The South African Diocese was formed by the decision of the Holy Synod of 29th December 2021 (Journal №100) as part of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa.

The sphere of pastoral responsibility includes the Republic of South Africa, the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Republic of Namibia, the Republic of Botswana, the Republic of Zimbabwe, the Republic of Mozambique, the Republic of Angola, the Republic of Zambia, the Republic of Malawi, the Republic of Madagascar, the Republic of Mauritius, the Union of the Comoros, the United Republic of Tanzania, the Republic of Kenya, the Republic of Uganda, the Republic of Rwanda, the Republic of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Congo, the Gabonese Republic, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe.

The Diocese of Southern Africa also includes a stavropegial parish of the Moscow Patriarchate in the Republic of South Africa. According to a Decree of His Holiness Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and all Rus' dated August 20, 2024, the church of St. Sergius of Radonezh is granted the status of Cathedral of the South African Diocese.

The title of the ruling bishop: "Bishop of Johannesburg and South Africa".

Ruling bishop: Metropolitan Konstantin of Zaraisk.