds a diploma in business management awarded by the University of South Africa where he studied from 2012 until 2013. From 2015 until 2018, he studied at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa in Nairobi, Kenya where he graduated with a Licentiate in canon law.

Priest He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Umtata, South Africa, on 30 June 2012. He served as a priest until 14 April 2026. While a priest, he served in various roles and locations, including: The Principal Consecrator was Sithembele Sipuka, Archbishop of Cape Town who was assisted by Zolile Peter Mpambani, Archbishop of Bloemfontein and Jan de Groef, Bishop Emeritus of Bethlehem.