The Southern Cross A Southern Africa's Leading Catholic Monthly Magazine First Published In October 16, 1920.

The Southern Cross is Southern Africa’s leading Catholic monthly magazine, offering a rich blend of faith-based journalism, spiritual guidance, and community-focused features. First published on October 16, 1920, it served as South Africa’s only Catholic weekly newspaper for a century before transitioning to a monthly magazine format in October 2020.

About the Magazine

Published independently by the Catholic Newspaper & Publishing Company Ltd. in Cape Town, The Southern Cross operates with editorial independence, though it maintains close ties with the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC), which holds a 51% share in the publication. The current editor-in-chief is Günther Simmermacher, who has led the publication since 2001.

Content and Features

Each issue of The Southern Cross covers a variety of topics, including:

Christian living and spirituality.
Pope Francis and Vatican news.
Mass readings and prayers.
Parish life and community stories.
Columns like “Cooking with the Saints” and “Shrines Around the World”
Reader Q&A and editorials on contemporary Catholic issues.

The April 2025 issue, for example, includes articles on Holy Week tips for families, reflections on the Passion of the Lord, and a feature on Bl. Carlo Acutis, a saint for the youth.

Subscriptions and Access

The Southern Cross is available in both print and digital formats. Individual copies can be purchased at Catholic parishes for R40. Subscriptions are offered in 6- or 12-month plans, with options for print, digital, or a combination of both. You can subscribe or order copies for your parish directly through their official website: scross.co.za.