Russell Pollitt, S.J.

Russell Pollitt, S.J., is America’s Johannesburg correspondent.

A priest from the Region of South Africa, he is currently director of the Jesuit Institute South Africa. He has written for a number of publications including the Southern African Catholic Weekly "The Southern Cross”; The Southern African Quarterly Magazine “Trefoil”; The Southern African Journal “Grace & Truth” and is the religious correspondent for South Africa’s biggest online news site "Daily Maverick." He is the author of Now is the Favourable Time. Daily Reflections for Lent and has made contributions to other books including Why Do You Weep? Finding Consolation and Peace in Times of Grief.

Father Pollitt is frequently asked for commentary on church and aocial issues in South Africa. He has been interviewed on a number of networks including the SABC, eNCA, Talk702, 567 CapeTalk, BBC and the Catholic Station Radio Veritas. Prior to being director of the Jesuit Institute he served as pastor of the downtown Jesuit church in Johannesburg. He serves on the Southern African Catholic Bishop’s Conference Advisory Committee for Social Communications. Time and training permitting he is also a keen runner and has completed a number of marathons and half-marathons.

A listening session in Johannesburg. Photo courtesy of the Archdiocese of Johannesburg.

Dispatches, Faith

In South Africa’s synodal process, lay enthusiasm is often met with gatekeeping from priests

by Russell Pollitt, S.J. August 15, 2022

Bruce Botha, S.J., said one notable achievement of the synodal process was that many people who experienced themselves on the margins of the church felt that they were heard.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses parliament in Cape Town, South Africa, on June 9, 2022. Ramaphosa could face criminal charges and is already facing calls to step down over claims that he tried to cover up the theft of millions of dollars in U.S. currency that was hidden inside furniture at his game farm. (AP Photo/Nardus Engelbrecht, File)

Dispatches, Politics & Society

Corruption and incompetence plague A.N.C.: Liberation lost in South Africa?

by Russell Pollitt, S.J. July 5, 2022

The #farmgate scandal is only the latest example of dysfunction within the African National Congress. Critics warn that corruption and incompetence have become endemic, contributing to a massive breakdown in basic services.

Archbishop Buti J. Tlhagale. Photo by Russell Pollitt, S.J.

Dispatches, Faith

South African Archbishop: Excommunicate abuser priests

by Russell Pollitt, S.J. November 2, 2018

“There is palpable outrage against the Catholic Church hierarchy for its complicity, its silence and its cover-ups. For siding [with] and hiding perpetrators at the expense of victims.”

South African President Jacob Zuma speaks on Feb. 14 at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Zuma, 75, resigned that day after nine years in office. (CNS photo/Siphiwe Sibeko, Reuters)

Dispatches, Politics & Society

Former South African president Jacob Zuma summoned to court on corruption charges

by Russell Pollitt, S.J. March 29, 2018

Catholic leaders in South Africa praise the court decision to summon Zuma, saying it proves that no one is above the law.

Dispatches, Politics & Society

A new president may not mean a totally fresh start for South Africa

by Russell Pollitt, S.J. March 27, 2018

New president Cyril Ramaphosa has brought hope to South Africa, but he still comes from the party responsible for the disastrous reign of Jacob Zuma.

Fidelis Mukonori, S.J. Photo by Russell Pollitt, S.J.

Dispatches, Politics & Society

An interview with the Zimbabwean Jesuit who mediated Mugabe’s fall from power

by Russell Pollitt, S.J. December 14, 2017

Just two hours after army tanks rolled out onto the streets of Harare in November, Father Mukonori got a call asking him to meet with the army’s generals.

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Dispatches, Politics & Society

As Kenya holds election rerun, deep divisions across country persist

by Russell Pollitt, S.J. November 7, 2017

Last week Kenyans went back to the voting polls after the Supreme Court annulled elections in August.

Workers march in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Sept. South Africa's biggest union group held marches nationwide to protest what it alleges is chronic corruption fueled by President Jacob Zuma and a prominent family of businessmen, reflecting public anger over a scandal that has ensnared several international companies. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

Dispatches, Politics & Society

As scandals proliferate, South African bishops seek an anti-corruption court

by Russell Pollitt, S.J. October 19, 2017

The bishops “urge constitutional experts and the law reform commission to guide the nation on the feasibility of establishing an anti-corruption court, with specialized prosecutors, that would ensure speedy and efficient disposal of corruption cases and financial crimes.”