Southern Africa
One of the earliest Oblate missions in Africa began in South Africa. On 19th March 1852 Oblates from France landed after enduring a rough sea travel of four months. They established missions in different regions of Southern Africa, including throughout South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
Oblates found themselves in the midst of political struggles during South Africa’s apartheid system; and Oblates chose to stand with the people in their struggle. An Oblate, Denis Hurley OMI, Archbishop emeritus of Durban in South Africa championed Catholics against the apartheid government.
Oblates in South Africa in are clustered in three regions; Natal, Northern Province and Central province of South Africa. Oblate have also established missions in Lesotho.
Oblates are engaged in parish ministry, the administration of primary schools, hospitals and clinics, and directing community youth programs.
