Archbishop Thabo Makgoba of Cape Town today called for "all of Africa, and especially South Africa" to rise up and demand the release of hundreds of Nigerian schoolgirls who were abducted from their school three weeks ago.

The Anglican archbishop was preaching at the 150th anniversary celebrations of St John's Church, Bellville in Cape Town.

During his sermon, he called on the congregation to "voice your outrage at the killings in northern Nigeria, and at the recent abduction of hundreds of schoolgirls there."

He added:

"It is deeply shocking that 276 girls between 12 and 17 are reported still to be missing, three weeks after being abducted.

"We are one continent and these girls are our children.

"Why has the world not erupted in outrage at this crime? Where are our Ubuntu values when girls are kidnapped at such a tender age?

"All of Africa, and especially South Africa which has benefitted from the hospitality and generosity of other nations, must rise up and demand their release."